Things are tough for small businesses right now. Builders and remodelers are having a much harder time getting jobs than they were a few years ago. With each construction company trying to undercut the other to win the bids, profit margins are shrinking. With these sad realities, it can be difficult to make your business stand out from the crowd. Fortunately, there are several steps that small construction companies can take to not only wow their current clients, but also increase future business from client referrals.
Referrals are one of the most valuable sales opportunities a business can earn. If a client is satisfied with your work, they will recommend you to their friends and may even provide a raving written testimonial about your business. The more people you can get to promote your business for you, the more jobs you will get.
To ensure that a client is extremely satisfied with your work, there are some simple recommendations. First of all, respect your client’s home. Having a room remodeled or a major demolition can be stressful and messy for a homeowner. The use of surface protection can demonstrate your commitment to preserving your client’s valuable finishes and indicates that you are doing everything possible to minimize any inconvenience your work may present. Use dust control systems like Zipwall™ and wear protective shoe covers while you work to minimize the spread of dust throughout the home. Install temporary carpet protection to prevent damage from heavy foot traffic. Apply hardwood floor protection to protect valuable and expensive hardwood floors from paint splatters and drywall dust.
If there are subcontractors working on the site, make sure they are aware of the rules of the job site. Requiring subs to protect finishes and reduce dust ensures that your small business is not blamed for another company’s carelessness. The use of protective toilet covers, such as the Builders Site Protection Toilet Sheath™, discourages substitutes from using improperly installed toilets, which has proven to be a major problem on many job sites.
These products not only impress your customers; They also save you money on replacement and repair costs in case something breaks. The cost of replacing a valuable fixture, such as a toilet or bathtub, can easily be avoided with the use of effective surface protection. Also, keep your clients informed about the construction process. If something is damaged or delayed, be honest and upfront about it. Customers appreciate honesty and will feel more confident in your business if you own up to any mistakes and do everything you can to correct them.
Common courtesy, respect and courtesy are key to increasing customer satisfaction. Instilling these values in your employees and making sure they wear protective coverings during construction and remodeling work will go a long way toward securing more jobs in the future.
