Tips for Increasing Your Electrical Services Sales in 5 Easy Steps

Where to find success in upselling electrical services? Take a relational tack during the sales process. One of your primary goals should be to make money. A professional electrician, however, also cares about providing a satisfactory solution to the customer's issue in a way that would win his trust and lead to future work. They've contacted and explained the issue they're having with your company. They are counting on you to find a solution. Upselling entails suggesting more services to a client and allowing them to choose amongst themselves while you offer advice and guidance on hand. So how do you establish credibility and become an expert up-seller without appearing desperate? Following these five easy measures: Establish Credibility Before Showing Up to Work The first point of contact with a customer is crucial for establishing credibility. A phone call or email will likely kick off the relationship. Maintain a formal tone and respond to others quickly. If a client is worried, try to reassure them that everything will be okay. After scheduling a meeting, it's wise to remind yourself to call the day before or first thing in the morning of the scheduled day. When you reach the customer before you show up to a project, you put them at rest and begin to earn their trust. Review the requested service to ensure mutual understanding. 85% of good salesmen use inquisitive queries. An excellent first impression is crucial. Putting your best foot forward from the beginning of face-to-face interactions with customers is crucial. Ensure you wear your uniform or clothes that adhere to the company's dress code, that your truck is clean, and that you arrive on time. Smile and offer a handshake when you meet a customer. Make yourself known and politely request entrance. Ask the consumer questions and explain simply what you will do if you are running diagnostics. Being personable and leading the customer through the service you will be giving builds rapport, credibility, and opportunities to upsell. Provide Alternatives and Discuss All Costs When meeting with the client, the presentation is crucial to discuss options and strategy. You can put the onus on the consumer and show your willingness to help by providing a good, better, and best option for your electrical services. It's always better to be ready if they go for the more expensive, higher-quality choice. On the job, you may discover that a minor electrical problem is a symptom of a more severe condition. An electrician's best upselling opportunity may come in this situation but requires caution. Keep things straightforward. Inquiring minds want to know what you'd do if this were your house or place of business. It would be best if you warned about the potential risks and consequences of putting off resolving a major electrical problem without coming across as aggressive. Be forthright about how critical it is to remedy something or if it can wait. Professionalism in presentation is facilitated by service software like InvoiceASAP. Your electricians can become sales pros using visual price presentations and suggested upgrades. Upselling is great because it takes the pressure off of making a deal. Everything else is merely gravy now that the consumer has consented to make such a sizable purchase. It doesn't take much work to upsell in a "by the way" approach by offering more upgrades or purchases. If "no" would be the answer, then so be it. Promote your Electrical Services by Upselling When looking to make an upsell, you can employ several tried and tested sales techniques. Some examples: The customer is assumed to want the product. Do you need anything else? It is an open-ended question that almost invariably gets a negative response. A more appropriate query would be, "How long has it been since somebody did an electrical safety inspection on your home?" Also, "Did you install that circuit breaker panel yourself?" The added value of the upgrade or the extra fix should be mentioned first. Inquire as to whether or not you may provide further information about the necessity of this item, as well as its possible safety and utility benefits. When you come at it from a position of strength, you come across as less aggressive. Ensure they know how this service will help them—using your mobile device to display before and after photographs are one option. Proof that you've succeeded at similar tasks is always welcome. Always put the customer's needs before your own while making recommendations. You must be able to articulate precisely WHY they require it. This genuine effort makes a big difference. Put Alternatives Forward Using Service Software Upselling is more likely when you use service software like InvoiceASAP. Nobody enjoys having to do a quick Google search at work to demonstrate a specific step or procedure, and it's inconvenient to call the office during a job to inquire about the work already done for the client. Get up to speed on InvoiceASAP's selling tools right away! Related: The 7 Worst HVAC Costing Mistakes - Invoiceasap

