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Find a Pro Shoppers

Mitch_5
Mitch_5 Member Posts: 102
in THE MAIN WALL
I do get some calls from it but I still find alot of people shopping for the cheapest deal.

We list all we are going to do. Microbubble scrubbers, combustion testing (gas equipment) pumping away. On steam we state all steel piping, equalizer to mfg spec. All new pumps relays ect.

You know all the nice stuff we should be doing.

Then it gets back ya you really know what you are talking about but the other guy is cheaper. I have seen some of the installs (by the other guy) and utility sub contractors definitely not the same job.

Just getting tired of educating for free. At this point unless it is an existing account or a solid referral I will not go out even if I have nothing to do.

This keeps up I just my want to start doing my work like the other guy.

Just venting!!

Mitch S.

<A HREF="http://www.heatinghelp.com/getListed.cfm?id=388&Step=30">To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"</A>

Comments

  • lchmb
    lchmb Member Posts: 2,997
    ahh

    Just do like I do Mitch, when they call next winter or spring complaining it doesn't work, tell them your hourly rate and that you only do thing's right.

    As to estimate's, specially for people who are not existing customer's, charge them a fee for your service. In my opinion, if they truely want it done right they will pay a reasonable fee for a heat loss.. If nothing else, tell them the fee will be removed from the total cost of the install if they accept your proposal....
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,601
    When a potential customer

    tells you the other guy is cheaper that person is also saying that you haven't yet proved your value to them. They're inviting you to do that.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Paul_11
    Paul_11 Member Posts: 210
    you're so right Dan

    You're right Dan, the customer is asking you to convince them you are the guy.

    If the customer is still talking to you then you are still in the game.
    If the customer says you seem to know what you're talking about, but the other guy is cheaper, build on the customers understanding that you "do" know what you are talking about.
    The implecation is that the customer understands that the other guy does not know what you know.
    The customer wants to feel their money is well spent.
    At that critical point in a "deal" you must make the customer understand that you are not installing the same product at the other guy.

    I also say things like, (depending on what I know about the job) no matter who you choose, please don't let them put in a boiler as big as the old one. You will pay higher heating bills forever, and it will be hard to keep the system from overheating. I try to make it clear that the most important thing for me is that they get the right job, no matter who does it.

    I also make it clear that a lot of my work is fixing boilers and heating systems that weren't installed properly. I tell some stories of where I have done that. You must have stories of your successes at your fingertips.

    Then I make the customer understand that they should not hesitate to call me up to correct the other guys problems if it doesn't work out very well.

    This is an ongoing issue for all of us
    I certainly don't win them all.

    Good luck.


    Respectfully
    Paul B. Shay
    pshay@arealgoodplumber.com
    LMP 1307
    LMFS 654B
    OUR MISSION: TO PROVIDE WORLD CLASS PLUMBING, HEATING, AND SPRINKLER SERVICE TO EACH AND EVERY CLIENT WE SERVE, FAR EXCEEDING THEIR HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS!

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
    Since 1990, I have made steam systems quiet, comfortable, and efficient. We provide comfort while saving the planet.
    NYC RETROFIT ACCELERATOR QUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER

    A REAL GOOD PLUMBER, INC
    NYC LMP: 1307
    O:212-505-1837
    M:917-939-0593
  • Dan Foley
    Dan Foley Member Posts: 1,265
    F-A-P

    Our find a pro ad is really the only advertising we do (other than a few ads to support trade associations we belong to). We have had the opposite experience. Most of our contacts have been from people ready to buy and willing to pay to have it done right. We don't close every lead and we do have to sift through a few tire kickers but , by far, it is the best bang for the buck. A conservative estimate would be $1/2 mil a year that comes from our F-A-P ad. Best of luck! -DF

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
  • Mitch_5
    Mitch_5 Member Posts: 102
    I have stated to some

    tire kickers that I can do a complete heat loss. But if I say it will cost one dollar to do the reply is well I have several people coming out for free.

    Of course all they do is read the rating tag since if it was good for thirty years a new one the same size should work as well.

    Mitch S.

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
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