There really is no magic to getting good customers who want the work done and who are happy to pay.
No magic at all.
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But there's a right way to do it and a way to mess it up - as usual.
Here's what you need to do:
• Have a quality handout or flyer which will get people to contact you asking for a quotation. I have an example of a flyer which will work well for you. It is in my manual 'How to set up and successfully run a painting and decorating business'. All you have to do is to insert your details in the appropriate places and get it printed off or print it yourself on a computer printer. Alternatively, get one good copy and go to your local photocopy shop. You should be able to get 1000 printed off for less than £25.00. Not a bad deal at all. Your first job should pay for this easily.
• Get it distributed reliably and to the right areas. By 'To the right areas' I mean through the letterboxes of houses where people live who actually have the money to pay for your services. These people will be: homeowners, In work, Living on streets where other homeowners like to take care of their properties.
• Place an advertisement in your local Thompson's directory. It's local, it gets read, and should get you business. You should expect to pay about £150 - £200.00 for a simple box ad. You can check this out with your local Thompson's Representative. It's also a lot cheaper than Yellow Pages (where your advertisement may get 'drowned' by all the others) and in my opinion, proportionately better value for money.
• In time, you can easily get a small website which promotes your services and contains pictures of work you have completed, contact details etc.
• When people respond to your flyer, or your advertisement make certain they get a good response from you or whoever answers the telephone. Courtesy is important. Take care to get their: Telephone number, Address, Full name, and establish a time to see them which you will of course note down and repeat back to them so you know you've got it right.
• When people call you to ask you for a quotation, make an appointment to see them within 48 hours. You want to appear interested, but not desperate. (Even if you are desperate!).
• Turn up at the time agreed.
How to Get Customers For Your Painting and Decorating Business
Lewis Stephens is a businessman and Author living in Devon, UK. He sells a manual 'How to set up and run your own successful painting and decorating business for £19.99. Visit http://www.paintinganddecoratingbusiness.com