6 tips for managing the pre-sales process for remodelers

Going from small timer to industry tycoon during the COVID-19 pandemic seems anything but possible, right? Well, think again if you’re a remodeler or hybrid contractor.

Now is the best time to take your remodeling business to the next level. With families spending more time at home than ever, they are looking to turn their homes into social distancing paradises. And some projects are just too big to DIY.

That’s where you come in. When it comes to remodeling projects, many clients come from quality leads. But the key to transform leads into actual customers is in the way you manage the presales process.

How do you contact your leads? Is it email blasts? Phone calls? Text messages? How do you keep track of your leads and who you have contacted and their responses?

All of these questions are important, but they too often get the backseat in your business. After all, it can be difficult to keep up with sales when you’re focusing on getting your current remodeling projects done. But without future projects, your business can’t survive.

Don’t worry, we’ve got the know-how to help you not only survive but thrive. Try these six tips for managing the pre-sale process during the this trying time and for all the better days ahead.

1) Be the first contact

We’ve all heard that first impressions are everything. Well, in the remodeling game, it’s actually the first first impression that really matters.

Studies have shown that clients are more likely to hire the initial remodeling company that contacts them. Sure, those homeowners still do their homework and get a few estimates alongside some additional research. Even then, they are more likely to come back to the first company.

Some clients don’t even take the time to look for other prospects, especially if they are in a hurry to get the project underway. It’s simple: Waiting is the wrong choice here.

2) Use automated email response

What’s the most important email you’ll ever send?

Maybe it’s one you don’t even technically send. One way to ensure that you are the first contact for a lead is by setting up automated email responses on your website. This simple move could be the difference between losing and winning a life-changing job.

When any potential client enters their email and contact info, an automatic email can be sent back to their address immediately. And the prompter, the better. Quick, immediate responses are seen as a positive quality that many customers look for in a business. Go a step further and be ready to respond personally as soon as possible after the client replies back, too.

3) Be persistent

Persistence and patience are good for more than just making it through really, really long lines.

One email or phone call is not always enough to ensure that a lead becomes a customer. But you’re no quitter. So, unless you get an absolute no from a potential client, follow up, try again.

With a little persistence, you can make sure your business is on the forefront of their mind when they decide to start that dream remodeling project. Just be sure to avoid hassling. Accept that a no is a no to preserve your business reputation.

4) Have a goal in mind for calling leads

When to comes to construction sales, there can be too much of a good thing. That’s why it’s important to set some goals before you make a call to a potential client. You just need to get the sales process started in that first call – you don’t always have to close the deal.

By making a plan, you have a better chance of turning your call into results. Introduce yourself, generate interest and then set expectations for next steps, such as scheduling an in-person consultation.

That’s it! Just those three things – all taking no more than a few minutes – can be enough to make your presence known without overwhelming.

5) Evaluate leads

Time is money – so make sure you’re not wasting it chasing someone who will never commit.

Not every homeowner is right for your business. If the lead is asking for something way out of your usual service range, has a budget that is far above or below your usual project budget or wants a project done that is beyond your range of knowledge, this may not be the best prospect.

Make the time to save time by weeding out unfit leads before pursuing them. Your stress levels will thank you for it.

6) Use pre-sales construction software for remodelers

Magic? Is it real?

Well, obviously, no but we know the next best thing – tech tools!

Like a spell straight from “Harry Potter”, Buildertrend construction remodeling software streamlines and simplifies everything almost instantly. It’s full suite of features makes managing the pre-sales process easier than easy with functionalities that also help you tackle current projects, budgeting and more.

Right from a mobile app on your phone, you can send remodeling estimates, manage sales leads, coordinate schedules and more. Even better, you can give clients access to the pre-sales software so they can view the status of their home renovation, make payments and keep up on top of scheduling. Sounds pretty magical to us.

Buildertrend can help you turn more leads into projects

Effort. Attitude. Give a sh*t.

That’s the mantra that fuels our very own sales team’s drive at Buildertrend. But we know getting the job done goes beyond affirming sayings.

Home remodeling companies can grow their business from a blip to a boom with Buildertrend pre-sales construction software. We designed our powerful platform specifically with construction professionals in mind, gathering feedback from actual remodeling companies about what they need and how to make the system better and more user-friendly.

Schedule a demo with us now to learn how Buildertrend can help skyrocket your pre-sales to industry tycoon levels.