I've been in Bus for 23 yrs, started out just working for General contractors, in both commercial, and residential . Now at 52yrs old, I've turned more into a service contractor, and enjoy troubleshooting.
Pricing, and having a concious, have always been a hard one for me. But now with the tough economy, I'm in survival mode. I agree with unit pricing, and no more T&M. My rates is usually between $85.00/ hr and $100. I am blown away, by reading what you people are able to get. I am skilled, and can usually diagnose a problem in my head over the phone call. I work from a referral base, but my contractors are all slow, and my service calls are slower, because of the economy.

Any pointers for marketing would be appreciated. I used to run a small ad in the yellow pages years ago, never tried flyers. I've never had a problem getting work, until now ? Located in So Cal.

You old Bat..I'm 51..:laughing:

Have you looked into a Google ad,,,,How about a web site,,


Most people just google "Electrician in your town" and start calling around.

The two big books don't work anymore and they charge big bucks for little or no return..

As with any advertising do not sign contracts because if they do not deliver you will still have to pay them in full.

Things are very slow in most states right now so stay in the survival mode untill further notice..Good luck..

Welcome to the forum Enjoy the fun..:thumbup:

 

You old Bat..I'm 51..:laughing:

Have you looked into a Google ad,,,,How about a web site,,


Most people just google "Electrician in your town" and start calling around.

The two big books don't work anymore and they charge big bucks for little or no return..

As with any advertising do not sign contracts because if they do not deliver you will still have to pay them in full.

Things are very slow in most states right now so stay in the survival mode untill further notice..Good luck..

Welcome to the forum Enjoy the fun..:thumbup:

Yeah the Goggle seach used to work great for me, but the people that Optimize the search engines figured out how to lower me down the list. I still get some from that, and none from a website I have, because I was too cheap to pay the Optimizing monthly fees the host wanted

thanks for the greeting, and whats funny, You know your getting old, when you can answer a lot of the younger posters problems and questions.

 

I worked in So Cal (mainly San Diego County) and mainly for contractors who advertised in the yellow pages. I now work for a company who advertises on the internet, yellow pages, penny saver, etc.

I have found that the penny saver is all but a waste of money for the amount vs. money over time invested. Yellow pages, although expensive gives the best bang for the buck along side internet based ads. Most any other kind of advertisements I can think of go after a certain base customer which is usually expecting a lower rate or hand out service.

A few ideas that I will share are as follows.

1. If I find that a certain community has a certain problem (Zinsco, FPE panels, poorly wired doorbell/address sign, or something similar) I will do a small walk through handing out cards from door to door surrounding the customer I just did work at (usually about 12 or so). You might get a call every few times you try this, maybe even a job while you're on that block at the time, or no job at all but it does help and I have got work this way. It helps to just get into a habit of always having cards handed out for every call you go out on.

2. Vehicle being wrapped, or at least labeled with the company name and make sure that ELECTRIC, ELECTRICIAN, or the like is easily readable. Keep a neat truck and leave it wide open when at the local big box store. I have come across quite alot of small calls and a few decent size ones from someone stopping me asking "you and electrician?". Small I know, but it works pretty nice when you're just restocking the van waiting for calls to come in.

3. Turn on the professional, friendly electrician guy at all times when you're in the work vehicle or walking around town with a company shirt on. This is also small but gets work on it's own. I turn into the coolest guy in the world when I put my shirt on and jump in my van, and people notice; I let everyone cross the street in front of me, I let most everyone into my lane when they want over and I generally take it easy and am very courteous wherever I go.

As far as price goes; It really just boils down to what you KNOW you're worth and what the job is worth. If you are troubleshooting it doesn't matter how easy the job is for you to fix you have to consider what the average electrician with general experience would go through trying to find the problem and take pride in knowing that you're always going to find it faster and therefore need to get paid more hourly to find it because you will take up less of their time in doing so.
Another thing with service that gets me the most work I think is to never ever leave the job without recommending at least one thing that the customer needs, possibly wants, or you think they would like. I get more out of doing this than I do out of all other things put together. A customer only knows they want or need something when you let them know, so don't walk away from work... let them know! You are doing them a dis-service if you do not, in my opinion.