Find and Hire the Best Employees - invoiceasap

How to Find and Hire the Best Employees

Your company's success will ultimately depend on the people you hire. A well-defined hiring procedure is a critical first step in attracting top talent to your company. Without an efficient hiring process, you risk spending time, money, and valuable resources on employees who don't fit the company's culture well. This list of dos and don'ts for interviewing and recruiting candidates will streamline the process. This article will discuss the following: What you should do? What you should NOT do? Tips for Recruiting - What you should do A well-defined hiring procedure will save time and money while making locating and qualifying candidates easier. The following are the essential parts of any recruitment procedure: Differentiate and specify the role as needed. Post the job opening in several online employment databases. Find the one person who best fits the bill. Conduct interviews to confirm qualifications. Vacancy Description Use clear and precise language to describe the available role. A job description that is both detailed and easy to understand can help you attract and hire the best candidate. Candidates must be qualified to flood in response to a lengthy job description. Job duties, ideal candidate characteristics, and necessary prior experience should all be spelled out. More qualified individuals may be attracted to resumes that include phrases describing the company's culture and work environment. Provide a summary of the most valuable services provided by your organization. Benefit packages like health insurance paid time off, and retirement contributions are attractive to potential employees. The number of applicants can be reduced and the quality of the candidates can rise with some upfront clarity in the hiring process. Posting a Job Ad It's possible that advertising will be the most time-consuming but also the most crucial part of developing a hiring procedure. Use online resources like job boards and career websites to spread the word about openings and find qualified candidates. Using the latest technology and social media can help you reach more people. It has become common practice for recruiters and prospective employees to use LinkedIn to learn as much as possible about each other before meeting in person. Job postings are also well displayed in vocational institutions and hardware stores. Putting up a notice on such forums can still bring in qualified applicants. Making Contact with Prospective Employees Be eager and quick to respond when applications start coming in. If a highly skilled worker doesn't think you value their contributions, they will look elsewhere for employment. Your demeanor in conversations with potential hires should be consistent with the principles and ethos of the organization. Provide a personal or managerial example that exemplifies the company's principles. Be friendly and approachable toward the interviewee. Explain why you enjoy your work and set up some time for the candidate to ask questions. Keep in mind that they are also evaluating you for the position and the company. As the primary point of contact for the hiring process, it is your responsibility to keep candidates apprised of interview schedules and progress. No one enjoys going through an interview and hearing nothing for weeks. Proposing a Deal It's best to give the good news of a job offer over the phone. A phone call is a more personal way to break the news to a candidate than an email. This is a fantastic chance to make the prospect feel appreciated and encouraged. After the initial phone chat, send a formal written offer outlining the position's title, description, office location, start date, expected completion date, pay rate, and length of employment. Choose a date to begin working, and provide them with any needed orientation materials. Include a spot for their signature and the firm owner's as well. An attorney should review any employment correspondence to confirm its legality. It's equally crucial to have a procedure in place for dismissing applicants. Send them a message saying how much you appreciate their help. You can also provide them with helpful suggestions for enhancing their performance. What you should NOT do Hiring the proper individuals can be tricky, even with a system in place. You should exercise caution and avoid the following blunders throughout the hiring process: A Bad Time to Hire Finding a convenient time to bring on board a new worker is a common challenge. Hiring more staff while keeping payroll costs down is a balancing act. Don't make unnecessary hires. Learn more about the opening on your team. Is there money in the budget for a salary? Is this a year-round position or something extra during the busy season? Do you need someone with extensive experience, or would an inexperienced person do? Before committing to a full-time, long-term wage, a small team may benefit from hiring an apprentice or part-time help. Making Hasty Hiring Calls One of the most common blunders during hiring is making a hasty judgment. This frequently results in hiring an unsuitable individual, which can slow the organization's growth. You may feel pressured to make a hasty hire, such as when a position opens up or when your team begins working 60-hour weeks. The urgency you need to fill the job should allow you to do a thorough background check and adhere to all other steps in the hiring procedure. If you hire a candidate who isn't well-prepared, you'll probably end up with an employee who lacks the talents your company needs to thrive. Another possibility is an employee who needs to be more open to feedback or has a negative outlook. In either case, having an unsuitable member on your team will slow everyone else down. Taking time during the hiring process will boost your chances of attracting and keeping the best employees. This will help your company save both time and money. Further, you'll ensure the company's continued prosperity in the future. If your workload to workforce ratio is tipped off, consider and ask yourself, "Do you need to hire? Or do we need new software to lighten up the workload?" See out how InvoiceASAP can improve your operations and the lives of your employees. Use These Strategies to Dominate the Recruiting Process! We gained valuable insight into the hiring process's dos and don'ts today. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to attract and hire top talent. Related: Effective Ways to Improve Your Employee's Customer Engagement

