Is it possible to do domestic work only ?

[Sparx-66]

Hi Everyone, I've just joined & have a fundamental question - is it possible to survive doing domestic work only ? - I've launched a domestic only business just over a year ago, I have been actively canvassing since - High quality leaflets, Yell advert, Which trusted trader, full page advert in an established local magazine delivered to 19000 homes, fully signwritten van,& plenty of cold calling at businesses that are connected with the domestic market. I'm an NICEIC member & that is very prominently featured. The point is that despite all this only a trickle of work comes in & overall having paid out to all this commitment I've earnt significantly less than a part-time shelf-stacker at a supermarket. So is it just a question of time ?

 

[DuaneMHunt1976]

Take a look a this site. I put my address in and got more than 150 people in a 5 mile rad of my house.
http://www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk/Search

I got 43 within 5mile Rad and im in the middle of no where




Guess best thing to do, is to get a GROUP of Electricians around the UK to all Pop in to one BIG name and take areas. North Notts South Notts ETC have them maybe over lap a bit
and if on a big job can ask People around in the Group if they wanted in on the job to get it down quicker but will cost a bit.

Means you can have a FANCY web site, a NAME for the over all company

Bobbies Bits : Daves Electricians

So if Dave wanted to go solo he could, and Bobbies Bits can get another Electrician in the area.

Bobbies Bits : Sally Part Electrician

 

[Octopus]

1 year is nowhere long enough to get a new business from zero to earning a living........ you need to allow 2 to 4 years depending on the area, your competence, your ability to communicate with customers, to build up a network of "other trades".

I'm finding that web enquiries often means people "fishing" for the cheapest price.....

Sorry if this isn't too helpful.

EDIT: Why don't you post a link to your website?

 

[Sparx-66]

1 year is nowhere long enough to get a new business from zero to earning a living........ you need to allow 2 to 4 years depending on the area, your competence, your ability to communicate with customers, to build up a network of "other trades".

I'm finding that web enquiries often means people "fishing" for the cheapest price.....

Sorry if this isn't too helpful.

EDIT: Why don't you post a link to your website?

Your words are undoubtably true, from the stats i see that most visitors typically look at 3 or 4 out of the 8 pages the site has, so yes they probably are looking on that basis. But the website makes it very clear that a free - no obligation quote is available upon enquiry. You suggest that I post a link to my website - wouldn't this just undermine the business though given the nature of this enquiry, bearing in mind that this is a sparky's chat room & not a place that customers are looking ?

 

[DPG]

Why would posting your website undermine your business? Daz

 

[Octopus]

Your words are undoubtably true, from the stats i see that most visitors typically look at 3 or 4 out of the 8 pages the site has, so yes they probably are looking on that basis. But the website makes it very clear that a free - no obligation quote is available upon enquiry. You suggest that I post a link to my website - wouldn't this just undermine the business though given the nature of this enquiry, bearing in mind that this is a sparky's chat room & not a place that customers are looking ?

I think you are hoping for too much from your website... mine has a frame on each page which has my address, land line and mobile numbers. I know from talking to people that a lot of people look at my site before calling me.

Happy to take a look at your site if you want to pm me a link... rather than put it on here.

 

[Sparx-66]

Why would posting your website undermine your business? Daz

Because of potential gossip from other local competition, i.e not been going long, needs more work, etc. ?

 

[Octopus]

Because of potential gossip from other local competition, i.e not been going long, needs more work, etc. ?

I'm surrounded by sparks - most of them don't have websites... yet earn a living. The internet isn't on its own going to lay you a golden egg!

 

[Sparx-66]

Ok but how do i post a link thats not for general viewing ?

 

[Octopus]

Ok but how do i post a link thats not for general viewing ?

you can't and hence why I suggested you pm'ed me a link.

 

[Sparx-66]

sorry you'll have to forgive my ignorance but what is pm'ed a link?

 

[Octopus]

Private message.

If you click on a members name, you then get an option to send a private message. On the message include the url to your site...

 

[Sparx-66]

Ok thank you.

 

[Risteard]

I don't think you should be afraid of posting the link to the website for others to see/comment upon.

I can tell you that most tradesmen do not have a website - and those that do frequently have something which is never updated. So if you look after your website you are likely to be streets ahead of the competition. This doesn't mean that you will rank up on Google overnight. You won't.

But if you look after the content then the chances are that over time you will see more promising results which should make having a website worthwhile.

 

[Sparx-66]

I don't think you should be afraid of posting the link to the website for others to see/comment upon.

I can tell you that most tradesmen do not have a website - and those that do frequently have something which is never updated. So if you look after your website you are likely to be streets ahead of the competition. This doesn't mean that you will rank up on Google overnight. You won't.

But if you look after the content then the chances are that over time you will see more promising results which should make having a website worthwhile.

Thank-you for your comments

 

[captainkev]

When you do a job, always leave 2 or 3 cards with u your invoice, these will quickly make their way round to customers who are more likely to be more genuine than leaflet drops. You will be surprised how much work you get with this recommendation and eventually you will drop on the one contact which will give you regular work

 

[Midwest]

Personally, I think having a web site for 'providing a service' as opposed to offering a 'product' is hardly beneficial, certainly for a sole trader. I haven't a web site, so perhaps, not in a position to make comment, but as others have said, you will get most work, eventually by word of mouth. I pay for a small advert, in a local free leaflet and only get enough work, to pay for the advert!

In the meantime, do some subbying. It gives you experience, both as an electrician and as a business person. You can also pinch their ideas!

 

[Octopus]

It amazes me how many really scruffy individuals you come across in the wholesalers.... if you are going to concentrate on domestic "image" and first impressions count.

So logo'ed polo shirts, sweatshirts etc are a must IMHO

 

[Midwest]

It amazes me how many really scruffy individuals you come across in the wholesalers.... if you are going to concentrate on domestic "image" and first impressions count.

So logo'ed polo shirts, sweatshirts etc are a must IMHO

My logo'ed polos are normally covered in brick dust or plaster. Note to oneself, get somebody else to do the chasing and making good, and leave me to do the technical stuff

 

[Octopus]

My logo'ed polos are normally covered in brick dust or plaster. Note to oneself, get somebody else to do the chasing and making good, and leave me to do the technical stuff

As are mine quite often.... but thats still much better than some torn scruffy wear!

 

[Leesparkykent]

As are mine quite often.... but thats still much better than some torn scruffy wear!

keep a clean T-shirt in the van for looking at jobs on the way home after a day of chasing etc.