Building solid relationships with your clients is essential. Repeat business and referrals are the keys to success. So, in this article, we’ll share some tips on how to get repeat business as a tradesperson. Read on for all the details.

How to get repeat business as a tradesperson:

1: Kick things off with clear communication:

At Tradermate, we are proud that we’ve built a business on clear communication. We’re open and upfront, and we speak your language.

Jargon-free is how we bill ourselves because we build relationships on clear communication.

As a tradesperson, you can also ensure you and your client are on the same page.

• Set Expectations Early: Discuss the project timeline, costs, and scope of work in detail. Make sure the client knows what to expect every step of the way.
• Use Simple Language: Above all, avoid technical jargon that clients may not understand. Explain things in a way that is easy to follow so they feel informed and involved.
• Written Agreements: Deliver quotes in writing. A text message with final costs just won’t cut it. Ensure your quotes include a breakdown of costs, materials, labour, and extras. Xero, our favourite software solution, can help you produce professional, itemised quotes that your clients will appreciate.

2. Deliver top-notch service:

At the end of the day, it’s always the quality of your work that will help you get referrals and repeat work as a tradesperson. But people will also judge you on the things you do that make their lives easier. This is especially true if you’re working in people’s homes.

• Show up on time: We know your life is hectic, and sometimes you have to plan for the next job while working at your current job. But if you’re visiting a prospective client at the beginning or end of your workday, tell your current client in advance. It’s a small gesture, but it’s respectful, shows reliability and builds trust.
• Keeping things ship-shape: Cleaning up after your job or at the end of your workday (or training your crew to do this) might seem like a small thing, but it leaves a great final impression. No one wants to be left with a mess once the work is done.
• Be a fountain of knowledge: Offer advice on how your client can maintain the work you’ve completed. This adds value and shows you care about the long-term quality of your work.
• Stand Behind Your Work: Offering a warranty on your work reassures the client of the quality and longevity of your services. Knowing you’ll be there if any issues arise gives them peace of mind.

3. Keep calm and fix it

Everybody makes mistakes, and sometimes things go wrong on a job. How you handle them will set you apart from other contractors.

• Be Responsive: Respond quickly and professionally if a client brings up an issue. Ignoring or downplaying problems can damage trust.
• Offer Solutions: Rather than just pointing out what went wrong, offer a way to fix it. This shows you’re committed to solving the problem, not just shifting blame.

4. Don’t be a stranger

Your relationship with a client shouldn’t end when the job does. Following up after the project is a great way to secure future business.

• Check-In: Send a quick message or call a few weeks after the job to ask if everything is running smoothly.
• Offer Future Services: Send clients a letter or postcard on the anniversary that you completed their job and thank them again for choosing you. This is a low-cost, unobtrusive way of contacting them. You could even include an offer they could use or pass on.

To get repeat business as a tradesperson, you must be trustworthy, transparent, and deliver quality work. If you communicate well, turn up on time, and do the job well, your clients will come back to you and, perhaps more importantly, refer you to their friends!

Now you have all that repeat business, you might need help with your bookkeeping. That’s where we come in! Contact us HERE.