Who Else Is Having A Better 1st Quarter This Year Than Last?

Handymanservice

Just to clarify, it is not too difficult to beat last year. It is exciting though, we have doubled our sales (& receivables) compared to last year.

Is anyone else seeing this. I know there are a lot of of us experiencing tough times out there and we are still experiencing them too, but I am hopeful.

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"You can shear a sheep every year, but you can only skin him once!" Remember that when dealing with your customers and pricing.

http://www.yourhandymansite.com

wizendwizard

First quarter sales 2008 = 3 minor remodels, with 352 leads. Advertising cost were $1650.00

First quarter sales 2009 = 5 major remodels, with 100 leads. Advertising cost $127.00

Makes for great math.

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"If you start the grout process over, you too could use sparkly grout!"
There is no such thing as an illegal immigrant, they are either illegal or immigrants.
I'm Retired, or a student, don't really know anymore.

world llc

i'm doing better then last year, but only by a couple thousand

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www.worldllc.net
www.facebook.com/WorldLLC

Tiger

I wish it was as good as last year. I was juggling 4 jobs at this time last year.

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www.TigerElectrical.com

nEighter

Nope. Not me. If I were willing to cut bid rates by 30% then yeah.. but not into selling out my trades for hack wage.

AtlRemodeling

We are significantly ahead of last year at this point.

mikesewell

We are going seven days a week, with no end in sight. Our rates are very competitive, but we are working hard and cranking out jobs fast enough to make a good profit. Unless something big changes, this will be a very good year for us.

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Commercial construction

Sewell Construction

Frankawitz

I am seeing more work then I had last year at this time, but as for be ahead close but just holding, to many people out of work here, so I am seeing more people looking for cheaper prices, I have one customer who keeps me busy, which I am thankful of, I am still falling behind in the bills, can't get over that hump. Michigan is a hard market, anyone else in this area having the same problems?


www.frankawitz.net

fez-head

We are having the best year yet and have actually picked up some great skilled help as well. Life is good.

macatawacab

Frankawitz - I am sitting here in West MI trying to put the final $$ on some proposals. Have to get the work but need enough out of them to pay the bills. Lots of lowballs and hack work going on. Customers are slow to decide and shopping.

buildpinnacle

Big jump for us. I deserve it as I spent the last quarter of last year completely redefining our profitability, organization, management, advertising, etc. I got tired of running my business like a salesman on napkins and notes.

1st Qtr 2008: $119,000
1st Qtr 2009: $207,000

I budgeted for 800,000 in sales this year back in Dec as a goal....funny how things work out when you put your mind to them. So far so good.

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Cdat

I'm doing fine. In fact I just made a giant (for me) purchase of all new (new to me) machinery for my shop. Good times ahead if work holds out. If not, I have a lot of machinery doing nothing but collecting dust.

Chris Johnson

I was busy this time last year for 4 guys to be steady for 40+ hours a week, this year I am up to 7 guys at 40+ per week. Still trying to find that elusive guy to work and run some of the jobs...you know the guy who can read architectural and engineering plans and make it happen...that guys hard to find...oh, hang on, that's me, I'm here but I need to be elsewhere.

One thing I have noticed lately here is the hacks are pretty much gone already, they have packed up and don't seem to be as big of a problem. I know they are still out there but not infringing on me like they used to. Plus the hacks don't get the alot of custom or large commercial work like I do, so that could be the answer.

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Chris

Handymanservice

Ok, now that we know some of us are increasing sales, what are you doing differently?
We have been doing a ton of foreclosure work and work through Realtor's in general. I hate to base my business off of this type of customer base because it cannot last forever.
I am looking for repeat business through the residential end for maintenance and repairs.
I have not really done much, as far as advertising, to increase our sales.

It is great to hear of everyone increasing aver last year. With all the dooms, gloom talk it is nice to bring hope to others with this type of news.

__________________
"You can shear a sheep every year, but you can only skin him once!" Remember that when dealing with your customers and pricing.

http://www.yourhandymansite.com

Deicide1

Well, I've paid $37.683 and some odd cents in taxes thus far this year.

Probably about the same last year at this time. Always keep pretty consistent.

buildpinnacle

My main change has to be actually creating an advertising budget. I have always been a referral contractor, but only started marketing my business and not just myself as 'the insurance guru' late last year. I have set up a first year budget of $50,000.00 (still a gulp when I say that) to market my company through billboard, mailer, newsletters, signage, wraps, storefront, etc. Best move I've ever made.

A close second would be the hunkering down to 'really' keep learning on how to better run the 'business'. Time on CT is educational as well as fun for me. You don't get this kind of perspective and situational experience and advice from your 'buddies' in the biz....I've been listening to their same stuff for years.

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fez-head

Here's a quote from Tim Ferris . . . Author of 'The 4 Hour Work Week'

"It doesn't matter how many people don't get it. What matters is how many people do. If you have a strong informed opinion, don't keep it to yourself. Try and help people and make the world a better place.

If you strive to do anything remotely interesting, just expect a small percentage of the population to always find a way to take it personally. There are no statues erected to critics.

While many are wringing their hands, I recall the 1970s when we were suffering from an oil shock causing long lines at gas stations, rationing, and 55 MPH speed limits on Federal highways, a recession, very little venture capital ($50 million per year into VC firms), and, what President Jimmy Carter (wearing a sweater while addressing the Nation on TV because he had turned down the heat in the White House) called a "malaise".

It was during those times that two kids without any real college education, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, started companies that did pretty well. Opportunities abound in bad times as well as good times. In fact, the opportunities are often greater when the conventional wisdom is that everything is going into the toilet."