To be a great business owner and reputable roofing contractor, you need to understand what the local clientele want from you. That is why it oftentimes pays to do some research on the demographics instead of just going out and completing projects. Doing so helps you stay ahead of the competition, because you will know how to effectively communicate with potential customers better than the rest.
Here are some things that customers really want from their roofing contractors:
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Information
Most customers are not going to do the appropriate amount of research. In fact, less than half of your customers are going to be looking for information, and most of the information they gather is going to come from online articles, such as this one. Most potential customers are going to reach out to you without having any knowledge about what they are requesting.
This means you and your customer service team need to be prepared to answer questions. Never assume that a client is going to be informed about what you do or even understand why they need what they’re asking for done. The more you can educate them, the more reputable and trustworthy you will seem—and that’s a bonus!
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Budgeting Ideas
A lot of homeowners have no idea how much a roof is going to cost them. Again, this comes from the lack of research done on their part. Many millennial homeowners also do not have the emergency funds available to handle immediate work, such as preventing rain from coming in a hole in the roof.
What does this mean for you? You may be able to gain a competitive upper hand by offering payment plans and discounts. Having a number of payment options available keeps you flexible, so you don’t have to drop prices that much and still gives the homeowners control over their expenses. That way, you don’t have to worry about those unfortunate jobs that start off and then stop halfway due to a lack of funding.
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References
The reason people pick up the phone and call you is because of word of mouth or referrals from family members and friends. If you want to get more references, you need to keep an online presence available. This enables people who used your business’ services before to write reviews on sites like Google Maps or directly on your site. You can also attract more customers by using good business to your advantage. You can offer discounts for loyal customers as well as those who introduce even more customers to you.
Overall, there is no single element that is going to win you more business. Customers want roofing contractors who are able to smooth over any misunderstandings, who are honest and trustworthy, and who are able to be flexible when it comes to giving a quote. If you don’t want to lose the bid for your business, then you need to be clear about what you offer and just how good your are. That way, you will enjoy much more success.
