New Plumbing Business

Posted on: Fri, 08/02/2008 - 13:17
New Plumbing Business

Hi all, I am in the process of starting up a new plumbing business and I guess my main market research question is as follows. Any and all responses appreciated.

When 4 or 5 workmen come out to quote you for a plumbing job, what factors help you decide on who to choose?

I have my ideas but i welcome any others.

Thanks for your time,

Keiran Ashcroft
Dripbusters Ltd


Posted on: Fri, 08/02/2008 - 21:18 #1
Fellow Tradesman

Hi Keiran,

It's good to see another trade on here at last!!

I've got some pointers for you and it's what I do and I think they work well since I have a conversion rate of around 57% which is good because I believe the average for trades is lower at around a third!

These may be obvious but a lot of people miss them:
*Turn up on time.

*Be polite, friendly & professional.

*Try to make them laugh

*Dress well and I don't mean shirt and tie, company t-shirt and no ripped or greasy jeans, will do if you haven't got company t-shirts printed up yet go out and buy 5 or 6 plain polo shirts in your planned company colours and wear those to every job as it keeps continuity.

*If you smoke, give up it's bad for you and i wouldn't want a trades person (PC) coming into my house smelling of smoke.

*Get decent business cards made up and letter head to send out estimates on.

*Follow up on estimates about four days after you've sent them, to make sure they got it for one, and that they understand it all.

*Break your estimates down at least into labour and materials, people sometimes ask for it so it'll save you doing it later. put on it how long it will take I phrase it: The work should take approximately * Days

* If you're not going to be doing and making good or redecoration (I don't because I'm not a plasterer or decorator) state that.

*Write down a schedule of works: EVERYTHING you will be doing, It takes a bit of time but it will save problems later

* Get TrustMark Approved

*I also joined the UK Consumer Protection Agency as it shows your not a rouge and I get work from it too!
www.consumerprotectionagency.co.uk

**IMPORTANT** Don't undercharge, people won't go for the lowest estimate.

If you want to talk about anything else you can call me on the number below, Hey it's a Free Phone number so I'll even pay for the call

Paul

ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS
Design, Install, Maintenance.
Domestic & Commercial

www.electrical-concepts.co.uk

call 0800 458 9118

ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS
Domestic & Commercial Electricians www.electrical-concepts.co.uk Call on 0800 458 9118

Save Money - www.MoneySaverSite.co.uk Make Money - www.MoneyMakerSite.co.uk

Posted on: Sat, 09/02/2008 - 12:26 #2
Thanks

Paul, thanks for all your suggestions. To get to know our competition better we invited 5 of them round to quote and it's amazing how many of them stank of smoke or turned up looking like a mess!

Also, I was amazed at how many had no formal qualifications, really worried me and made me realise there is a real opportunity here!

Don't want to run up your 0800 number but I noticed from your website that your based in London and wondered if you had any idea what the demand for plumbers and tradesmen in general is like in London just now.

Regards,

Keiran.

Posted on: Sat, 09/02/2008 - 18:51 #3
Demand for trades

Hi Keiran,
That's great you were able to get some round to do quotes, have you received them yet? Do they look professional, You are already one up on them since how many do you think do any sort of research? and you're using this site.

As for the demand i think it's very high, well I'm booked up until April so far!!

Very good of you not wanting to put the bill on the 0800 number, If you do want to have a chat I can tell you what has worked for me and what hasn't and probably save you money and get your business off the ground a lot faster. the land line number is 01992 700 825.

Paul

ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS
Design, Install, Maintenance.
Domestic & Commercial

www.electrical-concepts.co.uk

call 0800 458 9118