How to Bid Paint Jobs Blog Up & Running

Because we get so many questions about how to bid paint jobs, I thought I would start a blog specific to that topic and post everything relating to bidding paint jobs over there.

The link to that blog is http://howtobidpaintjobs.com/blog/

This blog will be kept for marketing topics and tips as well as updates on the progress of our new painting business growth related projects:

We have a lot in the works so make sure you sign up for our RSS feed so you can be notified every time we update.

GRATITUDE: An Amazing Way to Attract New Business

Last night I received an email that really made me think...

The person began by telling me how wonderful his business was doing a few years ago and how now, he was hardly making ends meet.

He told me that he was painting over 200 jobs per year 'back in the day' and now he will be lucky if he paints 100 jobs this year.

This person has a past customer list of 300 people (minimum) and I wondered to myself how many times over the last two years he has 'reconnected' with any of them to ask if they or anyone they know need painting done.

My guess is very few... if ever!

It's a fact that a 'first time customer' is the most expensive customer to get...

Once you have worked for someone and they were happy with your services, it's easy to work for them again and again, IF you have a follow-up system that allows you to stay in touch.

Here is a simple phone script that will help you reconnect with your past customers in a way that isn't pushy or intimidating...

This one tip could be worth THOUSANDS of dollars to you if you take action and do it!

**If you have a hang-up with talking to customers on the phone, get over it, it's part of being a business owner...

PHONE SCRIPT:

Hello Mr./Mrs. Past Customer, this is Andy from Andy's Quality Painting, how are you today?

I know it's been a while since I have contacted you, are you still enjoying (the room or job you painted)? Great.

Listen I know you are busy so I wont keep you, I just wanted to give you a call today to tell you how grateful I am to have you as a customer and I'm wondering if you or anyone you know needs any painting done?

If yes: Collect all of the details and say thank you.

If they say no, say:

No problem, but before I let you go I just want to tell you to keep your eyes open for the letter I am sending out this week. It will arrive in a bright (COLOR) envelope and it details our NEW Referral Rewards Program...

Think of it as a Andy's Quality Painting Stimulus Package. I don't have time to go into all the details right now but we are (PUT YOUR OFFER HERE)

for example: buying dinner at a local restaurant for anyone who refers us work.

It was really nice talking to you again and remember to look for the bright COLORED envelope in your mail box. Thank you for being such a loyal customer!

####

Next, send out a short letter outlining the details of your referral offer... You may also want to put some kind of promotional item (like a pen or magnet) in the envelope... People love lumpy mail!

There you go, a simple 30 second reconnect phone call that puts your painting business back on their radar!

You can follow that up next month with a letter telling them about how much people are enjoying the restaurant gift cards and how easy it is to earn them for themselves.

Reconnecting with past customers can generate a lot of new business yet VERY FEW painting contractors actually do it.

Are you brave enough to pick up the phone and give this tip a try?

If so please leave a comment and tell us about your success.

Pricing Paint Jobs: A Proven System to Get Top Dollar in Slow Economy

It's important to keep in mind that not everyone feels the effects of a slow economy the same way.

In fact history shows us that during times when the national economy and housing market slumps, the home improvement industry tends to stay strong.

Ever wonder why that is?

It's because a person's home is most likely their largest investment, and when the housing prices drop, they have a tendency to want to improve and take care of what they already have.

Those who want to sell their homes know that during a buyers market they have to make their house look good in order to be considered.

Both of these reasons mean a ton of work is still available even during a recession... and you don't have to cut your prices to get it!

One BIG misconception is that homeowners shop price and price alone during tough times.

Although that is true for some it is NOT the rule. The truth is, more homeowners shop VALUE first and price second...

You can command top dollar by adding value to your painting services.

Once you nail down which added value features you will offer with your painting services, you have to effectively communicate the benefits of that added value to the homeowner.

The second you begin to cut your prices and discount your services you are moving in the wrong direction...

Think about it - the price of paint has gone up... the price of gas has gone up... so why should your labor costs go down? They shouldn't and they don't have to.

Pricing paint jobs accurately and profitably usually doesn't happen over night and it is not something that can be easily learned by chance... however it doesn't have to be difficult either.

By doing a little competition research (counter intelligence)... putting our simple bidding formulas and proven estimate writing process to work will help you sell more paint jobs at higher prices... especially right now in this recovering residential housing market.

The Bid to Win Estimating System will walk you through the entire process and show you how to bid paint jobs more accurately and profitably, starting with the next estimate you submit.

The Bid to Win Estimating System enjoys a 97% customer satisfaction rate, and comes with a risk free 30 day money back guarantee which means you can feel confident giving it a try.

If you have already invested in the Bid to Win Estimating System, please leave us a comment and tell us about your experience.