How to convince stuborn customers UR#1

[Kevin]

OK you guys know there are pwashers that are riding around in an old beat up pickup, a small raggedy pwasher, some bleach, no invoices, no insurance and they are taking away work from the legitimate insured contractors. How, when you are pounding on doors of customers can you make them believe that your price is higher than the other guys because of being legitimate. Do they really care or are they looking for the cheapest job? They could have a 2000 Jaguar parked in the driveway and will think your bid that you are barely making any money on the job is too high when BillyJimBob can do it for pennies. Is there any tips you guys can share with everyone? Im soooo frustrated!

 

[Clean County]

Kevin, What I do is I carry around a portfolio so I can show the homeowners my work. Plus I have a beautiful looking rig with the best equipment and I were a polo shirt and hat with my business name on it so I look professional when I'm doing estimates. My ace in the hole though is in my portfolio I have to famous people who I powerwash and stain there decks. I have the before and after pictures along with there business cards next to each one . I also use the best products which people are familiar with. And of course I charge a little more than Joe blow would but the truth shall always be you get what you pay for. So basically look professional, act professional and have a portfolio that shows your work. And of course have a neat/nice looking rig because dont forget you are in the cleaning business. I hope this helps.-John-

 

[Jon]

Kevin,

There is an old saying and it is partly true for us too, you have only one shot at winning the customer, that happens within the first few minutes after meeting him/her.

Carry your business license (if you are required to have one) and your proof of insurance with you.

Be sure to mention you are fully licensed and insured and let them know you have proof with you.

You might find they ask the fly by night to show them proof of insurance and a license and when they cannot do so the customer calls you back at your higher price.

It has happened to me so I know it works. I also have had a couple referrels from the Chamber of Commerce.

One more thing, always keep in mind you win some and you lose some, don't fritter over the lost ones, just keep looking ahead and knowing your doing something right if your working.

Jon

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Beep beep, the OPC Roadrunner coming through.

Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633

<FONT COLOR="#000080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by Jon on April 16, 2000 ]</font>

 

[Scott Stone]

Kevin,
Just offer to do a test spot for them, and make sure that it is in a very visible spot. This will serve two purposes.
1. It will guarantee that they will get their whatever washed.
2. The spot you cleaned will always be cleaner than anyone that comes behind you, of course, you will have to come and fix it after the other guy's

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Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? are the afraid someone will clean them?

Just a guy driving around trying to make a living washing trucks, Wouldn't know a deck if it bit me in the hind quarters,

Bus. Phone 480-834-3434
Cell Phone 602-509-9741

 

[Richard]

Kevin,
I Tee Totally agree with Jon and John, make a portfolio (Horse anD Ponie Show) a picture is worth a thousand words, testimonials are also a good marketing tool
you've only got one chance to make a good impression most customers will decide if they like you within the first 3 minutes of your sales pitch so make it good.
We target mostly 175,000.00 dollar homes and up, we want to make a million bucks so we look like a million bucks, we like to deal with well educated affluent people who can appreciate what they have, We try to educate the customer and 9 out of 10 times they appreciate it and end up using us, dont worry about the the fly by nighter's with the rental machines,those guy's will never ever be able to get into deed resricted or gated communities, they'll come and go just target the big money and let your quality speak for it's self.
Richard

<FONT COLOR="#000080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by Richard on April 18, 2000 ]</font>

 

[hotwaterwisard]

If you have the right stuff, and you know you do. The competition won't stand a chance. Self confidence will land you a job faster than a lowball price. Your attitude about the work makes an influence on the customer. And last but not least, When they see the work you do and compare it to the work the cheepies do, they will be crawling back to you. That is the time to renegotiate your contract and up your price.