References From Customers

 
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Old 09-26-2006, 08:06 AM   #1
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References From Customers


Hey all...just wondering what you have previous customers give you for references....written? verbal?....

I'm finally getting around to it and didnt know if I should have them fill something out or simply agree to a phone call from random customers...

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Old 09-26-2006, 08:20 AM   #2
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Re: References From Customers


Ask them to write up a little something, it looks better, and can be used in press or on a website. Also ask if they mind if prospective customers call them, never assume. And make sure they are nice and chatty if you want them to impress prospects. If they are quiet and reserved, they won't help you out at all. I don't just hand out these references, only when specifically asked for. I have basic references in a hand-out at the estimate, but not with phone numbers. If they ask for more, then they get the ones with phone #.
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Old 09-26-2006, 09:25 AM   #3
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Re: References From Customers


I agree with PWG, this is what we do. Also, you want to rotate your references so your not using the same ones all the time.

I'm not sure why PWG wants to stop me. Did I do something wrong
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Old 09-26-2006, 11:04 AM   #4
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Re: References From Customers


Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammatime View Post
I'm not sure why PWG wants to stop me. Did I do something wrong
No, don't want you to stop. But I do want you to wear the pants and do the dance.

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Old 09-26-2006, 11:15 AM   #5
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Re: References From Customers


Our completion form has space for comments and then we add them as they come in to our website.
So far we have about 5 web pages worth and we keep adding.

http://www.ecopainting.ca/testimonials.html
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Old 09-26-2006, 05:52 PM   #6
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Re: References From Customers


Quote:
Originally Posted by ProWallGuy View Post
No, don't want you to stop. But I do want you to wear the pants and do the dance.
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Old 09-26-2006, 05:54 PM   #7
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Re: References From Customers


Quote:
Originally Posted by ProWallGuy View Post
Ask them to write up a little something, it looks better, and can be used in press or on a website. Also ask if they mind if prospective customers call them, never assume.
I have to agree
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Old 09-26-2006, 06:22 PM   #8
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Re: References From Customers


PWG you can really "break it down"! Time.
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Old 09-27-2006, 03:20 AM   #9
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Re: References From Customers


Quote:
Originally Posted by slickshift View Post
zomg, PWG is a Chronically Arrhythmic Caucasian.
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Old 09-27-2006, 07:02 AM   #10
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Re: References From Customers


PaintGuy26,

At the completion of each job I hand over my Customer Satisfaction Survey and a self addressed stamped envelope. I ask the following questions:

Was my proposal clear and detailed enough?

Was the work done as agreed?

Was the work finished on schedule?

Was the work done in a neat and orderly manner?

Was I courteous and polite?

Are you pleased with the quality of the project?

Will you be calling me for future projects?

May I add you to my customer referral list?

Will you recommend me to your family and friends?

(These questions are answered by circling a YES or NO)

I also include:

Please tell me where I need improvement.

Please share any compliments.


Upon receiving the completed survery from the customer I will take their compliments reply and add it to my Written Testimonials.

Combined, these two pieces display quite the sparkle!

And of course I always have phone numbers on hand in case they request them and addresses should they decide they want to inspect my work.

Hope this helps.

Tom Rohland, Jr.
Ranger Painting & Pressure Cleaning, Inc.
Lake Mary, Florida
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Old 09-27-2006, 07:22 AM   #11
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Re: References From Customers


Thanks for the answers fella's.....minus the "hammer" picture!!! LOL
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