View Poll Results: How Important Is It To Get A Referral Inspection From a Past Client?

Voters
186. You may not vote on this poll
  • No big deal - Don't care about referrals

    1 0.54%
  • No different than any other inspection

    3 1.61%
  • I'll take it if it comes my way but not actively seeking referrals

    8 4.30%
  • Great. Wish I could get more

    49 26.34%
  • Awesome! Would like it to be the majority of my business

    125 67.20%
Results 1 to 43 of 43
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    Posts
    1,510

    Thumbs up Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    There has been much discussion on marketing and how to get more business. One thing that I commonly hear is inspectors saying to go after "Referral Business".

    Please fill out the poll and on a scale of 1 - 5 (5 being the best or most important) and let me know what you think the value is of an inspection that has been handed to you by a past client.

    If you wish, please reply to this post and let us know why you feel a referral inspection is better than a client off the streets.

    Easier to book?
    A better client?
    Not as concerned about price?

    Similar Threads:
    Inspection Referral
    View The List Of InspectionNews Member Benefits!

    -----------------
    Sincerely,
    Brian Hannigan
    InspectionNews.net / InspectionReferral.com
    Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997TM

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectionNews
    Twitter: @InspectionNews

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Mesa AZ
    Posts
    1,181

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Hannigan View Post
    There has been much discussion on marketing and how to get more business. One thing that I commonly hear is inspectors saying to go after "Referral Business".

    Please fill out the poll and on a scale of 1 - 5 (5 being the best or most important) and let me know what you think the value is of an inspection that has been handed to you by a past client.

    If you wish, please reply to this post and let us know why you feel a referral inspection is better than a client off the streets.

    Easier to book?
    A better client?
    Not as concerned about price?
    Referrals are easier to book, most of the time the inspection is already sold by my former customer, the new customer already knows what I deliver, just wants to know when I can do their home.
    Call from new customer, 3-10 min.
    Call from a referral . 1-2 min, most of the time just enought time to get their info.
    Price is secondary , I bring it up, on most referral calls.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    I have to echo Dan and his response.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  4. #4
    Ted Menelly's Avatar
    Ted Menelly Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    The biggest thing would be price. They already know what their friend, mother, neighbor paid so if they are calling you it is a done deal. No haggling or price shopping involved and you are the only one on their list. You have the inspection.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Posts
    2,560

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Dan covered it well.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    928

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Web sites are all I use for marketing, but that would not be enough to keep going if not for referrals.

    Referrals are what you get when you make a past client happy and if they send you a referral you are happy, not just for the extra income , but also the fact that your service was good enough for them to send another your way.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Referrals is great business. Coming from a satisfied prior client to another potential home buyer I think is great.

    But when I'm out on a home inspection, do I offer referrals? NO

    People automatically think your trying to drum up business for someone else to get a paid fee. Kind of like many HI's do with Brinks. I don't do it. I think you lose some of the confidentiality with the client when doing so.

    JMHO

    rick


  8. #8
    Ted Menelly's Avatar
    Ted Menelly Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Rick

    I don't do the Brinks thing either.


    I Never liked the idea of giving my clients info to someone else so they can call and market them.


  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Posts
    1,088

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Agree that referrals are easy sells. The only issue is what date/time is best. Price, features, etc. are usually already known by the referral.

    Did a warranty inspection for a client. Finished the 4th inspection on that cul-de-sac today. 5th has already booked for Sept 5. All from referral. The first client posted my information in the neighborhood newsletter/bulletin board. When the referrals call, they say Donna B referred me. Some do not even know who Donna B is but saw her referral in the neighborhood publication.

    "The Code is not a peak to reach but a foundation to build from."

  10. #10
    Nolan Kienitz's Avatar
    Nolan Kienitz Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Referrals are the best.

    Deal is already done. They just want to book. Most of mine don't even ask for rate.

    They trust their referral source, have heard about my work and want an inspection.

    Most of mine are from former customers.


  11. #11
    Jeff Kirkpatrick's Avatar
    Jeff Kirkpatrick Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Fritz:

    You have no idea how much business you are missing out on. Everything these guys have posted is true. I have been in business 8 years. All of my business comes from referrals. I do not advertise. Most of my clients don't ask or care about the price. After each inspection I send a letter to the client asking them to refer me to their friends and family. It works


  12. #12
    Ben Christianson's Avatar
    Ben Christianson Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    I would love more referrals. I'm relatively new in the business so I've only experienced one referral so far. It was great! Only had to worry about scheduling and being there to trade inspection for check. Loved it!