Know that there are electricians, and SERVICE electricians and the two are separated by a few things and all of which point toward service guys getting paid more. I take offense to being lumped up with the 'common electrician' personally. No offense guys. :jester:

 

I worked in So Cal (mainly San Diego County) and mainly for contractors who advertised in the yellow pages. I now work for a company who advertises on the internet, yellow pages, penny saver, etc.


As far as price goes; It really just boils down to what you KNOW you're worth and what the job is worth. If you are troubleshooting it doesn't matter how easy the job is for you to fix you have to consider what the average electrician with general experience would go through trying to find the problem and take pride in knowing that you're always going to find it faster and therefore need to get paid more hourly to find it because you will take up less of their time in doing so.
Another thing with service that gets me the most work I think is to never ever leave the job without recommending at least one thing that the customer needs, possibly wants, or you think they would like. I get more out of doing this than I do out of all other things put together. A customer only knows they want or need something when you let them know, so don't walk away from work... let them know! You are doing them a dis-service if you do not, in my opinion.

Know that there are electricians, and SERVICE electricians and the two are separated by a few things and all of which point toward service guys getting paid more. I take offense to being lumped up with the 'common electrician' personally. No offense guys. :jester:

I do have a clean marked van for years, and got work from it, need to hand out more bus cards, never do that one, I hate the Pennysaver ads, the competition is usually, the starting out guys, and you wont win a price war there. I do have a problem smiling all the time though ! I am 52 yrs old, whats there to smile about ?
I need to definitley follow your last statement, reguarding suggesting work, I never do that !! And all mechanics do. it's like would you like fries, with that burger mentality. Good deal for both parties, Thanks for the tip, and I agree, a service Electrician usually has seen a lot ! I keep burned wiring, and such in my van, to show customers, what can happen, when the wrong guy, who doesn't care, does the work.

 

Since you've been in business a long time you should have a large customer base. Do you hever email, mail or otherwise remind them that you are still in business and ready to do work for them? Just something I've heard about on here from time to time.

 

I do have a large customer base, with repeat customers, I'm used to combining that with the builders. The builders are slow. I will have to do a mailing, reminding people that I'm still here.

 

Start with yourself and then expnd out. Look in the mirror what do you see? Are you clean cut? Do you have a neat appearance? Do you have a nice shirt with you company Loso on it?

Now look at your service vehicle is it a clunker or is it clean? Do you have a full Logo on the sides?

How are you getting your name out now? What have you done in the past and what were the results?

A service company needs phone book adds so you need to be in the major book the next few service calls ask them what phone book they use.

Leave magnet business cards with your customers to put on the fridge.

Start tracking your calls so you can tell what is working.

Start collecting money . a service call should pay on the spot. Start taking credit cards.

 

Start with yourself and then expnd out. Look in the mirror what do you see? Are you clean cut? Do you have a neat appearance? Do you have a nice shirt with you company Loso on it?

Now look at your service vehicle is it a clunker or is it clean? Do you have a full Logo on the sides?

How are you getting your name out now? What have you done in the past and what were the results?

A service company needs phone book adds so you need to be in the major book the next few service calls ask them what phone book they use.

Leave magnet business cards with your customers to put on the fridge.

Start tracking your calls so you can tell what is working.

Start collecting money . a service call should pay on the spot. Start taking credit cards.

Mr rewire, Appearance is fine, but I don't look like your profile picture with the tie, and hat.

I'm ok on some of your points. I used to track calls. The hard part, as many of you know, is dumping a chunk of your working capital on advertising. Years ago, before the net was so big, I ran a Yellow Pages business card size ad, basically broke even on a monthly basis, but built some strong contacts, I still have today.

