When a general contractor seeks quotes from subcontractors without the intention of hiring, this practice is known as what?

The term that accurately describes the behavior of a general contractor who solicits quotes from subcontractors without the intention of actually hiring them is bid shopping. This practice is generally viewed negatively within the construction industry because it undermines the integrity of the bidding process and can lead to mistrust among subcontractors.

Bid shopping occurs when a contractor collects bids from various subcontractors and then uses that information to negotiate lower prices with other subcontractors or to strengthen their own bid without any genuine intention of awarding the work based on the quotes provided. This practice can also put subcontractors at a disadvantage, as they invest time and resources into preparing bids, only to find that their efforts are not genuinely considered.

The other options like estimating and marketing serve different purposes within construction management. Estimating refers to the process of determining the costs and resources required for a project, while marketing involves promoting services and securing contracts, rather than the unethical practice of bid shopping. Bid peddling, while similar, typically refers to a slightly different scenario where subcontractors may seek to lower their bid after knowing competitors' quotes—making bid shopping the most fitting term for the scenario described.