How do I get more customers for painting?

Answer 1

;Hi, I just had an alert from you as a contact.

To answer this Q most directly I offer the process I went through.

Initially many DIY's go through a trial and error time...Hopefully turning that around,,, even personally,,,happens.

I've been in the trades a long time, and have probably endured some failures, but more, successes.

Obvious answers will be, "advertise" which may be ineffective cost wise?

Flyers; business cards to hand out; etc.

More important to you, and certainly any prospectives, is your credibility, and how the customer feels after you've cleaned up; packed up; collected your fee; and left them satisfied.

Without knowing at all the size of your current "operation" or your desire regarding how many more; Unless and until you grow large enough to be a keyword; your best efforts; on even the smallest jobs, are your greatest publicity. Start with family,,,like em or not (smile)

Consider a couple of points. First of all be honest, not only with the customer; but with yourself, in what you think,,,or KNOW you can handle, and produce a quality "product" Second,,, never be afraid of Greed, and perhaps offer a job on occasion that benefits the customer more than you. ASK, very up front if they will refer you if they are satisfied, and give them cards and fliers to pass out.

I'm 63, have been in trades work most of those years, and have applied multiple thousands of gallons of paint...but I'm not so ignorant to NOT believe that hundreds of others aren't doing the same. Competition isn't to be taken in a defeatest attitude, but a challenge. Today everyone wants a bargain as well as perfection. I assume you do as well.

On occasion you might have to endure tolerance; acceptance; even some modest compromise; that benefits both you and a customer; if only to be the next words that customer says to a family member; friend; neighbor; when asked; "WHO painted your house?"

If you have ideas, offer them. The customer is always right, even when they aren't. You might have volumes of ideas they never considered?

Ask every customer if you can post a small sign on their front lawn WHILE you are actually doing the work. Purchase magnetic signs for you vehicle, mostly to use all the time.

If you happen to be doing exterior work,,,STOP/TAKE TIME to talk to anyone who walks by and questions you or compliments your work.

Word of mouth, being honest, doing a job for a stranger that you'd hope someone would do for you, are some ways to increase business. Kinda like the golden rule...not all that hard. Another example and maybe redundant.

Find a community of the elderly. Get just one job,,,even if you give it away. be nice when the woman asks if you'd like a drink of lemonade, and give her a major break in what you charge; as well as a decent job. leave some cards/fliers, I promise you, you'll increase your work load, and profits.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

The above answer is excellent as it is the way I did it ,I do not know how big your operation is ,but I went from the majority of my business being exsisting homes to the majority being new construction,I specifically and exclusivly work in the luxury home market.Consider new construction ,you will have to learn how to bid entire homes with multiple types of finishes,but the money is very good,also take some classes in faux painting especially the trowled on coatings,you can charge anywhere from 6 to 20 dollars a sq ft for those finishes so they are worth learning and the market for them is very hot.

Answer 3

you would be surprised by how much work you can get from word of mouth.a lot of people will only take on people they have heard of or been told about.always do the best job possible and then ask them to ask friends and family if they need anything doing.its a snowball effect and ive never been out of work in 15years.you will quickly pick up regulars