Top ten list..starting up new inspection business

[dmcauley]

Thanks Robert. I like your idea and use a variation of it. I contact Realtors, bankers, mortgage people to set up appointment at a later time and tell them I will keep them no longer than 20 minutes. I stick to that time frame, if they want to further discuss my services, I set aside time for him/her in my schedule for the day.

Again the best of luck to you!

[Robert M. Delre]

Originally Posted by dmcauley

Thanks Robert. I like your idea and use a variation of it. I contact Realtors, bankers, mortgage people to set up appointment at a later time and tell them I will keep them no longer than 20 minutes. I stick to that time frame, if they want to further discuss my services, I set aside time for him/her in my schedule for the day.

Again the best of luck to you!

I was wondering something...what is your method for getting some type of commitment from your first meeting? What carrot do you dangle in other words? I always with new potential customers that have the ability to "feed me work" instead of me searching it out (and as in the "God Father"), make them an offer they can't refuse to get in!

I would never dismiss the idea of offering a free inspection. In my finish carpentry construction business, I have offered and done many model homes for no charge, and also have reaped the benefits after I was able to demonstrate my expertise.

This is also a good way of "no-real-out-of-pocket-cost" marketing. Yes time is money, but I don't need money to market myself this way. At least not as much. Like I said...provide an offer they can't refuse if need be. Getting a commitment is my goal when meeting someone. Some will say "work for free" you're nuts!

Think of it this way...pulling a number out of the air for the price of an inspection...say 300. Okay, so you don't collect that $300 for the free inspection. But now divide that $300 from the repeat inspections from that same client because, you have demonstrated your expertise as a HI and also as a man of character and hunger, and after a small amount of time, that $300 truly becomes pennies.

I am just starting up also...but I guarantee you this will be part of my arsenal as it was in the past.

Of course my current business will be in force until I feel I can comfortably make the full transition.

Bob

[Erby Crofutt]

With that attitude and patience, perseverance, and hard work, you can't lose!

[Robert M. Delre]

Thanks Erby! I have much to learn and I will. Nich has done so much with this site. The success pages are packed with a wealth of information I am finding out. You are right though....with the right attitude and desire which makes up the rest you mentioned, I won't lose.

Thanks for the encouragement! That does help to keep someones motivation up.
Bob

[dmcauley]

I don't use any sort of "magic", but would at times like to take the Godfather approach. I tell them how I can help them meet their goals and objectives utilizing my services. I inform them that I relay information about the house in a non-scary way, which can kill a deal if you alarm the client. In addition, If I am talking with the owner or top broker of the agency, I offer them a great deal on a Deluxe inspection, which is only good for a client one time so I can earn their confidence. I normally tell them, "If you loan me 1% of your confidence, I'll earn the other 99%. The third thing I tell them is I look at the inspection not only as a way to check the house over, but to also be an educator on the clients house. Informing them about conditions, if any, how to maintain the home so it will last, and what will happen if the issues are not corrected. My success rate is about average with Realtors on presentations. I get more inspections from referral from new Realtors after they have seen my work. Additionally, I get about 35% of my business from referrals of past clients too.

During the presentation I show them the binder of information I give to the client. It's all about the client, as that is who I work for. Seems to open their eyes a little when they see what I do for their client for no extra charge.

Great attitude, honesty, professionalism, and good communication skills can get more business than people who do not have those skills.

[Mathew Hawley]

Robert,

I think a slow market is the best time to market and get your name out there. Market hard to Realtors, there are many good real estate agents who truely want the best for their clients.

You can slowly build relationships now and when things pick up you will be have plenty of work.

I worked for another home inspection company just before the Florida market slow down. Things were so slow that the owner had to lay off a couple of us. I opened my own business and within a 3 - 4 months I have been very busy and already have a part time inspector in training. I know when the market picks up again....and it will, that I will have more work than I can handle.

It's all about marketing. A great ranking website has been by far my best source of business. Go for it with the end in sight and you will do well, even in a slow market.

[Russel Ray]

If one forgot to market during the good times, it will be more difficult to market during the tough times. However, it is never too late. Start now!

[jmichalski]

Originally Posted by Robert M. Delre

Thanks jmichalski for your insight. Great job out lining it for me. I am pretty good at marketing myself. I have been in business for 20+ years and know it takes time and persistance to obtain a foothold with someone who "feeds" you work. I am very persistant. Networking is a great thing. I'll be writing you for more info if that is okay?
Bob

Of course it is ok - I like to help guys who are where I once was.

[Darren Spencer]

Originally Posted by gromicko

Darren, Anti-Trust laws (and our attorneys) prevent me from ever mentioning pricing. Sorry.

Anyone have a fee structure set up for these?

[Robert M. Delre]

I just want to thank everyone for all the encouraging words. Also, I just want to say that compared to other message boards I visited, and the petty arguing that takes place has no place in a professional conversation. It has turned me off.

These other organizations, to me, demonstrate the lack of professionalism and meaningful purpose. It didn't take me long to see the true "character" of many of these guys.

This one is for you Russell Ray...why waste your time to even defend that crap I saw written about you. I saw in you and others on here a helpful concern for others.

I like to take the position that my character is a non-apologetic one. I refuse to engage in the tearing down of someone just because I have a difference of opinion. What is morally right is morally right.

Here is an email I sent to Nick...please excuse my typo's

Nick,
The thing I like the most above and beyond everything else (and I have a list) about InterNACHI is, it doesn't block a mans God given right to work. I don't see this with the other national recognized organizations I have researched.
If a person has enough knowledge to pass any qualified exam for any organization, and keeps up with all of the requirements, (and from what I have seen aren't too different between organizations), I don't care how someone obtained their knowledge, because he obviously has it. No one should ever be penalized for their "living life" knowledge that came from blood, sweat and tears. Sorry if that was a mouthful.
Incorporated requirements for "chaperoned" inspections to "advance" in some of these other organizations, with one of "their" certified HI's, who may or may not have scored lower on their yearly mandatory test than me, if foolishness. Not to mention that it completely inhibits me using one of my tools for marketing...the certification. Which I believe (and it is only my opinion), is one of their hidden objectives.
It seems like another "stranglehold" to "prison" someone in. I have a right to work no matter where my experience comes from. If you are a good HI, you will succeed, if you are a bad one, you will fail. To me it is that simple. Show me some stats on HI's going under with these other organizations compared to yours is what I want to ask them. Heck, you will probably be able to send another link. You seem to have one for everything!
I will be proud to join InterNACHI. Ethically bound...my first choice.

Sincerely,
Robert M. Del Re "end"

I am always on the look out for the "if you do this for me, then and only then will I do this for you mentality".

I used to believe years ago that respect is earned as most America believes. I now believe that respect should "always" be "given" to "anyone".

I don't have to respect thier bad attitudes or behaviors, but I still will "give" them my respect in order to keep intact my own self-respect.

Again, Thanks everyone! Bob

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by Robert M. Delre

This one is for you Russell Ray...why waste your time to even defend that crap I saw written about you. I saw in you and others on here a helpful concern for others.

It just helps me prepare for such people when I meet them in person. 'Tis nothin'.