Storm clean-up

[1savagehunter]

Just a few questions for you all! We had a nasty little storm blow through our neck of the woods. Trees down all over. Do you guy's with experience in storm work go door to door or is there a specific method to do this type of work best. I'm sure my phone will start ringing like crazy in the AM but am trying to come up with a plan to maximize the work opportunity. I'm thinking that the best is to try to grab a bunch of smaller jobs as opposed to getting tied up on a large job. Next question is do you tend to charge more to new clients in this type of situation. I am thinking of just charging my regular rate and going really hard but don't want to be an idiot and miss out if larger billing is reasonable during this type of situation. Any help would be most appriciated.

 

[treeseer]

is there a specific method to do this type of work best. I am trying to come up with a plan to maximize the work opportunity.

1. To build a longterm customer base, sell tree repair instead of removal whenever possible. Many storm-damaged trees can be restored over time.

2. Learn about insurance policies and claims. Many bad decisions made, many opportunities lost when folks do not read their policies or don't even talk to their agent.

 

[1savagehunter]

thanks for the thought ... I TOTALLY agree with the tree repair vs. removal.

 

[ozarktreeman]

as far as lacking up your rates you dont want to be remembered for doing that when people need help.dont shoot yourself in the foot but dont go broke niether.
as far as door knocking if you dont get no calls knock away offering your service.
been working ice storm damage in my area since feb,just cant keep up.

good luck!

 

[pdqdl]

1. Hit the streets running, making sure that the phone gets answered by a live person, with someone to give them a price ASAP. "Sold and scheduled" is much more important to get lined up than getting the truck headed to the fattest neighborhood first. When answering a call for a bid, feel free to knock on a couple doors nearby and leave a card, especially if the homeowner is outside looking at their mess.
2. As mentioned above, take care of the emergencies first, but take the time to sell quality work at a reasonable price.
3. Set a schedule with every sale. Tell them when you will be there, and take the time to remind them occasionally that you are still coming.
4. If there is a heavy work load, book yourself no more than 75% full time. This will give you some time to add smaller side jobs "while in the neighborhood", and still leave time to honor your commitments. Not much hurts your reputation (and your wallet) more than loosing sales due to broken promises.
5. NEVER gouge the customer, just because they are willing to let you. It isn't always stormy, and the customers will remember.
6. If they DESPERATELY need emergency service, I am not above asking them to pay extra for overtime or urgent service. Then I can afford to negotiate with other more patient customers for a reduced price or other concessions so that they will release us from showing up when expected.

I will always advise my customers that they need not make a decision right now, that they are welcome to compare prices to other vendors. I let them know that we can squeeze them into the schedule XX days after they call us. Then the gouge artists and the storm chasers come into the neighborhood; they generally call me and ask when we can start.

I have a very high closing percentage for my sales bids, and not always because I am the cheapest. Rarely, I am the highest bid, and they still pick our company!

 

[southsoundtree]

factor in overtime costs. Increased costs of doing business, as you are more likely to damage something or lose something because you are tired.

A lot of storm damage is higher risk, so you need to charge more for taking that risk.

Get signed contracts before the work stating that the homeowner is responsible for payment and when it will be paid. If you are billing the insurance, talk to the agent, and get it in writing before working.

Find out if there will be a municipal dump site or curbside pick-up.

Don't tell the customer what should or shouldn't be covered.

All else being equal, work close to your shop. Try to get a lot of the jobs locked up close to home. Don't waste time traveling all over. Go talk to the neighbors. Ask customers to refer you to their neighbors/ friends/ family and ask if there is anyone that they know that you should go see.

Often the debris disposal on insurance claims tops out at $500.

If you are working long hours make extra sure to take care of the crew. Have food and drinks delivered to the jobsite. Fuel up the crew. Make sure to keep lots of water/ gatorade on hand.

 

[Rftreeman]

1. To build a longterm customer base, sell tree repair instead of removal whenever possible. Many storm-damaged trees can be restored over time.

2. Learn about insurance policies and claims. Many bad decisions made, many opportunities lost when folks do not read their policies or don't even talk to their agent.

Agreed, but be careful not to push away a potential new client by trying to sell what they don't want, try to sell the repair service but if they insist on removal then that's what they expect and should get. It's like when you go to buy a car and the salesman keeps trying to sell you car B over car A because it get better gas mileage and better for the environment but you want car A because it's big and bad, you'll soon walk and so we they.