What a Security Budget Can Do for You

How safe is your service company? Every year, businesses should dedicate aside time to manage their security budgets. Many companies ignore the value and advantages of a security budget, choosing instead to plan for immediate needs. Nonetheless, this spending might strengthen your company's ability to adapt to change. In this post, we'll go over the following crucial topics: The Need for a Security Budget Security Budget Considerations Reasons for considering a budget for security The Need for a Security Budget You fail your clients and staff when you don't set aside funds for a security budget. Also, you run the risk of disclosing confidential corporate, employee, and customer information as well as company assets and financial loss. This may seem terrifying, but it can all be easily prevented! By investing in your company's security, you only assume responsibility for protecting the enterprise, its clients, and its personnel. Security Budget Considerations While creating a security budget, two essential things should be taken into account: Physical Protection Any company's security budget should consider physical security hazards, such as break-ins, employee safety, and on-site accidents. Access control systems, insurance, surveillance equipment, business door locks, and other physical assets can all be covered by a security budget. Ensure you budget for comprehensive insurance/coverage options that offer all you require. Cyber Protection Your organization must consider incursions beyond physical security. Cybersecurity will be viewed as an all-encompassing security system, protecting Wi-Fi networks, hardware, software, and business and customer data. In 2013, Target experienced a data breach due to login information being taken from the HVAC company that was keeping an eye on Target's heating and cooling systems. That led to the theft of 40 million debit and credit card numbers. How can you ensure the security of your HVAC or servicing company is current? There are two things you must do: 1. Thoroughly vet potential hires 2. Uphold safe data procedures and systems If you haven't already, consider running your company from a safe cloud-based platform. Business owners can relax knowing their data is highly secure and accessible from anywhere with a signal, thanks to field service software like InvoiceASAP. Reasons for considering a budget for security Practicality A security budget's primary goal is to reduce business costs. How? Because it guards against threats and enables businesses to set clearly defined targets, a security budget saves time and money. Companies reduce the chance of losing money for an entire year by establishing particular security expenses and assigning a specified amount to each aim. After all, preventing a break-in or data breach is less expensive than responding to one. Protects Assets Asset management is crucial for any firm. A budget for security provides a structure for allocating security resources to safeguard essential assets. Moreover, it enables businesses to identify security holes that could go unnoticed. Critical business assets for the field service sector could include: Workers Company Information Tools and apparatus service vehicles Warehouses Inventory data Tax information To guarantee safer installations, allocating funds from the inventory budget for replacing worn-out components or low-stock products is a good idea. Moreover, ensure your property is covered by suitable coverage for insurance. To maintain your warehouse up to code throughout the year, set aside a percentage of your budget for renovations and repairs. Making a list of different corporate assets that require protection is an excellent place to start when building a security budget. Then take into account how each one fits into annual budgets. Sets Aside Funds For Security Upgrades A security budget must be periodically reviewed since it is dynamic. Businesses can set aside money with a budget to cover asset upgrades or replacements as needed. As a result, security procedures will be able to work as intended throughout the entire year, and if one of them does fail, the budget will be available to pay for it. Moreover, remember to reevaluate your budget each year thoroughly! In business, a lot happens, and you need to cover more ground the following year. Beneficial during Emergencies Planning a security budget has the advantage of enabling businesses to be ready for eventualities, and it complements your company's emergency plan well. It's important to remember that while emergencies are difficult to predict, having resources ready to go makes it simpler to assist when necessary. However, failing to set aside money for security can make your company vulnerable in an emergency. Your physical and digital assets should be able to avoid getting into the wrong hands amidst uncertainty. Imagine an earthquake or a tornado damages your supply house. With this budget and plan, you've already set aside money and created a strategy to replace your essential tools, machinery, and stock. With a budget or sufficient insurance, money can be shifted or reduced from other budgets, impacting the entire operation and present priorities. Start preparing your security budget right now! Recognize that an organization's profitability, effectiveness, and safety are all intimately correlated with security. By giving your field service firm a comprehensive and robust security framework, your business can operate smoothly and be ready for potential problems and consider the advantages of using a robust cloud-based software solution to secure your business and customer data. Securing your business's and customer's data might be stressful, but InvoiceASAP can significantly reduce it. 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Why is a Mobile Solution Essential for Your Home Service Business?