  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC
    Posts
    1,074

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Referrals is 80% of my business. If it wasn't for that I would be out of business and be a consultant..........
    Well maybe a media between the Jerry's and my clients.

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

  14. #14
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Tyler, TX
    Posts
    720

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    I just looked at my software (it keeps track of this) and 40% of my b'ness is referrals. That's a good number, but I would definitely like it to be better.

    Bruce Thompson, Lic. #9199
    www.TylerHomeInspector.com
    Home Inspections in the Tyler and East Texas area

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    South-West Michigan
    Posts
    469

    Post Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Is it safe to presume we are talking about referrals from previous clients here?

    Randall Aldering GHI BAOM MSM
    Housesmithe Inspection
    www.housesmithe.com

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Can't remember the last time I had to advertise thanks to referrals and reputation. Never found advertising to be an effective tool for gaining business.


  17. #17
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    Posts
    1,510

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    The reason I created this poll/thread was because every post I have read on InspectionNews about marketing or "how do I get more business" always ends up with comments about referrals. The referral comments are always positive for the same reasons mentioned above and shown in the poll.

    This is true when speaking to inspectors at conferences and chapter meetings as well. No one wants to market to Realtors & everyone loves referral business.

    My next observation was that very few inspectors were active in keeping in touch with past clients. There might be one "Thank You" card follow up from some inspectors but other than that there seems to be very little effort put out to get the most sought after business, the referral business.

    I have been thinking about this for a long time and have been looking for a cost effective, easy and non time consuming methods for you to keep in touch with past clients so that you are always on their mind when a friend, co-worker or family member asks them about the inspection process and who they used. This has not been easy but I have found a system that I think you will really like.

    Like any other marketing, repetition is extremely important, even to your past clients. You have to keep in touch, in a non-intrusive way so that you will be remembered and become more than "just the inspector" who they used, you want to become "their inspector" or maybe even their friend.

    After all of my searches to find a way (e-mail, phone calls, newsletters etc.) I found a system that I liked because it gave a much more personal touch.

    If you are interested in a system that I believe will increase your referral business then take a look at this ten minute video. When you are done with the video click on the second link in this post and you can sign up for a test account and try the system for free.

    Click here for the Referral Video: Video

    Click here for a free trial: Free Trial Keep your sound on and it will walk you through the steps.

    If you have any questions please let me know.

    View The List Of InspectionNews Member Benefits!

    -----------------
    Sincerely,
    Brian Hannigan
    InspectionNews.net / InspectionReferral.com
    Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997TM

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectionNews
    Twitter: @InspectionNews

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC
    Posts
    1,074

    Thumbs down Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    I will let others try this first. Here's why. I find it wasteful and annoying of all the junk mail I get. Most people toss the crap right in the can when they get it without looking at it. It might work for the first month or so but then it becomes spam and tossed in the can.

    I think you could actually get on peoples nerves and loose business. When I bought my car last year my salesman calls me once a month. I find it very annoying even though I like the guy. I told him I will tell my friends about him when they are looking for a vehicle. He stills calls.

    When I bought my house my Realtor sent me cards every month and that went straight to the can. I get the same crap in the mail every week and every week it goes straight into the thrash.

    I think if you sent them something every six months or so it might work but monthly..........

    Brian if you can create a news letter that we can send out once a quarter to our clients and Realtors that would be useful by email I think it would go allot further. There is someone out there making news letters for inspectors already but it's to expensive.

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    Posts
    1,510

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Hi Mike,

    I wouldn't send out once a month either for the same reasons. That could become pointless spam.

    Find what works best for you. Once a quarter, once every six months, once a year, what ever it may be. The point is to keep in touch. Don't deliver your inspection report and let that be your last contact and expect to build a referral business. You might get a referral here or there but you won't build a business that can survive on referrals.

    There is always a reason or two (or more) a year to make contact with the past client. Holidays, birthdays, seasonal, anniversary on the inspection date. You can think on many reasons.

    Another difference is that these are not post cards and it's not metered mail. These are regular cards, in your own handwriting font, with a stamped envelope. They will get opened every time, especially if you make them sincere, and not a solicitation each time.

