Great Ways To Build A Restoration Franchise

By Author: Andor Kovacs
Total Articles: 4717
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Floods, water damage, fires, and mold happen in the life of almost every homeowner at one time or another. That is why starting a restoration franchise is such a lucrative business proposition. The work is out there; you just have to find it. You can make plenty of income with a restoration franchise if you market yourself properly and follow some simple customer service steps. Try these ideas to build up your restoration franchise:

Use the Right Marketing Tools

The phone book and online directories are great ways to advertise a restoration franchise. Don't forget to advertise with your local Better Business Bureau or business coalitions. Pay the extra money for a small ad in the phone book because this will bring you better results than just your name and phone number.

Set up a booth at home shows and the local county fair. Distribute your literature as much as possible and staff the booth with people who can talk about the strong points of your business. Your people should be able to positively sell your business when they are talking to the general public.

Get on the list of preferred vendors ...
... for real estate agents, home improvement stores, insurance companies, and local cleaning services. These organizations will often encounter people who are looking for restoration services but don't know you're out there to help.

Focus on Customer Service

When a homeowner comes to you to fix water or smoke damage or to take care of a mold problem, he or she is already upset and probably angry. You must assure them that you will fix the problem and do it right the first time.

Practice your listening skills. Really get to the heart of the customer's expectations and you are more likely to please them. By asking leading questions and clarifying the answers, both you and the customer will understand what you will do to fix their problems.

For instance, ask the customer, "How do you want it to look when we're done?" By listening carefully to the customer's answer, you can set them up for realistic expectations and be able to tell them what you can and cannot do for a finished job. Unrealistic expectations lead to dissatisfied customers, so make the phrase "under-promise and over-deliver" a theme for your business and your workers.

Create a Follow-up System for Current and Recent Customers

Create a follow-up system with your customers. For instance, a good follow-up system could include:

* A personal visit on the last day of the job, asking how it went and how they feel about the fix
* A personal note within one week of completion, thanking them for the business and encouraging them to contact you if they need anything else; at this time, remind the customer you are available if they have referrals
* A phone call or personal note six weeks later; if you came to know the customer over the course of the job, ask them how the kids are doing or other friendly questions to remind them you are on their side
* Another letter six months after that, reminding them of who you are and sending them a relevant article about restoration services
* One final letter a year after the job is complete

Ask for Referrals

Referrals are a proven way to build your business and keep warm customers coming in the door asking you for help. Do not hesitate or be embarrassed to ask for referrals. Ask your customers for referrals several times over the course of your follow-up system, always in a friendly way.

When you complete a job, ask your customers in a straightforward manner for the names of three other people who could use your help. Ask if you can mention their name when you contact these new people.

At the six-week follow-up, the six-month follow-up, and the one-year follow-up, ask the customer again for referrals. Include a "bonus" at these times if you think it will prompt your customers more. For instance, offer a gift card to the local grocery store if the referral turns into a job for you, or consider a useful bauble such as a coffee mug with your business's name and logo on it.

If you did a good job, your customers will want to refer you to people they know. This kind of introduction to a new customer is great. You can then simply walk up to the new customer with trust already established. It will help you continue to expand your business and satisfied base of customers.
About Author:
Starting any new business is a big decision. Choosing a path such as a restoration franchise with Restoration1 can take a lot of stress and uncertainty from the process. With a solid and established strategy of success - Restoration1 can help you get our business up and running quickly and efficiently and help you turn a profit faster.