[Pete's Painting]

Let's say I ran across a few jobs that I didn't want to tackle, too big, don't have enough of the right equipment etc. Been hearing that some local companies are starting to feel the heat of the downward economy. What if anyting should I do with these leads?
Not familiar with my competition since I started this in N Carolina and just moved back. Is it a scum bag move to approach my competition, offer them these hot leads for a small reward if they get and complete the job? Does this ever happen in this industry?

Also, I posted a thread here about where to find addresses where there are open building permits. Didn't get any constructive responses. Am I stepping on people's toes if I sent a mailing since a GC may have pulled the permit and already has a painter in place. (not always the case though)

And finally, what type of networking is advisable, if any with my competition?

 

[stansoph]

IMO I think that giving a lead to the competition is fine. Karma. If you can't do the job but know of a company that can; help the Customer out by giving them a few options.

My business is primarily interior trim and trim restoration; I don't do walls, etc. My customers know this; so I provide them a few people that I know that do great work to complete the job. I don;t sub this out the HO hires them directly. Granted I could make a few $$ more if I subbed it out but I don't want to deal with it.

I thin it is a give and take situation. IMO if you try to get a finders fee or somrthing similar it will only create problems and bad feelings down the line. Get a few cards from people you know do good work,have a solid reputation and hand them out when you can't do the job.

Good luck.

 

[vermontpainter]

Good points, Stan. It does make a case for networking with like minded operations. I agree about avoiding fees on referrals. Its not like we are commodity traders. You don't own the lead, you don't even have the job. By referring the lead, you are giving someone else the opportunity to go close it. I would also recommend alerting the customer to the fact that you are referring another professional before doing so.

These days, there is exactly one other local paint company with whom I have that sort of relationship and it is mutually beneficial.

 

[NEPS.US]

If you are not familiar with the companies in your area you should stay away from it. I've done it in the past ...and still do it from time to time and never seems to work out. You have to remember that if it doesnt work out you have the HO and or the painting contractor blaming you for the bad lead. I hate to let good leads pass by. The only way I would do it now is if I thought I could strenghten a relationship with a contractor for further use but even then you better check them out ....in the end it's your name.

 

[Pete's Painting]

Thanks for the input as always. Just curious really.


GO SOX!

 

[[email protected]]

Also, I posted a thread here about where to find addresses where there are open building permits. Didn't get any constructive responses. Am I stepping on people's toes if I sent a mailing since a GC may have pulled the permit and already has a painter in place. (not always the case though)

Huh... I never seen that thread... so here ya go:

I have done this. The http://www.constructionmonitor.com/ has been a great tool for me. I have gained all my remodeling business from this connection. I just got a call last Friday from the only mailing I sent out in late November last year. Also, last year I did a job for a remodeler that called me 1 1/2 years later after a mailing, my info just happened to be on his desk.... I do all his painting now...:blink:
When I know, or it seems as though it's going to be slow, I go through and carefully choose a dozen + or - a few that would suite my business. You can go through the archives and pull information on a GC that started a project 2-3 months ago. Or you can check on listings that had pulled permits for that week.

I send out a simple flyer that tells the GC who I am and what kind of work I do with my phone # ect.... I will also hand write a note as to give some information of how I found the GC and will make some note to point to my website for more information. The hand written letter gives personal effert and means more than just a folded flyer in an envelope. This year, all three remodelers will be keeping me busy for the whole year... I do not see my self painting to many residential repaints right now because of how busy these guys are going to keep me and will need to cancel my Angie's List ad along with my yellow pages ad, Otherwise I'll have to many calls....

I have benefited from mailings to pulled permits and give it a :thumbsup:

I don't care if they have painters or not. If they don't want my business that is fine... some one will. Oh... I just remembered.. I call them first before sending out the flyer. I will send out the flyer regardless of how the phone call goes. But I am more personable when it comes to doing business and for me to connect with them in person at the start is important, that is why I call first and also send a flyer as a reminder. Something in their hands is better than nothing in their hands to jog the memory or our conversation or the lack thereof.

No, your not stepping on toes, your advertising your business. You will never know a situation of a GC concerning their painters or lack thereof. One of the remodelers I now paint for, dropped a painting business (i now the owner) that is rated #1 in the Portland area and is a PDCA member, Why? For the simple fact that their prices were getting out of hand. Also, I think this GC wanted a smaller business and someone a bit more suitable for the kind of work he could produce for the painter. I happened to be a good fit for the kind of work he had, with a reasonable competitive price for that kind of work. Nothing fancy shmancy.... My point is.... Send out the mailings because you never know what will come of it. Advertising is always a gamble.


Hope that helps.

J

 

[aaron61]

IMO Your local chapter of PDCA works for networking with others in your field
www.suncoastpdca.com

 

[Pete's Painting]

Huh... I never seen that thread... so here ya go:


No, your not stepping on toes, your advertising your business.


That was helpful, thanks J.
Wasn't real worried about it, just thought it was strange that noone responded, was ignored, kinda like a fart in church (I read one of your other threads, so I know you've heard plenty) :yes:

 

[[email protected]]

IMO Your local chapter of PDCA works for networking with others in your field
www.suncoastpdca.com

I agree. On the other hand I am not a member. I probably didn't need to mention that information about my last post. It seems a bit arogant and prideful, now that I read it again.. My apologies....

J

 

[Pete's Painting]

I agree. On the other hand I am not a member. I probably didn't need to mention that information about my last post. It seems a bit arogant and prideful, now that I read it again.. My apologies....

J

no apoligies necessay, my friends and family don't want to listen to my work issues, so I guess this is the place to talk about them.

 

[daArch]

Pete,

Although not a painter anymore, in the wallcovering business I do run into this. Luckily I belong to the NGPP (National Guild of Professional Paperhangers) and can recommend a qualified installer. But I have to know the persons work and people skills.

What NEPS said is spot on. If you do not know the quailty of work of the person you are referring, you will get the blame - and the credit if all turns golden.

On a recent job, I recommended a painter friend (he's VERY good), I got crap from the HO because he was TOO good for the room and her budget. If I had known, I would recommended a guy I know who is less good and less expensive.

It seems we can never win.