Autumn can hit hard and fast. Boilers pack up, homeowners suddenly remember the half-finished jobs they’ve been putting off, and others want to race to get projects wrapped up before the bad weather sets in. Before you know it, you’re fielding calls left, right and centre! That’s a good thing, but without some proper planning, it can also feel like you’re constantly chasing your tail. That’s why good time management for tradespeople is so important right now. With a bit of prep, you can keep customers happy, suppliers on side, and yourself sane.
Lay the Foundations: Get Suppliers and Stock Sorted
You wouldn’t start a job without the right kit, and the same goes for the season ahead. Autumn often brings delays, whether due to materials being in short supply or suppliers being overstretched with demand. The last thing you want is to tell a customer their new boiler or roofing materials are “on the way” when you’ve no idea if they’ll show up.
So, book material orders in early and think about stocking up on the parts you use most. A small buffer can save you hours on the road and a fair bit of hassle. A bit of groundwork here buys you a lot of breathing space later.
Action Tip: If you use Xero, switch on the “tracked inventory” feature for your most common parts. It lets you see stock levels, average costs, and what’s on hand without needing a separate spreadsheet. For bigger jobs, this gives you a quick snapshot of what you’ve got before placing orders. If you want more help setting this feature up, let us know. We’re Xero specialists!
Keep the Job Site Tidy: Organise Your Diary and Enquiries
When the phone doesn’t stop ringing and the emails keep piling in, it’s easy to lose track. One missed call could be the difference between winning a new customer or them giving the job to someone else. This is where time management for tradespeople really pays off.
Set aside a little time each day to handle new enquiries and chase up quotes. A five-minute callback today could save you from losing a full day’s job tomorrow. And don’t overpromise. Be realistic about your schedule, even if that means telling a customer you can’t get there for a week. People usually prefer honesty over false hope. And most clients know that any tradesperson who works well usually has a wait list.
A tidy diary also helps with the dreaded overrun. Jobs always seem to take longer than you think, so build in some wriggle room. That way, when a radiator leak turns into a full pipe replacement, you’re not left trying to be in two places at once. Think of your diary like a toolbox; if it’s well organised, everything runs smoothly.
Action Tip: If you use Xero, link it with a scheduling app like Tradify or ServiceM8. It means when you book a job, the invoice is ready to go straight after, saving you hours of admin at the end of the week.
Sharpen Your Tools: Kit, Vans and Extra Hands
Autumn puts extra strain not just on you, but also on your gear. A van breakdown in the middle of a busy spell is the last thing you need, so book in that service before things get hectic. The same goes for tools. Check batteries, blades and spares. Keeping a spare drill or extra blades in the van can save you the hassle of downing tools and rushing to the merchant halfway through a job.
If you know the workload will be more than you can handle, think ahead about extra help. Subcontractors or seasonal labour can take the edge off. The key is not to wait until you’re drowning in work to start making calls. Line up a few reliable contacts now so you can call on them when things ramp up.
Action Tip: Keep a contact list (something as simple as a WhatsApp group) of trusted subcontractors you can call on. This way, you won’t be scrambling when the diary fills up.
Build on Solid Ground with Time Management for Tradespeople
Autumn can be one of the best seasons for trades, but only if you’re ready for the rush. A bit of planning with suppliers, keeping your diary organised, and ensuring your kit is in top shape will save you a lot of headaches. Good time management for tradespeople doesn’t just make life easier; it helps you deliver better service and keep the work flowing.
And while you’re busy getting everyone else sorted this autumn, don’t forget about your own business. Staying on top of your books is just as important as staying on top of your time. We can help you there with straightforward, no-jargon bookkeeping. So, you can spend less time on paperwork and more time on the jobs that pay. Get in touch today to see how we can help keep your business running smoothly.