Homeowner-Contractor Relationships.

AbeBarker

Personally,

I engage myself with a customer more than I need to.


I realise I'm creating anxiety for the HO's
I'm interested in their story, like a book
It's most of my social life now days

For me it works, other contractors I know advise against it.

I'm curious if you others are more...

sign here and pay

or if you find yourself rambling on and on with the HO's

mdshunk

I am kinda chatty. It's the first step in the sales process... developing rapport. With that said, once the sale is made, stop selling. In other words, once a buying commitment is expressed by the customer, shut your trap. Many sales have been ruined by a salesman who keeps selling after the sale is (mentally) made. Don't screw up a good thing.

dirt diggler

with business ... i keep it to the point


usually takes a minute


but then I'll spend an hour sittin there shootin the sh*t

Murphy

It is a fine line to keep the relationship personal and business. I think I do a good job at keeping the two seperate but my partner has a real problem with this. He walk into everyones house and immediately thinks he is friends with them.
I have had talks with him about this a few times but he doesn't seem to get the picture.

Nothing more awkward then your partner making a dumb shopping joke to the homeowner and sitting through the silence of her strange look.

What Do I do he trustworthy works hard and he puts up with me.

dirt diggler

i let them lead the dance as far as what gets discussed other than business

i laugh politely (NEVER do I enter into any political/religious discussions even if i know 100% they agree)

even when "off the clock" --- it's still business


i do have one guy that seriously cracks me up --- but i tend to be more "festive" once something is done and paid for

Thewoodman

I have what my wife calls the gift of gab. I tend to get pretty chatting with the customers. I have even had a few cry on my shoulder from time to time.

They way I look at it, I am trying to build a lifelong relationship with my customers. I want them to call me for all their construction needs.

Mark

__________________
Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.
www.wasatchvalley.com

dirt diggler

im all for conversation ...

but MAN that would be awkward ... lol

Magnettica

I totally agree with that. I want them to call me for any of their construction needs. Need a good plumber? I'll get you one. Need a roofer? I'll get you one. Need a tree cut down? I can handle it. I want them to call me for any of their construction/ labor needs. And I want them to tell a friend!

As far as talking to customers too much... I'm guilty as charged. They've become a part of my social life because their needs are my ticket to financial freedom. God bless the customer. :X

Driftwood

I work with my son , He's 34 now. True story 2 1/2 yr remodel in an expensive area of S.F. Wonderful older couple. They sat My Son down in the dining room one day. Mentioned they have no living relatives, and are leaving their home to Him. They never had children and told Brian they loved Him. House is worth around 21/2 Mill.She made his lunch each day.
Aside from everything else,these are very kind loving folks. Makes Mom and I feel good about The Boy we raised. Our nature is to be friendly and personal with most people.I tend get too personal,Can't change who I am.
P S My Son broke down when He told Me this. I don't mention this to Him any more ,It upsets Him. After a while,They brought it up to Me.
There are some nice people out there.

ruskent

Alot of my jobs take several weeks up to months to complete. I do not know how you can spend so much time at someones house and not befriend them. One job i spent almost 8 weeks at. I almost think of those people as family now.

One of the best parts of being in business is meeting new and interesting people.