Referrals
G-Tape
Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:29 pm
This is for homeowners and contractors alike.
Referrals have been brought up from time to time, I have a suggestion, Don't ask for referrals because the contractor will give you their best and favorite customers, who knows, maybe even their own families.
Ask for the last 4 jobs that they did including the dates of them, addresses and type and manufacturer of shingles.
And contractors, have a printout of the last 4 jobs that you did, the names of the customers, dates addresses and again maufacturer of the shingle and color. Yes this list will change, but it will also add to your database and you will accumulate quite a list for future references. Give this list of 4 with your quote and a proof of insurance. It makes for a nice package for the customer, makes you look professional and it helps weed out the poor roofers.
Explain the "no referrals" to the customer and what they should really ask for and you will help them find the better roofer for their house.....hopefully it will be you.
Referrals have been brought up from time to time, I have a suggestion, Don't ask for referrals because the contractor will give you their best and favorite customers, who knows, maybe even their own families.
Ask for the last 4 jobs that they did including the dates of them, addresses and type and manufacturer of shingles.
And contractors, have a printout of the last 4 jobs that you did, the names of the customers, dates addresses and again maufacturer of the shingle and color. Yes this list will change, but it will also add to your database and you will accumulate quite a list for future references. Give this list of 4 with your quote and a proof of insurance. It makes for a nice package for the customer, makes you look professional and it helps weed out the poor roofers.
Explain the "no referrals" to the customer and what they should really ask for and you will help them find the better roofer for their house.....hopefully it will be you.
Master
Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:45 pm
Right on, G. I keep a running references list in a MS Word file. It has every address of every replacement or completer roof we do, the address, and date of completion. I include the first three or four pages with the proposals as well as another page or two if I have other projects similar to theirs in scope, size, color, etc.
This really helps out. When customers are trying to choose between which brown shingle to go with, I have a cul-de-sac with one each of Cedar Blend, Heather, Mission Brown, Burnt Sienna, and Weathered wood. This has been a real handy tool, as I will circle one of the addresses for them, and tell them about how I did all the houses in there, and you will be able to look at the browns in a real full roof scenario to get a clear picture of the color blends.
I also include photos on my references list.
This really helps out. When customers are trying to choose between which brown shingle to go with, I have a cul-de-sac with one each of Cedar Blend, Heather, Mission Brown, Burnt Sienna, and Weathered wood. This has been a real handy tool, as I will circle one of the addresses for them, and tell them about how I did all the houses in there, and you will be able to look at the browns in a real full roof scenario to get a clear picture of the color blends.
I also include photos on my references list.
QRFL
Tue Aug 23, 2005 6:03 am
you have a point on tht picking the customers referrals g.. however not all of them want to be bother and i been doing fine with showing them the ones that are willing to answer the phone and talk good about my company.
customers can tell if they are your family or a previous customers when they talk to them..
i think rather then the recent ones you should have the "reachable ones" i actually give the customers my list we sit and he starts dialing (sometimes).
I did one for a lady and i she was very pleased however i respect her privacy.If she dont wanna be bothered.
So far thanks to god ... no complaints.
as far as colors i just walk around the block and point at the roofs to the customer,show them pics or give them samples. they dont wanna drive around at 2.80 a gallon of gas.
customers can tell if they are your family or a previous customers when they talk to them..
i think rather then the recent ones you should have the "reachable ones" i actually give the customers my list we sit and he starts dialing (sometimes).
I did one for a lady and i she was very pleased however i respect her privacy.If she dont wanna be bothered.
So far thanks to god ... no complaints.
as far as colors i just walk around the block and point at the roofs to the customer,show them pics or give them samples. they dont wanna drive around at 2.80 a gallon of gas.