    The goal is to let your clients know you care about them. The business will follow.

    View The List Of InspectionNews Member Benefits!

    -----------------
    Sincerely,
    Brian Hannigan
    InspectionNews.net / InspectionReferral.com
    Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997TM

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectionNews
    Twitter: @InspectionNews

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    I always put a client questionnaire in with my report with a self addressed stamped envelope. On average I get back one back per 10-12 inspections. They have always been positive. It also gives them a chance to suggest improvements.

    I think its more important to seek clients feedback than to pester them with information such as newsletters and the like.

    If they like the service you can bet they will recommend you to their friends and family at least in my experience.


  21. #21
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Brian, I tried to view the Referral movie several times and could not get it to work. You might want to check it out. Maybe I was too impatient but I thought I gave it enough time to load.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  22. #22
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Tyler, TX
    Posts
    720

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall View Post
    Brian, I tried to view the Referral movie several times and could not get it to work. You might want to check it out. Maybe I was too impatient but I thought I gave it enough time to load.
    takes a long time. even when it is ready, it says "movie loading"

    i think after about 5 min., i went back and clicked play down on the bottom left and it worked.

    Bruce Thompson, Lic. #9199
    www.TylerHomeInspector.com
    Home Inspections in the Tyler and East Texas area

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    Posts
    1,510

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    There was a lot of traffic but that still should not have slowed it down that much.

    If you have a cable/dsl connection it should be ready to play within seconds. There may have been heavy traffic or a server issue. If it interests you please give it another try.

    View The List Of InspectionNews Member Benefits!

    -----------------
    Sincerely,
    Brian Hannigan
    InspectionNews.net / InspectionReferral.com
    Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997TM

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectionNews
    Twitter: @InspectionNews

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Mesa AZ
    Posts
    1,181

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    I waited for over 1/2 hr.
    Figured out if you hit the little arrow at bottom of left side of screen it started right away

    Opps I see Bruce figured it out in a prior post.

    Last edited by Dan Harris; 08-19-2008 at 06:59 AM.

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,042

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    I think the poll should have clarified *what kind of* "referrals" it was asking about.

    Poll OptionsHow Important Is It To Get A Referral Inspection?
    No big deal - Don't care about referrals
    No different than any other inspection
    I'll take it if it comes my way but not actively seeking referrals
    Great. Wish I could get more
    Awesome! Would like it to be the majority of my business

    View Poll Results


    Was it asking about ...

    Real estate agent referrals?

    Past client referrals?

    To me, and I suspect other HIs, it would make a difference.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  26. #26
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    Posts
    1,510

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Hi Jerry,

    Sorry if there is any confusion. I thought I was making it clear with this line...

    Please fill out the poll and on a scale of 1 - 5 (5 being the best or most important) and let me know what you think the value is of an inspection that has been handed to you by a past client.
    I think by the poll results everyone got it.

    If anyone did not understand I hope you do now.

    View The List Of InspectionNews Member Benefits!

    -----------------
    Sincerely,
    Brian Hannigan
    InspectionNews.net / InspectionReferral.com
    Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997TM

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectionNews
    Twitter: @InspectionNews

  27. #27
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,042

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    Brian,

    Sorry about that, I did not read your post under the poll, just the poll itself.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  28. #28
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    Posts
    1,510

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    No problem. I also changed the title of the thread and post.

    Thanks for the heads up!

    View The List Of InspectionNews Member Benefits!

    -----------------
    Sincerely,
    Brian Hannigan
    InspectionNews.net / InspectionReferral.com
    Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997TM

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectionNews
    Twitter: @InspectionNews

  29. #29
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    Posts
    1,510

    Thumbs up Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    Thank you to everyone who has been interested in receiving more referrals and especially to the people who have signed up.

    For those of you who are on the fence here is a new video that has more information.

    Referral Video

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    View The List Of InspectionNews Member Benefits!

    -----------------
    Sincerely,
    Brian Hannigan
    InspectionNews.net / InspectionReferral.com
    Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997TM

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectionNews
    Twitter: @InspectionNews

  30. #30
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    Posts
    1,510

    Thumbs up Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    I spoke at a chapter meeting last night and we talked about referrals.

    I asked if everyone liked getting referrals from past clients and everyone "Yes".

    The reasons were all the same as stated above, a referred client is a much better client.

