I’m Ranting… Again!
I’ll stay industry (home improvement) specific on this post. There are a couple of things that just drive me nuts!
Wow! I Just Gotta Hire this Guy!
As I drive around during my day to and from the jobsite, picking-up materials, etc., I see the trucks and vans of trades contractors out there on the road and in parking lots. I’m amazed at how often I see signage on their vehicles’ that says: “Bob’s Plumbing – Licensed & Insured”; “Tom’s Electric – Licensed & Insured”; “Mary’s Landscaping – Licensed and Insured”.
Is “Licensed and Insured” really all you have to say about your business? I have always assumed that, at a minimum, all business are Licensed and Insured. The signage tells me that you’re meeting the minimum requirements just to be in business. “Eddie’s Painting – Breathing” would probably be as informational and more inspirational!
I’ll bet these trades contractors are the same ones complaining: “The economy sucks! There’s no work out there!” Maybe if you got off your ass and did some real marketing, we’d know what you do and why we should hire you.
Is there any wonder why 9 out of 10 home improvement contractors go out of business within five years? It may be coincidental, but I think “Licensed and Insured” is on 9 out of 10 vehicles that I see.
50% off! $250 off! Buy One, Get One Free!
I just heard an advertisement on the radio, as I was driving (noting that Bill’s Concrete is Licensed and Insured), that I can get $250 off each window I have installed. Within 15 minutes I heard another advertisement that for each window I buy – I get another one for free.
What The H? How much mark-up is there on a window? How can you offer these kinds of discounts? Would your business not be thriving, if you offered realistic pricing every day? Or are windows the loss leader to get people to buy something else? These kinds of discounts make me (and I’m sure others) feel like you’re ripping people off with regular pricing – on a regular basis!
Let me try this ad:
“Get a free bathroom remodel with the purchase of an incredibly over priced kitchen Remodel!”
Just another reason our industry has such a bad reputation.
Here endith the rant!
Paul
Enjoy!
6 comments
I can’t agree more with your thoughts here. Having purchased Anderson windows in the past, I must agree with the ridiculous mark up sentiment. And, they were a huge problem too.
Have most companies just lost their creativity? I mean, it’s like saying “I’m really honest.” If you have to state it, then you must not be all that honest, right? If you’re licensed and insured and good at what you do, the client should be able to see that. But, what makes you tick?…what makes you love what you do?
~Splintergirl
“Licensed & Insured, but so much more than that and passionate about craftsmanship”
Thanks for the comment Amy. These things have been nagging at me for quite a while and I finally decided to use the blog to call them out. Thanks for the Twitter bumps also!
Paul,
I think the same thing when I hear those ads and read those signs. I get a little irritated only because I wonder how stupid do they think I am by these obvious and transparent ploys. Nothing worth having that’s for sale is free – pay now or pay later, your choice.
Thanks Bob.
I get irritated because this is an industry (Home Improvement – Remodeling) that wants and needs to be taken seriously as “Professional”. It seems that they just don’t get it.
Thanks for the visit and comment.
Same goes for design. I heard Design/Build firms “sell” that the design is “FREE” when you hire them.
I have worked with and for a few DB contractors in my career as a designer and business development consultant.
TRUST ME WHEN I SAY… “YOU ARE PAYING FOR THE DESIGNER!” – Even when you don’t use it! The mark up is the same for a kitchen as for a new roof.
If it sounds too good to be true… (you know the rest!)
Thank you for your post!
Maybe that’s what I’ve been doing wrong. I’ve been charging for the design and building it for free ;-) BTW, I feel the same about free bids! Somebody’s paying for the time invested in bidding.
Thanks for the visit and comment.