Mobile solutions are becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes and industries. Mobile solutions can help increase efficiency and productivity, enhance the customer experience, improve communication, increase revenue, give your business a competitive advantage, and save costs. What is a Mobile Solution? Mobile solutions for business refer to the use of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to enhance the efficiency and productivity of business operations. Mobile solutions can include mobile applications, mobile-friendly websites, and other mobile technologies that allow employees to access company data, communicate with colleagues and clients, and complete tasks while on-the-go. Some examples of mobile solutions for business include: Mobile apps: Companies can develop mobile applications that allow employees to access important information and tools while on the go. For example, a salesperson can use a mobile app to check inventory levels, place orders, and access customer data while meeting with clients. Mobile websites: Companies can optimize their websites for mobile devices to make it easier for employees to access information and communicate with colleagues and clients. Mobile device management: Companies can use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to manage and secure company-owned mobile devices. This can include setting up security protocols, enforcing usage policies, and remotely wiping devices if they are lost or stolen. Mobile payment solutions: Companies can use mobile payment solutions to accept payments from customers using mobile devices. This can include using mobile payment apps, QR codes, and other mobile-friendly payment methods. As a home service pro, your business is all about delivering high-quality services to your clients. Whether you are a plumber, electrician, or a handyman, you are always on the go, traveling from one client's house to another. In such a scenario, mobile solutions can be a game-changer for your business. How mobile solutions can help your home service pro business in detail. 1. Manage appointments and schedules One of the most significant challenges for a home service pro is managing appointments and schedules.Keeping track of your appointments and making sure your clients receive prompt service can be challenging. However, with mobile solutions, you can manage your appointments and schedules on the go. You can use a mobile app to schedule appointments, receive notifications, and update your schedule in real-time. You can keep organized and make sure you are giving your customers prompt service by doing this. You can also use mobile solutions to track your appointments, plan your route, and optimize your travel time. By doing this, you can save time and ensure that you are delivering your services efficiently. 2. Access client information Another challenge for a home service pro is accessing client information on the go. When you are traveling from one client's house to another, it can be challenging to access their information and preferences. However, with mobile solutions, you can access client information on the go. You can use a mobile app to view client history, preferences, and notes. This will help you provide personalized service and build strong relationships with your clients. By accessing their information on the go, you can provide more efficient and effective services to your clients and boosts your customer experience. 3. Streamline communication Communication is critical for a home service pro. You need to stay connected with your clients and colleagues to ensure that you are providing the best service possible. However, communication can be challenging when you are on the go. Fortunately, mobile solutions can streamline communication with your clients and colleagues. You can use a mobile app to send and receive messages, share files and photos, and collaborate with your team in real-time. This will help you stay connected with your clients and colleagues and provide timely service. You can also use mobile solutions to automate your communication, such as sending appointment reminders or follow-up emails. By streamlining your communication, you can save time and focus on what you do best. 4. Accept payments on the go Another challenge for a home service pro is accepting payments on the go. When you are traveling from one client's house to another, it can be challenging to accept payments and ensure that you are getting paid on time. However, with mobile solutions, you can accept payments on the go. You can use a mobile payment solution to accept credit card payments, send invoices, and track your transactions. This will help you get paid faster and improve your cash flow. You can also use mobile solutions to automate your payment process, such as sending payment reminders or processing recurring payments. By accepting payments on the go, you can improve your efficiency and focus on delivering high-quality services to your clients. 5. Improve productivity Mobile solutions can help you improve your productivity on the go. As a home service pro, your time is valuable. You also need to make the most of your time and ensure that you are delivering high-quality services to your clients. Fortunately, mobile solutions can help you improve your productivity on the go. You can use a mobile app to manage your to-do list, track your time, and automate your workflows. This will help you save time, reduce errors, and focus on what you do best. You can also use mobile solutions to optimize your travel time, such as using GPS to find the best route or avoiding traffic. This can help reduce downtime and improve productivity. 6. Cost savings Mobile solutions can also help your business save costs by reducing the need for physical infrastructure and resources. With mobile business solutions, you can access information and complete tasks from anywhere, which can reduce the need for physical office space, equipment, and supplies. Mobile solutions can help your home service pro business in many ways. InvoiceASAP offers a FREE basic account to help you see if this platform works for your business. So, if you haven't already, consider investing in mobile solutions to take your home service pro business to the next level.

