"Owain" wrote in message
...
David Lang wrote:
Anyone running a similar business who has any advice?

Not running a similar business, but: your most important tool is your
Henry. If you don't henry up properly after finishing a job you won't
get repeat business. And it costs 6x as much to find a new customer as
it does to keep a customer.

Always have clean pair off smart overalls on each day. Have good quality
"attractive" to look at tools; chrome and the likes, as customers like shiny
tools. Have smart modern tool boxes and Workmates, etc, that are not filled
with rubbish. Always use "clean" dust sheets. Be very clean as in
preparation, when working and afterwards.

80% of the job will not be on-hands craft skills. It will be driving,
paperwork, telephone, cleaning, preparing, buying materials, giving
estimates, etc. When you master the 80%, the 20% comes in easy. The
customer is more concerned at how clean you are, how clean you work, how
clean you leave the place, your appearance and attitude. Always be polite,
return calls, keep them informed before and as the job progresses.

The customer will pay extra if you master the 80%.