As tree service pros, we spend a lot of time thinking about equipment, safety gear, and climbing techniques. But there’s one tool that’s more powerful than any chainsaw or chipper – great customer service. Today, let’s talk about why making your customers happy isn’t just good business – it’s your secret weapon for growth.
Think about the last time you needed work done on your own home. Maybe it was a plumber or an electrician. If they did an amazing job and treated you well, what did you do? You probably told your friends and family about them. That’s exactly what happens when you wow your tree service customers.
You don’t need fancy tricks to deliver great service. Here are some easy wins that make a huge difference:
Remember, when someone’s calling about a tree, they might be worried about something dangerous. Every time your phone rings, there’s a person on the other end who needs help. If you can’t answer right away, try to call back within an hour. Even a quick text saying “In a tree right now, will call you at 3 PM” shows you care.
Being on time is like magic in the service business. If you say you’ll be there Tuesday at 9 AM, be there Tuesday at 9 AM. If you’re running late because a job went long (hey, it happens!), just let the customer know. People understand delays – they just hate being left in the dark.
Your customers might not know much about trees, but they sure know how to appreciate a good before-and-after photo! Take pictures from the same spot before and after your work. It’s like showing them a mini-movie of the transformation you created. Plus, with permission, these pictures make great social media posts.
Nothing makes customers happier than seeing their yard cleaner than when you started. Bring a leaf blower and take that extra 15 minutes to make everything spotless. One tree service owner told me he even brings a rake with soft plastic tines to clean up without damaging flower beds. His customers love it!
When you make customers happy, amazing things start happening:
Happy customers are like having dozens of salespeople who work for free. They tell their neighbors, share your business cards, and post about you on Facebook. One happy customer can bring you thousands of dollars in new business.
Trees need regular care, just like cars need oil changes. When customers trust you, they’ll call you back for pruning, maintenance, and new projects. It’s way easier (and cheaper) to keep existing customers than find new ones.
Here’s something interesting: when customers really trust you, they often stop getting multiple bids for every job. They know you’ll treat them fairly and do great work. That means you don’t have to be the cheapest option – you just have to be the most trusted one.
Great service isn’t complicated, but it needs to be consistent. Try these tips:
– Start each morning by checking your messages and emails. Return them all before lunch.
– Keep some business cards in your truck to give to curious neighbors who watch you work.
– Take 5 minutes after each job to walk the property with the customer and make sure they’re happy.
– Follow up a week after big jobs with a quick call to check if they have any questions.
Let’s talk about something that might surprise you – being super nice to customers actually makes you more money in the long run. Here’s why:
– Referrals are free advertising. You don’t pay a penny when happy customers tell their friends about you.
– Good reviews bring in better customers. People who find you through great reviews tend to care more about quality than price.
– Repeat customers save you money. You don’t have to drive out and bid on their jobs – they just call and trust you to be fair.
Here’s a challenge for this week:
The best part about focusing on customer service is that it doesn’t cost much money. You don’t need expensive software or fancy equipment. You just need to treat people the way you’d want to be treated if it was your trees and your yard.
Remember, in the tree business, trust grows like a mighty oak – slowly but surely. Every positive interaction with a customer is like adding another ring to that tree. Before you know it, you’ll have built something strong and lasting.
Have you tried any special ways to make your customers happy? What works best for your business? Share your thoughts and maybe we can all learn some new tricks to grow our businesses together!
VicTree Websites 2024 | All Rights Reserved.