    The next question was how many inspectors (there were about 20) did anything (even just a thank you card) to keep in touch with a past client. Just one person and she said that it was her franchise that took care of this.

    In this market when many inspectors do not have their schedules full I believe everyone is missing out on an important marketing opportunity.

    Every past client is a potential network for your business but like anything else, out of sight, out of mind. If you don't keep in touch you will be forgotten.

    I have had several people sign up for this Send Out Cards Referral System and have had many questions as well about the pricing.

    This might help to clear things up.

    There are several packages but only two that make sense for business use where you will send many cards over a year.

    This referral program is also a referral program in itself where you could earn money if you find someone that would like to use the system.

    1) Entrepreneur Package Plus
    Cost: $398 - With that you get at no cost:
    a) $62 credited back to your account for sending cards (Post cards are .31, Regular cards are .62, Tri-fold cards are .93 and Picture Plus cards are .93) Plus postage
    b) $50 Hand Writing font (send cards with your own handwriting and 4 different signature options)
    c) $99 Picture Plus (add your own photos to make your own cards) . Get a picture of your client in front of the house and send them the card. This is something they will keep and/or show friends.

    So considering the free items included your sign up fee (license) is really $187

    This program also pays you $100 if you find someone who likes the system and would like to start an account. It only takes two people and your sign up fee is covered. Get more than two and make money.

    There is also what they call "$31.00 Auto-Order (100 Points/month)". Think of that as a marketing budget. It puts $31 (100 point) into your account each month for cards.

    ************************************************** **

    2) Wholesale Package Plus
    Cost: $298 - With that you get at no cost:
    a) $62 credited back to your account for sending cards (Post cards are .31, Regular cards are .62, Tri-fold cards are .93 and Picture Plus cards are .93) Plus postage
    b) $50 Hand Writing font (send cards with your own handwriting and 4 different signature options)
    c) $99 Picture Plus (add your own photos to make your own cards) .

    So considering the free items included your sign up fee (license) is really $87

    However with this option you do not get paid for referring someone to the system but please send them my way

    There is also what they call "$31.00 Auto-Order (100 Points/month)". Think of that as a marketing budget. It puts $31 (100 point) into your account each month for cards.


    ************************************************** **

    There is a Retail Package but I would not recommend it. You do not get your own hand writing and the cost for each card is higher.

    The "Expense Account" on the order form is for your postage. They keep the card price and the postage separate so just add $10 or $25 depending on how many cards you plan on sending right away. You can always add to that at any time if your postage account runs low.

    I can also do a web meeting with you and help you sign up and or show you the features.

    Click here for the video

    Click here to test the system for free: Send a card for Free

    If you would like to talk about it just let me know and I will give you a call or you can sign up here.

    View The List Of InspectionNews Member Benefits!

    -----------------
    Sincerely,
    Brian Hannigan
    InspectionNews.net / InspectionReferral.com
    Helping Inspectors $ucceed Since 1997TM

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectionNews
    Twitter: @InspectionNews

  31. #31
    Patrick McCaffery's Avatar
    Patrick McCaffery Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    Brian,

    I am starting my second year in business and I am just starting to get referrals. Not only is it a good source of business, but it lets me know that I am doing a good job.
    I got one great referral this summer from a seller. I was doing a radon inspection in her home for my client and her six year old son and his friend fooled around with my monitor. I was able to work it out so that I did not have to charge her for the re-test of the radon and she not only used me for the inspection on her new house, but referred me to her Realtor and Attorney. Since then I have gotten work from the Realtor.
    Last week I did an inspection for a client that had accopanied her friend on her inspection one year ago.
    It pays to do a good job, be personable and treat clients right.


  32. #32
    Randy King's Avatar
    Randy King Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    I think everyone would agree referals are great. Why not receive more business and most of all more money. I think it is quite simple and although send out cards is a great program I personally like to use my own greeting/holiday cards. What I do is gather their information, and present address on the inspection agreement (they dont ever ask) and then send out a thank you letter about 1-2 weeks after the inspection and then from there about once every 6 months or so send out a card for a holiday or better yet a 1-year anniversary for living in there house. This is more than enough to stay in front of your past customer and receive a possible referral. Just my .02


  33. #33
    Randy Hooser's Avatar
    Randy Hooser Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    All...

