Expert advice - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

4thGeneration · 08-13-2007, 05:56 PM

Hi Ya'll,

I have been down a while with some personal things going on in the family. Now the task is I need to generate some work quick to start rebuilding the savings among other things. What would you say would be the most effective/cost effective way of doing this?

I thought about builders, but have not worked for one since with my Grandpas company. What ins and outs can you share with me about how to find a builder because I know the first question will be what builder do you work for now. Sounds like the old you have to have credit to get credit argument huh?

Also, I am on a library computer because my two year old discovered that baba juice does not go well with the lap top, so I will respond tomorrow or if you want you can leave a message on the phone 904 236 2647

Jimmy

Brian · 08-13-2007, 07:02 PM

I'm not a fan of new construction. Low prices and slow pay don't make for good cash flow.

If I were starting out, I'd be hoofing it. Door hangers and fliers are cheap, particularly if you hand them out yourself. That's how I got started. It wasn't fun, but it was all I could afford.

Get a web site yesterday. It doesn't have to cost much (just don't copy George Z's site) and if you work it, it can be an incredibly inexpensive source of leads.

Get signs on your vehicle. It's a rolling billboard.

Call past customers. Send them a letter or postcard. Ask for referrals.

There is no quick way to jump start a business, but the above is the quickest in my experience.

Brian Phillips

gideond · 08-13-2007, 07:08 PM

Before I'd check with builders I'd check with interior designers. If you have past references to back you up you'd be surprised how much business you can do with a good designer. This type of clientele is generally more concerned with quality over speed as well.

Mandrake · 08-13-2007, 07:30 PM

If you need to build some cash reserves I'd stay away from builders. Go to the sourse - the homeowner. Try the marketing ideas already mentioned. You might also see if there are any other painters who might sub you some work. You won't have much margin if any but you might be able to get a start

mndrk

Wolverine-Eric · 08-13-2007, 08:10 PM

Mike @ Rhino Sites will put you up a basic site for a few hundred dollars that will get hits from search engines...

http://www.rhinosites.com/

GoodPainter · 08-13-2007, 11:09 PM

Hey Jimmy,

Brian got it down to a simple task.

Get people to know about you, fast!

Fastest way to do it is: (the way I started last year and continue to build
jobs like crazy) print out letters fold em(autofolder works great) make sure you hand sign them (to be personal) paperclip your biz card to em(so if they want to call you, they chuck the letter but save the card) and walk down the block
and put them under their doormats (stay clear from mailbox) walk up the
other side of street, continue on another block (do about 75-100/hour if your young or
in good shape) 2-3 hrs/day max to start or you will be sore

Wait next to phone or have cell with you because they call....
I get about 1-1.5% response and close 75% avg.

Or how bout you call me tomorrow 717-278-2663
I will tell more and can email my personal letter and also my referral letter(to previous customers)

Sorry to put it this way but cant type too long right now

Robert

GoodPainter · 08-13-2007, 11:15 PM

Hey i forgot

Dont mess with builders right now (i never did but dont plan just yet)
If you get wrapped up there u forget about repaints and when
the house market goes down your outta luck.
Plus there is not much profit there.

REMEMBER it is coming to the end of the season (around here at least)
I name my price and get any exterior job i want (crazy)
so if you do exterior too ther should be alot of calls in the next 2 months

Glasshousebltr · 08-13-2007, 11:19 PM

Damn GP and 4th .....I tried both your numbers and all I got was some soft talking chic trying to get my credit card number .........oh ........crap ........never mind.

frickin redial button!

4thGeneration · 08-15-2007, 12:36 PM

I appreciate all the good advice guys. I live in Florida, so there is no real down time with outsides unless it rains. Homeowners know there is no real rush for some window of time like you snow birds lol. My wife is from Pa. She swears it is a better market place for my trade up there, especially with the exteriors. She also curses the trunk slamming fools down here who charge $75 per room for celing/walls/trim. Thats right out of the paper on the price I just quoted.

welovepainting · 08-15-2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thGeneration

I appreciate all the good advice guys. I live in Florida, so there is no real down time with outsides unless it rains. Homeowners know there is no real rush for some window of time like you snow birds lol. My wife is from Pa. She swears it is a better market place for my trade up there, especially with the exteriors. She also curses the trunk slamming fools down here who charge $75 per room for celing/walls/trim. Thats right out of the paper on the price I just quoted.

$75 ceilings, walls, and trim?

I guess it may be a better market up north, Cleveland, Ohio is where im at. Although labor is a tough situation the market here goes 400 - 800 to paint ceilings, walls, and trim.

Flikka · 08-16-2007, 10:30 AM

$75 per room? I'm sure they get what they pay for. You don't want customers that want to pay that price. I remember ads like that up here in the great white north. If you read the fine print that price does not include any repairs, is one coat only and one colour only from top to bottom. Yuk!

Cheers
mary