A ballpark figure is an estimate or estimation of a cost or amount. It is useful when the exact amount is not known, such as in event planning or when requesting a quote. It’s important to have signed paperwork and get other quotes before accepting a job based on a ballpark figure.
The expression ballpark figure is an American slang term meaning estimate or esteem. If a cost or amount is considered in the ballpark, then it is within the range expected by the person requesting the quote. If not, the figure is obviously out of bounds. A baseball figure may be required as a price estimate or in many other situations.
An example of the need for a baseball figure is in the early stages of planning an event such as a wedding. Information and the estimated cost of each aspect of the ceremony, reception and honeymoon must be gathered before decisions are made and the actual amounts calculated. To stay within their wedding budget, the couple will need overhead figures for everything so they know what is within their budget and what isn’t. In most cases they will also need a figure to use for their number of guests if they haven’t received all the invitations yet.
A baseball figure is useful whenever the exact amount of something is not yet known. For example, if a homeowner asks a plumber for an estimate, the plumber reviews the job that needs to be done and gives the owner a general figure of how much the job will cost. The actual amount on the invoice will be calculated to the cent in terms of labor, parts and taxes, therefore it will be different from the original figure. Many of these figures do not include taxes.
Before accepting any type of job based on a baseball figure, it’s a good idea to have some signed paperwork stating that the bill must not exceed a certain amount without your further approval. You can then get the actual itemized costs to make sure you’re being charged a reasonable amount. Getting other quotes before choosing a company to do any kind of work is also a good idea. That way you can get a much better idea of what a reasonable amount would be for what you need to do.
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