Good way to postpone business and not loose it?

[aquapro]

I am getting way to much work stacked up and not enough hours to do it all. This is great, but what is a good way to postpone this work so I can schedule the jobs without risking the loss of the job? This may sound funny, but I am seriously overwelmed. One problem I know is that I am new and I have to ask you guys questions about certain jobs, this takes time away from the work. By-the-way, I have lost jobs because people were just too impatient.

Thanks in advanced

John Moller II
AQUA PRO

 

[Clean County]

This is a good problem to have. What I do when I schedule my appointments is that I tell the customer the week I plan on starting the job. Leading up to that date I call the customer to let them know what date I'll be there. And sometimes I even call the night before when I know I'll definetly be there. This way the customer knows that you haven't forgot about them and if they had any questions they can ask you at this time. Its very rare I lose a customer because of overbooking. If I am completely over booked then I'll take my add out of the paper for a few weeks so I can catch up because estimates also take up time.I hope this helps.

 

[Craig/PowerWashUnlimited]

We tell the customer we do not set up appointments except on special occasions. The way we work out schedules is with a white board. Proposals, when accepted/signed by customer, go to the bottom of the board. Its a first in first out type system. I keep the customer notified of advancements, such as when they move from 11th position to 5th then i also call night before to let them know they are next. Also during this time, i am contacting them about stain tones, preferences, etc so they feel included in the process.
I know this is an unorthodox system, but it works for me. I build a quick relationship with customers. (usually before the job is complete, they know my voice on the phone before i ever say my name) and it always generates referals and repeat business, because "they know that guy". I have had some customers call after the job was done, seemingly to just shoot the bull. And i never lose customers from overbooking because i never tell them when to expect me. I can always narrow it down to what week, but days, thats too tight a schedule for me.


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Craig Knight
Power Wash Unlimited
www.powerwashunlimited.com

 

[Mike@Everclear]

Craig,

Sounds like a good system.....unorthodox or not, do whatever works for you. Not being tied down to a set time really makes things easier. I try to do that, but honestly, it never seems to work. Perhaps its time to rethink some things...

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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[Dan Flynn]

Craig I think the best thing about you system is that you are communicating with your customer as a friend. We use the same approach. You still need to keep business in mind, but it really creates a nice working relationship.

Jay if you’re having the trouble during the estimate. Us Dennis idea, We use the same approach. But I the is wording and plan to us it. I feel that it fits in to the way we truly feel and operate our business.

I can't remember were that was posted. Maybe someone can point you in the right direction. Also I am sure that Dennis will be in the Chat Room tonight.


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Dan Flynn
Flynn Service Pro www.powerwash.net
708/715-4206