My website gets beatin down the list, by the crafty google ad people, who use your name, and when it gets a hit, it shows guys from 50 miles in alll directions. (My bus. name is of my area)

These same people want me to pay a monthly fee, to "Optimize" my bus name. It's about an annual couple grand fee. This will keep your name near the top.

Never accepted credit cards. Could try that, but never had a problem with checks. Only had collection problems in the past, with the Builders as I'm sure many of you had, when things went sour, between the owner, and builder. Most services, purchases etc, run a credit check, young contractors have a hard time dealing with this aspect of the business.

A service plumber is always busy, because people have no choice, but to fix the problem. With some power issues, they can just run a cord for awhile, until the handy man, or gardener/I can anything guy is around. But that's a whole separate issue. Thanks to all, for the responses.

 

Well I guess you want a peeing contest so here we go. Am radio audience- homeowner's . Fm radio audience- *******'s on crack mostly listening to rap music, and kids who want a nose ring, not an electrician to come over and fix the parent's problem electrical system...........

 

I have a friend in a different industry. He advertises on 5 am stations in our area. It has worked tremendously for him.

You are spot on.

O.P -
The kind of customers (demographic) you WANT listen to the am stations. Who is your "Target Market?" The am listeners are business owners, homeowners, etc. Now, that is a general statement, but, it is generally true. You have to play the percentages.

Look at the 4 "p's" of marketing.....

 

I feel your pain. I think once you start recommending stuff like panel replacements when needed (most are outdated or need work), circuit reconditioning/device replacements, new circuits etc. you will bring in the extra money so you get more out of your y/p ads. Also think of who is calling the small ads vs. the bigger ads because Anytime I have worked for a company with the bigger ads I have stayed busy but you have to first be prepared to maximize every call before you can start advertising that way or you will be burning money.

When advertising for a service company the biggest advertising that works usually means you have to spend money to make money unfortunately. You might even want to consider hiring someone that has done service work where he made decent sales (that's what profitable service is mainly, sales). Even a down economy with a okay tech should at least average $10,000mo. when it is slow (this varies of course from area to area) but after 2-3mo. I'm sure that will pay overhead and the y/p ad just from service calls.

Right now I'm in a new service area that our company just started advertising in so it's slower since not all the book are out yet and internet is just starting to show up. I average about $15,000mo. (only guy in my area might I add) with only part of the advertising dropped and I was just told last night that internet ads are up now (as I look over and see one of our ads on the sidebar under 'Ads by Google' :thumbsup: ) so business should be picking up even more so my numbers should at least jump by 50% within the next month or so. Man I miss the 90's to mid 2000's when $25,000 was considered slow for a good tech.

 

I feel your pain. I think once you start recommending stuff like panel replacements when needed (most are outdated or need work), circuit reconditioning/device replacements, new circuits etc. you will bring in the extra money so you get more out of your y/p ads. Also think of who is calling the small ads vs. the bigger ads because Anytime I have worked for a company with the bigger ads I have stayed busy but you have to first be prepared to maximize every call before you can start advertising that way or you will be burning money.

When advertising for a service company the biggest advertising that works usually means you have to spend money to make money unfortunately. You might even want to consider hiring someone that has done service work where he made decent sales (that's what profitable service is mainly, sales). Even a down economy with a okay tech should at least average $10,000mo. when it is slow (this varies of course from area to area) but after 2-3mo. I'm sure that will pay overhead and the y/p ad just from service calls.

Right now I'm in a new service area that our company just started advertising in so it's slower since not all the book are out yet and internet is just starting to show up. I average about $15,000mo. (only guy in my area might I add) with only part of the advertising dropped and I was just told last night that internet ads are up now (as I look over and see one of our ads on the sidebar under 'Ads by Google' :thumbsup: ) so business should be picking up even more so my numbers should at least jump by 50% within the next month or so. Man I miss the 90's to mid 2000's when $25,000 was considered slow for a good tech.

