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Contractors: What are you doing differently in today's economy? What's working, what's not?

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Contractors: What are you doing differently in today's economy? What's working, what's not? (post #185401)

repair1 on Sat, 02/27/2010 - 17:21
in

In speaking with contractors all over the US, I have noticed that most are questioning the effectiveness of their marketing and sales efforts.

What have you found to be effective in gaining more sales?  What is ineffective?  What changes have you implemented  that have made an impact to your business?

John Stahl - The Growth Coach

-A +A

What have you found to be (post #185401, reply #1 of 7)

by calvin in reply to repair1 [original] on Sat, 02/27/2010 - 20:18

What have you found to be effective in gaining more sales?

What has worked for me during all the slow downs over the years is the consistency I maintained throughout the 38 yrs in business.  Quality work, fair pricing and a great attention to detail.  This is all through direct referral and I am located in the shadows of the auto industry.  Believe me, with zero advertising and the remnants of the two boxes of business cards purchased 20 yrs ago, I can attribute it to nothing else.

A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.


http://www.quittintime.com/

 

Nothing is working for me.  (post #185401, reply #2 of 7)

by Oak River Mike in reply to calvin [original] on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 09:04

Nothing is working for me.  There are so many guys in other fields that have lost their jobs around here, they are now doing contracting work!  Folks don't care whether you have a license or insurance, they just want low cost which of course an unlicensed and uninsured guy can deliver over me.  So while I am worried about meeting all the new EPA standards and paying for that, other guys are low-balling me for work. 

Sorry to be bitter but been fighting this for the past year or more and it looks like I will be out of business and looking for a new career by year's end.

Mike

Mike, The Growth Coach (post #185401, reply #3 of 7)

by calvin in reply to Oak River Mike [original] on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 09:29

Mike,

The Growth Coach hasn't been back.  I have read of your situation over the past while and it is demoralizing.  You put so much time and effort into re-educating yourself on new ideas to go along with the quality that past clients have received and then the bottom drops out.  And then in both our situations there's such an influx of new competition (from layed off new housing workers, auto and others) to go along with the teachers and firemen that have always been there that it seems fruitless to continue.  I have been blessed in that so far I've been able to continue with just a few blips.

Reading lately in Remodeling and just ystdy in Qualified Remodeler the same story.  Not much work available, competition from unlicensed/uninsured workers, and the new lead requirements to further eat into profit or bid wars.   They both mentioned how DIY is increasing as well.  This all in front of what they feel will be an upswing in homowners spending remodeling dollars.

Sure, they are cutting back, not so much on the work but the $'s of upgrades.  So while the work might be there the expenditures will pare back.  I don't know what to say other than keep trying and of course if it turns out you can't-good luck in your future endeavor!

A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.


http://www.quittintime.com/

 

Calvin, Thanks for your (post #185401, reply #4 of 7)

by Oak River Mike in reply to calvin [original] on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 17:09

Calvin,

Thanks for your support.  I do appreciate it.

Its kind of ironic as I can recall back in the 80s when I first started and it got slow, the boss would just tell me to take the next 2-3 days off.  I loved hearing that when I was 20 and single as I would head to the beach for the day.  Now that I am alot older than 20 with bills to pay, those days without pay hurt.

I keep plugging along trying new ideas and avenues hoping something will turn into some real work and income.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Mike

Mike, The encouraging words (post #185401, reply #5 of 7)

by calvin in reply to Oak River Mike [original] on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 17:31

Mike,

The encouraging words are easy.  Pity there's nothing more I can do.

A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.


http://www.quittintime.com/

 

Create or improve your (post #185401, reply #6 of 7)

by txlandlord in reply to repair1 [original] on Tue, 03/16/2010 - 16:51

Create or improve your website. List with all free listig services, try to find an economical searh engine optimization package.

Newtwork online, I joined facebook, created a business page, posted pics of a highly custom playhouse in craftsman style with custom interior. www.HousePlansandMore.com saw the pics wants to publish the plans, and want to talk about other plans we have created for new homes.   

www.brotherscustomworks.com

SEO? (post #185401, reply #7 of 7)

by Lawrence in reply to repair1 [original] on Fri, 03/19/2010 - 06:17

Brother... What SEO company are you using to get no traffic?

http://www.cubestat.com/www.brotherscustomworks.com

Everyone with a website needs to check their potential SEO company on cubestat to see if they have any traffic themselves. RARELY do I find any of them that live up to their claims.

This economy is rediculous. I have never seen so many obstinate lowball shoppers and so many unemployed people posing as contractors. Canada has near 10% unemployment as well. The myth that Canada is unscathed is disinformation unless you happen to have a bank, mine or oil company.

L

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