    It seems that many of us have the same frustrations with trying to get and keep our inspection schedules full. You can be the best home inspector in the world, but if you can't market yourself and your business, nobody will know or care.

    What if there was a resource dedicated exclusively to helping home inspectors book more inspections? Well, there is. It is run by a guy who owns an extremely successful home inspection company. He provides a wealth of strategies, techniques, and tips to help grow your home inspection business. He spends a lot of time and effort making sure they work in his own business before he gives them to the members of the group.

    Here are just a few of the things you can learn that can help you grow your business:
    • How to get into the real estate offices and have the agents actually look forward to you coming back each week
    • The only reason anyone buys anything, a secret you can incorporate into all of my marketing materials
    • How to get more referrals from your prior clients
    • How to get testimonials from your clients and real estate agents, and how to use them effectively in all of your marketing materials
    • Several strategies about how to go directly to the public for business, skipping the real estate agent
    • How to make your website a sales tool and get it to makes sales 24/7
    • The kind of direct mail that gets results
    • Much, much more…
    This resource is too valuable to not at least take a look. Being a part of this group has literally transformed my business.

    To learn more about this extremely valuable resource and how you can become a member of this group, go to Home Inspector Marketing for Inspection Companies.





  34. #34
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Hooser View Post
    All...

    It seems that many of us have the same frustrations with trying to get and keep our inspection schedules full. You can be the best home inspector in the world, but if you can't market yourself and your business, nobody will know or care.

    What if there was a resource dedicated exclusively to helping home inspectors book more inspections? Well, there is. It is run by a guy who owns an extremely successful home inspection company. He provides a wealth of strategies, techniques, and tips to help grow your home inspection business. He spends a lot of time and effort making sure they work in his own business before he gives them to the members of the group.

    Here are just a few of the things you can learn that can help you grow your business:
    • How to get into the real estate offices and have the agents actually look forward to you coming back each week
    • The only reason anyone buys anything, a secret you can incorporate into all of my marketing materials
    • How to get more referrals from your prior clients
    • How to get testimonials from your clients and real estate agents, and how to use them effectively in all of your marketing materials
    • Several strategies about how to go directly to the public for business, skipping the real estate agent
    • How to make your website a sales tool and get it to makes sales 24/7
    • The kind of direct mail that gets results
    • Much, much more…
    This resource is too valuable to not at least take a look. Being a part of this group has literally transformed my business.

    To learn more about this extremely valuable resource and how you can become a member of this group, go to Home Inspector Marketing for Inspection Companies.


    .
    Hey Ted,

    He's only 15 listings Below You ( inspectopia link on his wed page ) and at .08 cents per sq. ft @ 2500 and up on his prices.

    You signed up Yet?



    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  35. #35
    Daniel Leung's Avatar
    Daniel Leung Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business.... how important is it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Hannigan View Post
    My next observation was that very few inspectors were active in keeping in touch with past clients.
    Brian, I keep in touch with my clients through email (and blog), not just a Thank you card. My clients are encouraged to ask me any maintenance ideas after my inspection services. It is a free service, but not every clients call back.

    I am teaching "House Inspection DIY" for the Continuing Education of Vancouver School Board. It is a 2-days course on Saturday for the house owners to know about their house and how to upgrade their home into more safe and better condition.

    When I email the new class information to my past clients every 3 months, it is a kind of reminder of my inspection business. I never dispatch business card or promote my business in my class (It is the rules). However, I got new clients after every class, also some new referral from the students.

    The teaching pays less than inspection, but it is worth to spend my time to serve the community and... get new referrals. Anyone want to try?



  36. #36
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
    Posts
    3,509

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    The best way to get referral business is to do a good honest job for your clients. As long as you do this, have a good work demeanor and decent personality, referrals will come your way. Keeping in touch with past clients would be the next best way.

    You shouldn't have to ask for referrals. To each their own but when I hear a "marketing guru" recommend that you ask for referrals as a way of building your business, I cringe. "Don't keep me a secret" is the line I heard one marketing guy say. It may work but it seems like shameless hawking.


  37. #37
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC
    Posts
    1,074

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    I'm with Nick, it's like begging for food. Have you no shame
    I won't do it but whatever floats your boat..........