5 Ways to Increase Your Income by Effectively Upselling Home Services

It's typical for homeowners to need a variety of services for their homes, including plumbing, electrical, landscaping, and more. Home service providers have the chance to go beyond the clients' original requests and provide them with additional services. Upselling is a strategy that can be advantageous for both the service supplier and the client. Offering extra services that can enhance the customer's experience and ultimately save them money is what is meant by the term "upselling," which goes beyond simply increasing sales. This blog post will go over five strategies for successfully upselling consumers on home services. 1. Understanding the needs of the customer Knowing your customer's demands is the first step in upselling home services. Every consumer has a different set of wants, so it's important to pay attention to these. You can provide them with additional services that complement their initial request once you have a firm understanding of their wants. If a customer contacts a plumber to replace a leaky faucet, for instance, the plumber can advise replacing the old pipes with new ones to stop further leaks. The customer thereby receives a solution that not only addresses their immediate issue but also offers a long-term fix. Understanding the demands of the customer will be made much easier by asking open-ended inquiries. It can be helpful to ask them questions like "What other home services are you interested in" or "Do you have any worries or problems you want to discuss?" to gain a further understanding of their needs. Knowing what your company offers in terms of services is also essential. When you are knowledgeable about your products, you may provide them with wise recommendations. 2. Present Packaged Services Several home service providers utilize the upselling strategy of bundling services. Several services are bundled together and sold at a concession. Bundling services can be a powerful tool for encouraging clients to acquire multiple services. For instance, a landscaping business might charge less for a service bundle that includes planting, tree cutting, and lawn mowing. Because it is easier and more affordable for them, customers are more likely to purchase bundled services. It is important to make sure that the services complement one another when delivering packaged services. For instance, a home cleaning business may offer a combined package of cleaning services and carpet cleaning, which is an added benefit to the total cleaning process. The cost of the bundled services must also be disclosed in full, together with a detailed list of the services that make up the package. 3. Offer Special Deals or Discounts Discounts might be a specified percentage of the service price or a fixed dollar amount, and special offers can include free services or upgrades. Offering discounts or other special deals can be an effective tactic to persuade customers to buy extra services. For instance, a plumbing business might provide a customer a discount on installing a water heater in addition to a water softener system. Discounts and other special offers can persuade buyers to buy more than they might have otherwise. The terms and conditions of any discounts or exclusive deals must be made clear. Clear communication of the proposal's merits is also essential. For illustration, a landscaping business might provide a discount on monthly maintenance services to entice clients to sign a long-term agreement. 4. Demonstrations and Visual Aids Upselling home services can be effectively accomplished by utilizing visual aids and demonstrations. Customers may find it easier to visualize the finished product with visual assistance, like images or videos of completed projects. Customers can better comprehend the advantages of additional services by watching demonstrations, such as those given by a landscaping firm to highlight the advantages of a certain type of grass or a home cleaning company to teach how to operate a steam cleaner. For services that the client may not be as familiar with, visual aids and demonstrations can be very beneficial. One example would be how a smart thermostat can help clients save money on their energy costs, according to a home automation business. Customers are more likely to be interested in using the service if the advantages are made clear to them. Moreover, visual aids and demonstrations can assist service providers in building trust with clients by educating them about their goods. 5. Maintain Contact and Develop Relationships To successfully upsell home services, consumers must be followed up with, and connections must be built. Following up with clients after service is finished demonstrates your appreciation for their patronage and dedication to their pleasure. It's an opportunity to solicit comments and make other services available that they might find interesting. Upselling requires establishing trusting relationships with customers. Customers are more inclined to buy more services from your company if you can establish trust and rapport with them. By providing rewards for referrals or loyalty programs, one can foster relationships. For instance, a plumbing business might provide clients who recommend friends a discount on a future service. When establishing relationships with clients, sincerity is crucial. When a company is simply concerned about making a sale, the customers can tell. Service providers can grow their clientele and establish a solid reputation by putting their attention on developing long-lasting relationships. Conclusion Offering additional services to homeowners can help service providers increase their revenue while providing more value to their clients. Using a Free Mobile Invoicing App is a convenient and effective way for providers to manage their invoicing and payments. There are five popular strategies for upselling home services: understanding the customer's needs, bundling services, offering discounts or special deals, using visual aids and demonstrations, and following up with customers to build relationships. Properly done, upselling can benefit both the service provider and the customer. Customers receive additional services that improve their experience, while providers see a boost in revenue. By utilizing a free mobile invoicing app and following these upselling strategies, service providers can build stronger relationships with their customers, increase revenue, and provide more value. Would you like to learn more about increasing your revenue? Read How to Retain Customers and Boost Revenue with Maintenance Contracts.

