Hi all, I have been lurking and learning for a few days on PWN and I'm amazed by the information and knowledge provided. I am considering entering the field on a part time basis to begin with. I have 3-4 days off per week with my current job. I should be able to spend as much as two or three thousand on equipment. I think I have a niche that I can exploit to build some cash for more equipment, gain experience, and pick up some repeat customers.
I live in a sub-division with approximately 700 homes (if I remember correctly) that is loaded with cedar fences. I would say that maybe one in ten fences appear to have any work done to them in the past 5 years or longer. Once I get my equipment and my business (LLC) established I could approach my neighborhood association with a mutually beneficial marketing plan. I would approach them as a concerned resident that is noticing a decline in curb appeal with a plan to beautify the neighborhood, increase curb appeal, and increase property values. What association wouldn't like to hear that? I could ask to advertise through the association newsletter to start. I would start with my fence to gain experience and to get before and after pictures to post on flyers. Then I would pick two or three houses in high traffic, visible areas (preferably next to mail boxes) and offer to do their street side fences for free if they allow me to post my sign either in their yard or on their fence (with association's permission) for one week. If they like the work then I would finish the inside fence for a discounted fee. People would see me and my equipment in action and they would see the results most likely right next to an old fence for comparison. Most of the fences are shared between yards so before I start I would walk to each neighbor's house for a courtesy call, introduce myself and company, and tell them that I would be working on their neighbor's side of the fence. I could use this opportunity to drop a business card and tell them if they like the results in their neighbor's yard to call me for a free estimate. I think I could generate some sales with these approaches and build cash to expand into other areas of the business with the goal of going full time in the future.
In addition, I was thinking of offering group discounts for three or more neighbors, discounts for referals, for law enforcement, firefighters, veterans, seniors, and possibly teachers. I could also offer discounts for any second service bought within 6 months. What do you think? Does this sound like a decent marketing plan?
I live in a sub-division with approximately 700 homes (if I remember correctly) that is loaded with cedar fences. I would say that maybe one in ten fences appear to have any work done to them in the past 5 years or longer. Once I get my equipment and my business (LLC) established I could approach my neighborhood association with a mutually beneficial marketing plan. I would approach them as a concerned resident that is noticing a decline in curb appeal with a plan to beautify the neighborhood, increase curb appeal, and increase property values. What association wouldn't like to hear that? I could ask to advertise through the association newsletter to start. I would start with my fence to gain experience and to get before and after pictures to post on flyers. Then I would pick two or three houses in high traffic, visible areas (preferably next to mail boxes) and offer to do their street side fences for free if they allow me to post my sign either in their yard or on their fence (with association's permission) for one week. If they like the work then I would finish the inside fence for a discounted fee. People would see me and my equipment in action and they would see the results most likely right next to an old fence for comparison. Most of the fences are shared between yards so before I start I would walk to each neighbor's house for a courtesy call, introduce myself and company, and tell them that I would be working on their neighbor's side of the fence. I could use this opportunity to drop a business card and tell them if they like the results in their neighbor's yard to call me for a free estimate. I think I could generate some sales with these approaches and build cash to expand into other areas of the business with the goal of going full time in the future.
In addition, I was thinking of offering group discounts for three or more neighbors, discounts for referals, for law enforcement, firefighters, veterans, seniors, and possibly teachers. I could also offer discounts for any second service bought within 6 months. What do you think? Does this sound like a decent marketing plan?