I was spoiled back in the late 80's/90's Had a 4 man crew. 2 on service 2 on remodel/new construction- residential customs.


I'm down to me, and occasionally my brother for 2 man jobs.

$15K a month is great $25K/month per man !!!

 

Early to bed. Early to rise. Work like hell and advertise.:thumbsup:

 

And, if that doesn't work we'll go sell Girl Scout Cookies outside of Safeway!!!

:thumbup:

 

Never really thought about radio advertising. And aiming at target markets via radio is actually pretty smart, but I still think FM/AM is not necessarily the best way to balance which is best to advertise on unless a specific station is pretty popular in the region. That's just my 2 cents on it, but again I have yet to even look at that angle of advertising. Thanks for the info. :thumbsup:

I'm wondering who you would talk to about advertising like that..?

 

Never really thought about radio advertising. And aiming at target markets via radio is actually pretty smart, but I still think FM/AM is not necessarily the best way to balance which is best to advertise on unless a specific station is pretty popular in the region. That's just my 2 cents on it, but again I have yet to even look at that angle of advertising. Thanks for the info. :thumbsup:

I'm wondering who you would talk to about advertising like that..?

Call one of the popular radio stations and ask to speak with someone in advertising sales these people will meet with you and pretty much overload your brain with information.
The station rep I work with had me give her some bullet points and then she created an add she gave me alot of useful information to create an entire marketing package.

 

Honestly you've been in business long enough that if word of mouth and your basic advertising isn't working you should be looking at what's going on with you and your company..

 

I don't think it's as cut and dry as you put it. Small things overlooked can make a huge difference and I honestly think that nhe can make a big difference by making a few changes with how he deals with each call that does come in.

 

Ehh, maybe I'm reading it wrong. :huh:

 

I'm not saying don't advertise but.. If you've been in business a long time and now those customers are looking elsewhere.. Something is going on.

 

I thought we went through this already ? Have about three builders, and lots of repeat service call customers. The builders are very quiet, I have 2 remodels with one, in progress. One builders is now using his laborers to wire his residential work, so he doesn't have to pay the lic. electrician. So he's history, until he gets busy again. The last builder doesn't have anything going right now.

So now, I am living off those small jobs. I haven't advertised for years. Just got a call late today for tomorrow morning for somebody's fix it list. I asked how they got my number, and it was a referral. It also depends on your area, Los Angeles i'm sure is more action than the more spread out communities.

I think i'm going to use the one guys advice, and add some suggestions after I finish the list. Oh can Interest you in a service upgrade, your panel is really outdated, and unsafe, Customer " Really, How much to change it out" ? Me, for $200A, with underground feed, that will run $2,000. Customers response " Get the Blank out of here" ! :thumbup:

 

Build trust. Be HONEST. Be a good electrician. That means spending time on this site and learning.

 

So glad I came across this site. :thumbsup:

 

Instead of trying to sell "decora" why you don't you do your customers a real damn service. How hard is this. Show them there back their back stabbed devices. Show them plugs falling out of outlets. Offer to side wire and install new TR(kid safe) receptacles. At fair price. It isn't that hard. It isn't about you gouging the customer, it's about you offering a REAL service.

 

It is actually a combination of both making a profit and taking care of the customer. Most electricians do not charge enough so seeing prices where they should be at might seem shocking but it is a fair price when you sit back and do the math.

 

..........

 

I usually charge people what I am worth. If I am going to charge $500 for something I'll make sure the return on investment to a customer is $1000 over time by doing $500 worth of work or more.

 

I don't understand what you mean here, can you explain further?

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

 

I agree with what the others said.. phone book is useless now.. internet is the way to go! Try google local and yellow pages online.

Also you could ask your existing costumers to refer you... if you have a good relationship with them it shouldn't be a problem!

 

What was I thinking?