Forum Discussion

PestFreeCanada's avatar
PestFreeCanada
Contributor 4
6 days ago

How do you educate customers about pest prevention without giving away too much?

I think properly explaining to a customer what I am going to do and how I am going to do it is very important. I do a lot of rodent exclusion and it takes skill to do it right, but a normal person could figure it out. I also think that if they wanted to, they could just take what I said I am going to do, and do it themselves.

I often wonder where the line between explaining and selling is?

If someone wants to pay me to do it, great. If someone wants to do it themselves and I am not out anything for just explaining it to them, that is great too. That is why I charge for inspections! I am happy to walk away with my inspection fee in my pocket but also enjoy the added revenue from performing the work!

pest control

3 Replies

  • HUGEHandyman's avatar
    HUGEHandyman
    Jobber Ambassador
    2 days ago

    I'm not in the pest business but my business is similar because there is an element of they can do it themselves. If I was in your shoes, I would give them whatever information they are seeking but if they don't want to deal with it, that's where you come in. My impression of the pest industry is a lot of it comes down to being consistent with treatment which a lot of people probably wouldn't do for themselves (this is where a monthly or quarterly membership would come in). 

  • GreenwoodPro's avatar
    GreenwoodPro
    Contributor 2
    5 days ago

    Ive been in the Construction and Pest control Industry for over 15 years.  and i Explain Exactly how to solve the problem and if they wanna do it them selves i always say go for it.  Exclusion or Moisture Remediation work.  Solving insect or termite problems. I never got alot of pushback about wanting to do it them selves so much.  I always mentioned Read the label ur gonna need a 2 story ladder use Wire mesh not the cheap plastic stuff make sure ur crawl vents and crawl door or sealed properly.  watch out for these Dehumidier brands.  I look at it as I am here to provide a service cause you dont have time or dont wanna learn to DIY yourself

  • julie's avatar
    julie
    Jobber Community Team
    5 days ago

    I'm with you on this! Educating customers is a huge part of running a strong home service business. 

    When you explain why something needs to be done (and what could happen if it’s not), it builds trust. And I strongly believe that trust is often what separates a one-time job from a long-term client. 

    I also really respect your mindset around inspections. Charging for your knowledge sets the boundary that your expertise has value, while still giving homeowners the freedom to choose. The people who truly understand the complexity of rodent exclusion usually realize pretty quickly it’s not as simple as it sounds!