starting out on my own

[gpm86]

hiya im trying to start my own plumbing business ive been a plumber for 8 years ,and was just wondering what is the best way to get my name out there and get work ?and what has worked best for you? ive made up a thousand flyers for a start! ...thanks

 

[PlumbBobBob]

you'd best get your walking boots on and deliver those flyers for a start. although from personal experience from those 1000 you will get about 5-10 jobs.

 

[midge]

It depends on what work you are targeting. If high end bathrooms, don't bother wasting your leaflets in the local council houses etc. Personal recommendations are the way to go, it can snowball but expect a quiet time for a long time. Visit local factory's/industrial units, many are happy to display a flyer on the staff notice board. That worked quite well for me.

I expect during those 8 years of working for someone else you will have a good idea of where the work is and pricing etc. All the best with your new venture by the way.

 

[Paulus]

Try not to deliver your flyers willy-nilly. I targetted properties that were about 15 -25 years old, they will probably all have gold taps etc which are now deemed old fashioned and want a more modern chrome look.

You only need a few customers to start with, provided your prices are reasonable, you are nice to the customers, they can see that you work hard and clean up after yourself. Word will soon get around.

I always offer to look at all aspects of plumbing whilst at a customers house for free, taps , rads, connections etc. It's great PR and other work can come from it.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

good advice paulus

 

[gpm86]

thanks for the advice one and all! good help ill giv it ago and see wer it takes me hopefully be a millionaire in 5 years LOL!!

 

[PlumbBobBob]

probably be nearer 6 i would say

 

[gpm86]

haha ah 6 i wish lol

 

[Paulus]

thanks for the advice one and all! good help ill giv it ago and see wer it takes me hopefully be a millionaire in 5 years LOL!!

Your in the wrong job to become a millionaire unless you do something on the side or intend to work in Italy if they go back to the lire.

 

[desperatedan87]

Good luck mate

 

[baronwills]

I started on my own and delivering flyers was a good start. As said above, target your area's carefully and you will need more than 1000.
I put an offer at the bottom of mine for a discounted boiler service which worked, i think people would rather have you round for a small job to begin with and when you turn up, make sure you are on time, explain to the customer what you are doing, be polite and friendly, then when the boiler packs up or they want a new bathroom, you will be the man they call.
And dont expect the phone to be ringing off the hook straight away. I'm getting calls on the back of flyers i delivered 6-7 months ago.
Hope this helps. good luck.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

it takes time to get established some say up to three years you've just got to hang in there and it will come right in the end.