man doing a home repair service by measuring the floor

Your Guide to Pricing Home Repair Services

No one knows the ins and outs of your small business better than you do, and when it comes to pricing home repair services, you rely on that knowledge to calculate pricing that will best help you grow your business. You may find that hourly rates work best for smaller jobs, but when facing water damage remediation or septic issues, things can get a little more complicated. Although it might be tempting to use competitors’ pricing to create your estimates, finalizing a job quote is a bit more complicated than you may have thought. What to Factor Into Your Quote Putting together your pricing for a home repair service is like perfecting a family recipe. There are multiple ingredients and steps to remember, they won’t always be used equally, it takes practice to perfect, and you will continually improve based on past mistakes. After discussing the details of the job with your client, you’ll want to start with two basics -- working out the cost for labor and materials. To work out the cost of labor you should: Estimate the total number of hours needed to complete the job Estimate the total number of employees it will take to complete the job To estimate the cost for materials you should: Write out the costs for everything Take shipping and delivery into consideration Take custom-made prices into consideration Now that you have a base number for your project-specific costs, you’ll want to factor in your overhead costs. When doing home repairs you’ll want to include: Expenses from vehicle mileage Maintenance to living expenses Insurance and licensing expenses Advertising expenses Most importantly, don’t forget to also determine a percentage in upcharges for your profit margin! Leave Room for Unexpected or Extra Expenses As a small home repair business taking on a variety of services, you likely already know those surprise problems can pop up on any job. Be transparent with your customers about the potential for unexpected, additional expenses should an issue arise while the repair job is in progress. Before you begin the job, communicate why there could be a final price increase if more labor is required or additional materials are needed. This wiggle room within your estimate can be a huge safety net to maintain your profit margin while maintaining customer satisfaction (no one likes hidden or surprise charges). Use Past Data and Other Resources Your past estimates and invoices are your friends when starting a new quote. Use reports from similar jobs that were of comparable size as a guide. Learn from your job history and make changes over time as you become even more of an expert on pricing. You can also utilize resources to help you write estimates, like a mobile invoicing app and accounting software. With this tool at your fingertips, you’d be able to look up past estimates, write new detailed quotes, and quickly convert them into client invoices after you’ve completed the job. Always think “work smarter, not harder” when growing your business, and a mobile invoice app can be a valuable tool to help you develop personalized pricing that best works for your business. Start taking advantage of InvoiceASAP’s easy-to-use invoicing tools and auto-generated reports to help you price your home repair services by signing up for a FREE account today.

