If you’re in the construction business, then you know that losing clients can be a real blow to your bottom line. Not only does it mean lost revenue, but it also means lost time and resources that you could have spent on other projects. Your reputation can also suffer if you’re known for losing clients. About 1 in 10 construction businesses close their doors each year, and many cite losing clients as one of the main reasons.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to avoid losing clients in your construction business. Here are some tips.
1. Stay organized and efficient.
One of the main reasons why clients decide to take their business elsewhere is because they feel like they’re not being treated as a priority. You want to always stay organized and efficient with your projects. Keep your workers on a tight schedule and ensure you’re frequently communicating with your clients about the status of their projects. They’ll be much less likely to look elsewhere if they feel like they’re always in the loop.
You’ll save money on materials and labor when you’re efficient. This can be a big selling point for clients looking to get the most bang for their buck. You can also pass these savings on to your clients through lower prices, which can help you win more business.
2. Don’t cut corners.
When trying to save money on a project, it can be tempting to cut corners where you can. But this is a huge mistake. Not only will your clients be able to tell if you’ve cut corners, but it could also lead to big problems later on. Once word gets out that you’re cutting corners, it’ll be hard to convince other potential clients to give you, their business.
Resist the temptation and do every job right, even if it means spending a little extra money upfront. If the project requires lifting heavy equipment, ensure you use high-quality products that meet all safety standards. You want to invest in durable rigging blocks and pulleys to avoid any accidents, as well as wire ropes and slings that can handle the load. You also want to ensure your workers are adequately trained to use them.
3. Offer competitive pricing.
Of course, pricing is one of the most important things about keeping clients. To keep your clients from going elsewhere, you must ensure that your prices are competitive with other businesses in your area. This doesn’t mean you have to charge rock-bottom prices—just ensure that your pricing is fair and in line with what others are charging for similar services.
You can also offer discounts for clients who book multiple projects or refer other clients to you. While you don’t want to give away your services for free, offering a fair discount can be a great way to show your clients that you appreciate their business. This can help you attract new business while keeping your existing clients happy.
4. Be available when they need you.
When clients have questions or concerns, they want to be able to reach someone quickly and easily. So, make sure that you or someone on your team is always available to answer questions or address concerns promptly. Clients who feel they can’t get a hold of anyone when they need them will quickly take their business elsewhere.
Although you can’t always be available 24/7, you should make sure someone is available during regular business hours to address any issues that may arise. You can also set up an after-hours voicemail or email address so clients can leave a message and know that someone will get back to them as soon as possible.
5. Get everything in writing.
Sometimes, clients may not be happy with the final product, even if you’ve done everything right. It’s essential to get everything in writing before starting a project to avoid any misunderstandings. This includes the scope of work, pricing, timelines, and other important details. This way, if there are any issues later on, you can refer back to the agreement and resolve the issue quickly.
This document can also protect you if a client decides to take legal action against you. For example, if a client claims you didn’t complete the work as agreed, you can refer to the contract and prove that you did everything you were supposed to do. Remember that you should always have a lawyer review any contracts before signing them.
Losing clients can be a real headache for any construction business owner—but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By following these tips, you can avoid losing clients and keep your business running smoothly for years to come. Always put your client’s needs first, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With a little effort, you can keep your business running strong.
