Had enough mince pies? Then do some housekeeping, urges Quickslide’s Ade
The holidays are almost upon us when we will eat drink and be merry and then….sit around whilst Auntie Gladys and Uncle Fred fall asleep in front of The Great Escape…(why is that a Christmas movie?!)
We all need a few days off but if you’re like me, boredom soon kicks in, so here are some tips on how you can use that down time to set yourself up for the New Year and hit the ground running. Specifically, what can you do so your window and door experience is the best it could be for 2025?
Supplier review….
Have your existing suppliers done a good job in 2024? And shouldn’t you just have a look around anyway to see who is doing what out there? There is a large number of excellent window and door fabricators but there is a gulf between those at the top and the mediocre (and awful) others. How did your present door and window suppliers perform during the past year? Ask these three basic questions:
- Were lead times met?
- Did product quality meet your standards?
- How responsive was customer support?
A good supplier is a partner in your success, not just a place to buy from. Maybe it’s time to shop around, explore new partnerships, or renew and strengthen your existing ones. This will set you up to deliver the best for your customers in 2025.
And don’t be held back by perceived geographical problems either. As an example, at Quickslide we have our own large fleet that delivers to every corner of mainland UK. Usually quicker than local frame makers too!
Product Review…
Check out the market, sense the trends and by doing so, you can be ready to say ‘yes!’ to Mr and Mrs Jones or, better still, offer them something even better. British homeowners love to be the first in the street with new twists such as colours and styles and garden doors and they will thank you for your advice.
Here’s some key things to look for:
Energy efficiency: With rising energy costs, are you offering the best thermally efficient products?
Aesthetics: Styles and finishes can change – do your customers still want anthracite grey, or are they moving towards a more classic look like Agate Grey? Or what about bespoke finishes to match a Farrow and Ball kitchen?
Innovation: What new systems, such as smart window technologies or advanced glazing solutions, could give you a competitive edge? Smart solutions (all our PVCu casements are Kubu-built in sensors for security- ready) and eco-friendly options (our casements have recycled core materials in the profile).
Systems review…
How do you run your business day to day? There is a wealth of installer/contractor business management systems out there, many of which are perfect even for the smaller operator. Once mastered they can speed up your operations from lead to sign off and most importantly – payment! Many of these are operated on or linked to smart phones so you can update projects while on site or over a bacon roll, quote for work, buy materials and even take money.
Many suppliers nowadays (Quickslide included) offer a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool to repeat customers, to help them keep track of customer interactions, leads, and projects.
Too big a leap? At least use online pricing and ordering. You can’t be on site and behind a desk requesting quotes from your supplier at the same time! Get yourself setup with online pricing and ordering so you can provide your customers with faster service than a competing builder.
Lead Generation and marketing….
The holiday season is a great time to review your marketing strategy. Were you generating enough leads in 2024, let alone converting them? Consider these:
Social media presence: Is your company visible and engaging on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, where homeowners look for inspiration?
Website performance: Is your website working hard enough to attract leads? Maybe it’s time to optimise it for mobile (more than 50% of our website visitors are form a mobile platform) or update your SEO strategy to target new markets.
Email marketing: If you haven’t already, a simple email campaign during the festive season could be a great way to stay top of mind for your clients.
And if this all sounds like snake oil to you, then get the help of someone to help you (ask a young person!).
Warranties…
Now is the time to make sure all your warranty paperwork is in order, both for past jobs and future ones. Keeping a record of warranties not only protects your customers, but it also builds trust. Clear communication about warranties can be a selling point for new clients, as they’ll know you stand by the quality of your work.
Customer reviews…
Many customers, and often those better heeled, will scrutinise Trustpilot and others for the best people in their area, or after they have found and spoken to you. If you have confidence in your work, these are a godsend, Though warning! Some homeowner contributors can be a little crazy and even use it to get some money off (no! Surely not!!). But the cuckoos can usually be spotted and after all, you have the facility to answer every review (and you should!).
Positive reviews are free marketing! Make sure you ask satisfied customers to leave a review. You should do everything to ensure your customers are happy but now and again one will slip through. It’s crucial to respond professionally and constructively. Use this time to evaluate your reviews and address any unresolved issues. A bad review can sometimes be an opportunity to show off your exceptional customer service.
All done? Have a great year! And maybe that last mince pie…
For further information on Quickslide visit Window & Door Suppliers West Yorkshire | Sliding Sash Manufacturers.