plumber is losing housewife as a customer

You May Lose Customers If You Do Any Of These 6 Things

Managing a successful small business means the effort to gain new customers never stops. However, once you’ve earned the attention of potential clients, what should you avoid doing to ensure that they continue to come back to your business for future services? Here are six things you shouldn’t do if you want to keep a valuable client. Overprice Your Services When it comes to pricing your work, you want to stay in that sweet spot where your charges are profitable but still competitive. Understanding the minimum, you could charge while still turning a profit is just as important as knowing the maximum amount people will pay for your service. In other words, how high will be considered too high? If your customers feel they got ripped off compared to pricing at similar businesses in your area, you will likely lose any future business with that client. Arrive Too Late or Too Early Best practices for customer retention should always include double-checking the date and time of your scheduled services with your customers. Showing up on time and setting a clear window for how long you’ll be at a client’s home or business will help you gain trust. Sometimes life happens – morning jobs get complicated, or traffic is unpredictable, and techs in the field could be running late. You should have an open line of communication with your customers and the techs in case any scenario should cause you to be late. Showing up to a job too early can be a problem, as your client will be preparing for a tech to arrive at a specific time. If you arrive too early, the client may be caught unprepared or not even at the job site. Leave Out Details When Communicating Whether in person, over the phone, or through email, you never want to leave details concerning the job. Being vague or leaving out specific issues can give the client the impression that you don’t have an attention to detail or that you can’t be trusted. To build trust with your client, be sure to include them in your plans and leave no guesswork, providing detailed information. Forgetting to Be Specific With Your Estimates and Invoices Attention to detail should also be carried over when you’re writing up estimates and invoices. Itemizing and allocating costs for separate categories or specific needs will help the client better understand your reasoning for the total charge. The transparency you create by doing this is invaluable for customer satisfaction and retention. Have a Complicated or Limited Payment System With contactless and digital payments becoming more popular, customers want to have options when paying their invoices. Thanks to online payment portals, portable card scanners, mobile payment technology, and mobile invoice app software, setting up a variety of payment options has never been easier. Some customers feel more secure knowing that a credit card policy protects them, and others will want to use whichever payment method they think is the most hassle-free. Regardless, giving your client payment choices will improve their overall satisfaction and ultimately help get that money in your pocket faster. Fail to Communicate Regularly Communication, again? Yes! It is that important! If you are sensing an overall theme here, it’s because communication is such an essential part of every step when working with a client. It must be a massive part of your customer retention plan after a job has ended. You’ve likely collected email addresses and phone numbers from past clients and anyone who’s reached out about potential work. Keep this information organized and regularly follow-up with customers about future needs. You also want to be sure that your contact information is readily available. Organized information makes it easy for clients to reach out to you about work inquiries, strengthens your brand’s reputation, and helps foster a relationship with your local community. When you sign up for a FREE InvoiceASAP account, you can avoid many of these major small business mistakes. Our invoicing and accounting platform allows you to create professional invoices, keep detailed records and notes of every client while helping you manage jobs, locations, and team members working in the field.

business owner negotiating with woman to make a deal

How to Be a Powerful Negotiator as a Small Business Owner

The best way to grow your business is to secure more jobs, but there’s a huge element to success beyond the actual labor itself. Your research, communication, and negotiation skills are crucial for your small business to thrive in a competitive market. Here are some top steps you can take to become a more powerful negotiator to secure more money for your work. Research Your Local Competition The first step to becoming a better negotiator happens before the negotiation begins, and it’s all about being an expert on the local competition. When a potential customer reaches out to you, you’re probably not the only person they’re contacting. Chances are they’re talking to other similar businesses in the area to determine the work they can get for the right price. With search engines and business websites at your fingertips, you’ll want to regularly check to make sure your pricing and packaging is attractive. When you’ve got this knowledge at your disposal, you’re able to present yourself as the best possible choice while negotiating and give your client confidence that they are making the right choice. Be More Than Just Your Services When you’re prepping for a job interview, you’re told to make a great first impression. The same is true when you’re talking about a future job with a client. So what are the best ways to make a strong first impression? Be personable. When you take the time to learn who the customer is, what their needs are, and create a genuine connection, your relationship-building efforts will give the client a very positive image of you and your business. Focus on Creating Win-Win Situations The ultimate goal of negotiating as a small business is to create a win-win situation, but don’t forget about yourself in that equation. You always want to create positive outcomes for your customers, but not at the expense of your work and profits. Never undervalue yourself. Know when it’s okay to walk away from a job. Some projects won’t be a good fit, and part of being an expert negotiator is knowing when to say no to a job that’s not worth your time and labor. Negotiate Services Rather Than Cost One steadfast rule for being a more powerful negotiator is always emphasizing the services you’re providing over the cost. Know what your floor price / minimum profit margin can be, and don’t break that number. Instead, negotiate how you might adjust your services and materials to bring down costs for a client without sacrificing your earnings. It’s imperative to listen to the needs of your clients. What are the client’s expectations while the job is in progress, and what will the finished product be? If they aren’t sure themselves, you can highlight your expertise by asking lots of questions to get the details you need. Document Your Negotiation With an Estimate or Invoice Once you’ve asked all the questions you have, sorted out expectations and details for the project, and made that personable connection with your potential clients, the absolute best thing to do is to drive that momentum forward by immediately sending a detailed digital invoice. You can use InvoiceASAP’s invoicing app and accounting software to document notes about the job and quickly send all of the details through email or text. It will help the customer see your professionalism and your precise plan of action, but it also acts as a receipt of your conversation to help you land the job and secure the best profit possible. Sign up for a FREE InvoiceASAP account today to get started!

