Are quick quotes the best quotes for your crops?

With fast quotes, there’s a good chance something’s been missed. And that something could deeply impact the success of your operation, whether in the long or short term. Or both.

We hope that explaining our own quoting process will help you understand why a quick quote is probably not an accurate quote.

The difference between greenhouse quotes and other quotes

Many farmers and investors are surprised by how much time and detail goes into providing an accurate quote.

We get it. In many industries, getting a quick quote is the norm. You call to ask for a price, and either you get it right away over the phone or within a day or two via email. Fruit is x amount per kilo. Material is x amount per yaard. Lawyers cost x amount per hour. So you’re expecting that greenhouses cost x amount per square metre, right?

Unfortunately not. Why? Because greenhouses and agricultural builds (the truly successful ones at least) aren’t pre-made commodities with set prices. It’s not just the square meterage - there are so many other considerations that go into a quote. Think about building your dream home. It wouldn't be realistic to expect an architect to give you an immediate quote without first understanding your vision. What style, how many rooms, where is the plot of land?

Similarly, for a greenhouse, we need to understand your specific needs, environment, available water and electricity, and growing objectives. Every greenhouse is unique and needs careful planning right from first principles to create the solution that ensures the best possible outcome for your crops and yield.

So, before getting a quote for your greenhouse operation, expect questions. A lot of questions. We have an entire team devoted to understanding your environment and needs and it can take up to 4 weeks to put an accurate quote together. This careful consideration has both up-front and long-term benefits. Here’s how…

Greenhouses Aren't One-Size-Fits-All

Greenhouses are more than just a structure—they’re a sophisticated environment that supports specific growing needs. Unlike buying a prefabricated structure, greenhouse farming is about precision, optimisation, and understanding the many unique variables that impact the success of crops and businesses, such as:

• Crop type: What you’re growing impacts the infrastructure and design required.
• Location: Climate, soil, and water availability.
• Scale: The size and scope of your operation define the design.
• Efficiency: Finding the most efficient way to use water, heat and cool, and use growing media 

There's no single solution that fits every grower. That’s why we can’t provide a simple "square metre" price for a greenhouse. Every farm, every crop, and every business is different, and your greenhouse should be too.

We Do it All, From Start To Finish

We take pride in offering a complete, turnkey solution for greenhouse projects. This means we’re with you from the very first consultation to the final build—and beyond. Our team of engineers, architects, builders, and greenhouse experts work together to provide an end-to-end solution that reduces delays, increases quality and efficiency, and ensures better communication throughout the project.

The best and most successful greenhouse projects don’t come from cutting corners. They come from asking the right questions, understanding your goals, and applying our decades of experience to create a tailored solution that delivers long-term success.

The Teams Involved in Delivering Your Quote

First, you’ll meet with one of our sales reps. They’ll gather all the necessary information about your farm or growing site, including what you want to grow and where, your capex and opex budget, what resources you have available to you, and what your long-term goals for the project are.

Then, the sales reps pass this information to our sales engineers who create a comprehensive project proposal (also serving as a quote).

Our sales engineers specialise in both agriculture and engineering. The proposals they create aren’t just about compiling line items and associated costs. Every proposal is a detailed plan of the project that distils weeks of coordination with our agronomists, suppliers, and experts into a 60-70 page document.

The proposals cover everything from conceptual greenhouse design to earthworks, electricity, water requirements, and sourcing of all necessary components. This approach guarantees that what you receive is not just a quote but a clear blueprint for how we will bring your vision to life.

Why We Ask About Your Budget (And Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Share It)

We understand that many of us are hesitant to share our budgets upfront, fearing it will lead to inflated costs. But knowing your budget actually helps us maximise the value you're getting from every cent.

Our focus is always on delivering the best possible results within your parameters, optimising your resources for the greatest impact. We’ve built our reputation over 30 years by earning our client's trust, and transparency is at the core of that relationship. The more we know, the better we can serve (and save) you.

Our Quotes Take Time But Lead to Better Results

Now you know the true cost of a greenhouse operation quote. Before diving into any numbers, now you can help make sure your provider takes the time to fully understand your project. At Vegtech Netafim, we consult with agronomists, work with suppliers, and consider every aspect of the project—from site conditions to infrastructure requirements. The time we invest in this process upfront ensures that your project is successful and that your investment delivers results.

We’ve seen time and again that thorough planning leads to better results—projects that are completed on time, on budget, and yield great returns for our clients. When you partner with Vegtech Netafim, you’re investing in a greenhouse solution that’s engineered for success.

And our partnership doesn’t end once the greenhouse is built. We continue to support you, providing long-term guidance and solutions to help you grow your business.

Want a Quick Quote?

Here’s One: "The Journey of A Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step"

If you’re ready to start the journey, take the first step and reach out to us on +27 21 987 6980 or info@vegtech.co.za. We’d love to work with you.