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

  38. #38
    imported_John Smith's Avatar
    imported_John Smith Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    The majority of my business is from past referrals. Did a new house the other day, 1400 square feet, one story, clients hung out for first few minutes - gave me the check, and then asked me to call them when I was done. Plus the front of the house actually faced North (to help me reference walls, etc in the report).


    Man, it doesnt get much better than that (unless the client is a Texans Cheerleader and wants to partially pay me in some sort of trade).


  39. #39
    Ted Menelly's Avatar
    Ted Menelly Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski View Post
    The best way to get referral business is to do a good honest job for your clients. As long as you do this, have a good work demeanor and decent personality, referrals will come your way. Keeping in touch with past clients would be the next best way.

    You shouldn't have to ask for referrals. To each their own but when I hear a "marketing guru" recommend that you ask for referrals as a way of building your business, I cringe. "Don't keep me a secret" is the line I heard one marketing guy say. It may work but it seems like shameless hawking.

    You don't ask for referrals......?

    I am not sure why not. Sure, do a good job. The best possible chance you have for direct marketing is in front of the folks that you just pleased by doing a good and thorough job. What is the difference between handing them a card, including all parties, and kids to get a smile and then taking that one more simple step in....Hey if you folks like the inspection service, I get most of my business from referrals. If you know anyone interested in buying a home or selling their home (I do pre listing inspections) please pass my info on to them

    The amount of money paid for marketing so you ca get in front of folks and then once there you zip your lip because it is like begging for food? It's called marketing at it's best.


  40. #40
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
    Posts
    3,509

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ted Menelly View Post
    You don't ask for referrals......?
    No, I don't. I don't need to. I get plenty of referrals without asking for them.

    It all goes back to the job you do. If you do a good enough job for your clients, they will want to refer you and tell their friends and family about how good of an experience they had.

    Last edited by Nick Ostrowski; 04-19-2010 at 01:57 PM.

  41. #41
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC
    Posts
    1,074

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    You don't ask for referrals......?

    Nope! makes you look desperate and I get a **** load anyways.........

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

  42. #42
    Ted Menelly's Avatar
    Ted Menelly Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Schulz View Post
    You don't ask for referrals......?

    Nope! makes you look desperate and I get a **** load anyways.........
    So I guess what you folks are saying is that you do no marketing at all. You never get in front of someone and hand them a card. You never see someone on the street that strikes a conversation about the signage on your vehicle and you do not hand them a card (or 2 or 3). That is asking for referrals. When you are out and about and someone strikes up a conversation about your business...you pass no info on to them? verbaly or physically.

    I guess what you are saying is you never do any marketing.Marketing your business is what you do when inspecting. Acting desperate to clients asking for referrals? There is time for such things. You don't get on your knees and beg them. You wait till the convo goes in a particular direction or if the referral thing is brought up.

    Doing your job well and doing a good report is asking for referrals. Handing them your card in the end of it all is asking for referrals. Pinching their kids cheek and being genuinely friendly is asking for referrals.

    Everything you do is asking for referrals. Like I said. All the time and money to get in front of folks and when you are done you put your hands in your pockets, hand them no cards and say nothing but "Have a nice day. That may not be acting desperate but I think a little a little reckless. Like I said there is no begging to it. It is easy simple and timed right goes over extremely well. Not doing it is like throwing away money. Yes, many will refer you anyway but the rest have no incentive to act upon it unless put to them.

    Someone was saying on another thread about educating, making a friend etc etc etc etc. Every single bit of that is asking for referrals. The point is that many will never think of it unless put to them. Take advantage of your hard earned dollars and get more referrals coming. There are ways of asking with out asking. Sometimes just saying that a large part of your business comes from referrals. That could just be tucked into conversation. You do not have to stand six inches in front of their face with a tear coming down your left cheek begging them. Asking does not always mean literally. Asking can be done in many indirect ways. It just depends on the clients in front of you.

    No, it is not begging. Everyone asks for referrals. Some direct, some covert.


  43. #43
    Tom Camp's Avatar
    Tom Camp Guest

    Default Re: Referral Business From Past Client.... how important is it?

    Brian, I agree with Dan because referrals are a considerable part of my business. When you get an inspection because a friend of theirs recommends you they are a typically friendly client.

    Colorado Springs - Home Inspections, Commercial Inspections, Radon Inspections, Mold Inspections
    Colorado Springs Home Inspector
    719-201-9472
    Inspections Done Right


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •