Poll- How would you find a Tradie?

[Sixtys Guy]

Hey guys, just doing some research for work. I am setting the budget for advertising next year and wanted to get some honest opinions from non marketing types (trying to sell us their service).

The question is, say you need a Tradie... A Plumber for example... How would you find one? This is assuming that you aren't one, don't have a mate, brother that is one and that you won't do the work yourself!

Thanks in advance!

[Black-Pig]

Word of mouth is always the best advertising. Research suggests it takes 10bits of good information to fix 1 bad - not ask where I remember this from!

[xcvator]

I had a web site, think it cost about $10-00 p/m for hosting, software is cheap to do your own now, Register with google, takes about 6 weeks then link your site with google maps, makes it easier to find your site

We used yellow pages online think it was about $140-00 p/m but that allowed you to insert pictures etc, link to your web site and your name came up in the top 5 for your area

Get really good, classy business cards done and throw them around like confetti, leave them in lunch rooms, toilets,office desks, notice boards, amazed me where they got to at times, used to go through about 500 every 6-8 months  cheers 

[nab]

Generally I will get someone I know or who has been recommended. That's how I get all my work, never advertised in 4 years. A bit slow to start though (maybe 6 months) but has been going well since. And I have never had an issue with non-payment, possibly due to the connection and they don't want to be embarrassed to their recommender???

If I don't know anyone I will then go to the local paper. Big yellow pages ads in my mind says they have spent big money and the end user will have to pay for that and that turns me off.

[Jeepers Creepers]

I'm assuming you are thinking of starting a business and trying to work out where to spend your money.

Being an indie, (Independent Mower Man) most of my clients came from the local paper. I started from scratch with no clients and took 1/2 page ads every month for year ($108.00 each time) and haven't advertised since except for the white pages and a heavily sign written van and trailer, which still pulls a few more clients in.

Currently run with 70 regulars and around 20 casuals, which is plenty for a single operator.

[Moggy]

Firstly I ask family, then friends, then go to yellow pages.  I tend to look for smaller single operators with small ads though that is not an indicator of cost or quality. I also like to talk to the person doing the work so if phone contact is the preferred medium, they need to have good phone skills to get me to the next level

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[Sixtys Guy]

I'm assuming you are thinking of starting a business and trying to work out where to spend your money.

Hey JC. Established business trying to work out where to spend our money.

[Fathom]

If I don't know someone or have had someone recommended.
I will do a search on the computer in my local area. If that's doesn't work I will look in the local yellow pages.

[Crimso]

Phone a registerd builder and ask for a recommendation.

[Bird]

Personal recommendation, seeing one drive by locally.

if that fails www.servicecentral.com.au has worked before.

[Kangaron]

In the bar at the footy club, all trades covered, and cash rules.

[Moggy]

Hey JC. Established business trying to work out where to spend our money.

In that case you'll be better served to work out who your customers are, then decide how to best reach them with your marketing money.

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[Sixtys Guy]

Thanks for participating everyone. It gives really good insight..... Would you choice in the poll change if the job that you wanted done was likely to be $5-$15K?

[Jeepers Creepers]

Hey JC. Established business trying to work out where to spend our money.

I was pretty sure it something along those lines.

[Black-Pig]

Thanks for participating everyone. It gives really good insight..... Would you choice in the poll change if the job that you wanted done was likely to be $5-$15K?

Nope having just parted with more than this.

[briann532]

I am a tradie, so I can speak from some (little - 23 years) experience.

I have found most (about 90%) of our customers come from word of mouth and repeat business.

Look after your customers and they will look after you.

Now please remember this is my opinion only, but I have found advertising ( which failed dismally for us the couple of times we tried it!!!) gets us lousy customers only after rock bottom price.
It usually attracts those who are quote shopping. This usually spells grief.
I hear all too often people complaining about tradies, but let me tell you with a sincere heart, that customers can be a royal pain in the little donkey.
I now choose my customers rather than the other way around.
If your good, I'll work for you, but if you are just price gouging and whinging, I can recommend some great tradies....

A good customer base is worth a lot and once established work hard to keep it.
Trust is the key element.
As far as getting new customers, I have no problem in asking any of my customers for referrals and recommendations.
They are always happy to oblige as not only do they feel a mutual respect and bond, but they also get the feel good gratification and knowledge that you will remember them.
Its a win - win.

Good luck with it all
Brian

[oldmate]

Well said Brian.  I too have been looking at new advertising and have trail run a few things over the last 6 months. In doing this I have also been keeping a track on where my calls come from, and same as you, most of my work is repeat or referral. I find when I answer the ph, and a potential customer asks me what my hourly rate is, straight up, I don't want to work for them. They are the ones ringing around looking for the guy that's working for $25 an hour. Good luck with him when you find him.

[Fathom]

Well said Brian.  I too have been looking at new advertising and have trail run a few things over the last 6 months. In doing this I have also been keeping a track on where my calls come from, and same as you, most of my work is repeat or referral. I find when I answer the ph, and a potential customer asks me what my hourly rate is, straight up, I don't want to work for them. They are the ones ringing around looking for the guy that's working for $25 an hour. Good luck with him when you find him.

How bout $25.99.

[oldmate]

How bout $25.99.

[Jon]

As a fridgie, we can build, do electrical work, plumbing and fix aircons.

Oh wait, you want insurance....see ya.

[oldmate]

And too answer the op, most of my work comes from the Gold Coast sun.(free weekly paper).I have found consistency is the key. I have run my add for 6 years now, every week. Where I find others come and go, depending on work, I just keep it. People flick through it all the time, and may not need you this week, but notice your ad, then In 2 weeks time, they oh, we will ring that guy that's in the paper every week.
I have found the junk mail type advertising doesn't work for me.

[marvellous_matt]

I live in Alice Springs, here there are a number of facebook groups that act as a notice board, I am currently looking for a chippy/ handyman and as I didn't get any recommendations from friends that is where I am looking, and asking questions. there are a few tradies that get great comments, too many to be just friends talking them up. I am not sure if an online presence is applicable for your situation.
cheers
Matt

[Jeepers Creepers]

With the mowing gig, if I say, quote $70.00 for a mow and they ask.....

"Could you do it for $50.00 cash", i always answer.... "sure can, which half don't you want mowed?" 

That way i'm outta there quickly, although at the moment, i'm not taking on any new clients  at all, so I just decline it over the phone.

[DannyG]

I usually google for any services I need.

And then I tend to click on the yellow pages link the search shows.

If it is a big job 5-15k id still do the same but id be more inclined to ask around for recommendations.

[oldmate]

Love it or hate it, facebook can be another good way to check on business. I hate facebook, but am on it for my business and keep it updated with work i have completed.