Question For The People That Do Home Shows.....

kevjob

the percentage of DIY that are going to pay our prices for consulting or working with them etc... is very small, most DIY do it to save money not because they want to learn or pay someone to tell them how to do it.

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Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

kodiak_island

nice

Mike Finley

shrinking?? Say what?

Maybe temporarily right now because of the current temporary state of the economy. But shrinking is not a long term trend.

By the way Home Depot and all the rest of the DIY mouth breather habitats are hurting way worse then we all are.

Constructive1

I've read quite a few articles suggesting that American's financial habits are changing - the savings rate is increasing and the spending rate is decreasing. I tend to think that the increase in DIY projects might be around for awhile.

I have no intent to play along with individual DIYers, but I do think that learning to play in a market where DIY is taking a bigger share is important. My original post on this thread mentioned developing strategies to overcome potential DIYers desire to save a few bucks. Most DIYers think that we can't compete with them on cost but would probably admit that we can give them better quality and timeliness. So...maybe a marketing campaign directed towards wives is in order. Something along the lines of "Do you want a new master bath completed by your husband, or by ____________?"

Curb Guy

The customers that come to my booth are specifically interested in my specialty. I don't give out candy, pens, or other crap. They look at my product samples, big 8x11 digital before and after pictures, and they take a card. Some may scedule a quote, but most do not. I am dressed nice, informative, pleasent, and not pushy. I give out 200-300 cards, and I will get calls until November. This plan has worked well for the last 5 years.

marc

We've done 8 shows so far this year with these results.............

54 set appts.
28% close ratio on those appts. (so far)

also have about 50 more that still need to be called.
It's been a good Home Show season so far..........a lot less tire kickers than in the past couple of years.

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Marc

Falcone

"I think that what duckdown is saying is that the percentage of people wanting to diy is increasing. We can either wish them luck and pursue the shrinking number of customers who are willing to hire pro's, or develop strategies to overcome their desire to save a few $'s."

Just an idea... maybe at your next home expo make an attractive flyer with "10 Reasons to Hire a Professional Licensed Electrician" in a bullet list.