5 things that successful tradespeople have in common

Whether you’re a builder, a plumber, an electrician, or a millwright, the chances are that you are always looking for ways to take your career or your small business to the next level. It can be tough to compete in these challenging times, so we thought we’d round up some of the common traits that the most successful tradespeople have in common. Follow these, and you’ll soon be finding new clients, winning more projects, and generating more revenue… 

Clear on costs

Good tradespeople always provide a breakdown of their services, so that the customer can know exactly what work is being undertaken and what costs what. It’s also vital that you’re fair and transparent with your pricing – according to AXA, 82% of consumers say that price is the decisive factor in trusting a tradesperson, so only charge what’s fair. You can improve the relationship between tradie and client even more by using a tradesmen payments service. 

Well presented

As a tradesperson, it’s easy to assume that you don’t need to put any effort into your appearance – but it’s vital that you’re professional at all times. Make sure your van, uniform, and business cards look the part, and it’ll help you build trust with the customer. And the same goes for the presentation of the finished job – carry a vacuum cleaner with you to clear any mess you leave, and always ensure you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition. According to one report, 72% of customers trust tradesmen who clean up after themselves.

Fully-insured

Looking after yourself and your customers also means taking out the right insurance policy for your business. According to AXA, half of customers are suspicious of tradespeople who don’t have public liability insurance in place, but taking out an insurance plan is about much more than public image. It can protect you against future claims and ensure you’re covered.

Members of a professional body

Although not essential, many successful tradespeople choose to subscribe to an industry body membership, as it adds to your credibility and demonstrates your commitment to your craft. There are social and marketing benefits to subscribing to networks, so look into them.

Don’t ask for cash

Finally, professional tradespeople don’t ask for cash. An AXA report says two-thirds of homeowners don’t trust tradies who do so. Communicate your payment methods clearly before you start work on a project, and if you’re asking for cash, let them know why. It might be that you’re trying to avoid transaction fees or you’re using the funds to pay for supplies.

Let us know if you have any other recommendations in the comments and check back to our website soon for more advice for tradespeople and those working in the construction sector.