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MoisesCabriales's avatar
MoisesCabriales
Contributor 2
3 months ago
Solved

How to get HVAC customers when starting out with little to no marketing budget?

Its really hard to manager a full time job (as an HVAC Tech) then after hours try to take care of my own customers. 

I activated my license a year ago and only produced about 25k last year, on my own. 

I stress so much about wanting to go out on my own completely without this full time job, even though it probably wouldn’t be smart because i do need that steady check coming in. I barely get any calls this year so far.

I know I have to hustle for some time and try to handle both until i have enough customers for my self.

My plan is to be able to afford a van so i can have that ready for when i go on my own. Making the phone ring is tough.

What are the top 3 ways to gain customers for little to no money? 

 

hvac
sales & marketing
  • Bsd1's avatar
    Bsd1
    3 months ago

    Do good work.

    Be honest.

    don’t be afraid to try something a little different (residential to commercial, Air conditioning to walk in freezer etc.)or newer than what your used to working with .

4 Replies

  • Bsd1's avatar
    Bsd1
    Contributor 2
    3 months ago

    Do good work.

    Be honest.

    don’t be afraid to try something a little different (residential to commercial, Air conditioning to walk in freezer etc.)or newer than what your used to working with .

    • MoisesCabriales's avatar
      MoisesCabriales
      Contributor 2
      3 months ago

      Thank you

      I have thought about that… it is scary since i dont usually work on units like that. But i know i can figure it out, im willing to get out there thank you.

  • ElectElectric's avatar
    ElectElectric
    Contributor 2
    3 months ago

    1) Start networking, building your connections with other business owners in your community.   Attend your local networking chapters and chamber of commerce events.  
    2)Word of Mouth is another great opportunity.  
    3)Door Hangers - put up cyclically.

    When you jump in the water you are gonna have to swim.  So taking that leap may help you get going.  Your customers deserve your full attention and the level of service that a full time business owner can provide.   

    When the customer calls they may expect you to be available.  So this may be difficult to maintain as long as you are employed.  
    If you are happy helping your current boss make his customer's happy - then this can be a decent road to maintain.  Way less work for you.

    Keeping the phone ringing requires the above, but it also takes a healthy advertising budget.  

  • TwoWorkersLLC's avatar
    TwoWorkersLLC
    Contributor 2
    5 days ago

    The three things I’d focus on are:

    1. Ask every happy customer for a review and referral. Even a small customer base can generate more work if people trust you.
    2. Watch local Facebook groups, Nextdoor and community pages for homeowners asking for HVAC recommendations. Those posts are high intent, but you need to reply quickly before ten other contractors jump in.
    3. Build relationships with property managers, realtors and other trades. Plumbers and electricians regularly come across customers who also need HVAC work.

    I actually built Find Prospects Now because manually checking Facebook groups all day was taking too much time. It monitors local groups and alerts you when someone is actively looking for HVAC help, so you can respond before other contractors.

    There’s a 7-day trial here: https://findprospectsnow.com/

    It won’t replace doing good work or building referrals, but it can help you find people who already need the service instead of waiting for the phone to ring.