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4 Important Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Accounting Software

When you add up all the time you spend sorting through paperwork, compiling data into spreadsheets, and importing inventory receipts, the idea of bringing on additional tools may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, the right accounting software will save you time, money and resources while better enabling you to grow your business. But how do you choose among the many accounting platforms available and determine which is right for you? Read on to learn how to decide what type of accounting and invoicing software is the most compatible with your business. Doing Your Research As you research accounting software options, you’ll want to look at a few big-picture functions before diving into the smaller details and features. Your primary goal should be to see if the software supports your type and size of business, the number of employees you have, and the size of your client-base and/or inventory. After your initial evaluation, here’s what else you should consider: How Do I Balance Functionality vs. Cost? First, you should consider whether you’d be paying for more software features and elements than you’ll actually use. If a program designed for a larger business has lots of detailed features you don’t need, move on to a more streamlined program that meets your needs without going over budget. Next, you’ll want to look at the specific features and tools offered. If your invoicing and financial software needs are more complex, pay attention to how the program will be able to organize your books, payments and contract data. Be sure to take advantage of any free trials or limited feature options so you can evaluate a solution by actually using it. Once you’ve tested out a certain platform and see how it works, you can choose whether you’d like to add on additional features or upgrade to a plan within your budget’s price point. If you have an established business and understand your accounting needs, there’s no reason to pay for features you will simply never need. Is It Compatible With Your Existing Software? Another deciding factor is the ability to sync to existing resources or databases. Many businesses and accountants rely on QuickBooks and don’t necessarily want to start from scratch with a whole new platform. InvoiceASAP’s accounting software syncs directly with QuickBooks, to reinforce and streamline what’s already working for your business. Another consideration is mobile payment apps. For instance, if you’re offering remote payments from the Clover app, you might want compatible accounting software that keeps track of all those transactions in one place. Does It Offer Enough Flexibility? There is a wide range of features and tools at your disposal when using accounting software, and you’ll want to evaluate the type of reports, analysis, and data management system you need. While a small plumbing or landscaping business that works directly with homeowners may focus more on invoicing software and customer management reports, a large beer and wine company focused on selling products may be more interested in software that can create inventory reports and smart budgeting guides. Overall, you’ll want to choose a program with the ability to meet the specific needs of your business today while giving you some flexibility to adapt to meaningful future changes. If you’re not completely sure which types of accounting software features would be best, don’t hesitate to reach out to a company’s customer service team or sign-up for a free trial. Can You Use It On-the-Go? Given the ubiquity of mobile apps and wireless internet, you’ll want to choose accounting software that travels with you in the field. This can be especially useful if you have multiple techs or other professionals updating invoices and payments offsite. You’ll want a program that can collect this information remotely and automatically update the information across your entire system. Having immediate digital invoicing when working with a client will also help you get paid faster and can offer a wider selection of payment options for your customers. When your software is able to track this information, you easily get an overall look at your contracts, invoices and payments in real-time. Powerful Accounting and Invoicing Software from InvoiceASAP The amount of money you’re looking to spend on accounting software is obviously a very important factor when making your decision. You shouldn’t commit to an additional monthly-cost without first considering your budget. InvoiceASAP offers a FREE basic account to help you see if this platform works for your business. And, when you agree to accept electronic payments, you get automatically upgraded to a Premium account for free, Overall, we also offer some of the lowest monthly rates compared to our competitors. Learn more about InvoiceASAP today