Are cheap competitors actually your fault?
This is probably going to rub some people the wrong way, but I think it’s worth talking about. A lot of service business owners complain about cheap competitors. I get it. There is always someone willing to do the work for less. In my industry, I’ve seen people charge prices that make no sense once you factor in drive time, labor, supplies, fuel, insurance, taxes, and the actual time it takes to do the job right. But I also think we have to be honest as business owners. If the only thing a customer understands about your service is the task itself, they are going to compare you against the cheapest version of that task. For us, that would be: “They scoop dog poop.” So the customer starts comparing: price frequency who can come sooner who seems cheaper That’s a weak position to be in. The customer has no reason to value the difference because we haven’t explained the difference well enough. That’s where positioning matters. For us, we had to get much better at explaining what the customer is actually paying for: proactive communication reminders before service on-the-way messages gate photos after every visit waste hauled away thorough multi-pass yard checks professional invoicing and scheduling reliable weekly service trained and background checked technicians a company that shows up consistently Those things matter to our best customers. And when we looked through our reviews, customers were already telling us that. They were saying things like: “worth every penny” “like clockwork” “one less thing to worry about” “they text before they come” “they send a picture of the closed gate” “they take the waste with them” “our last company left the gate open” That changed how I thought about cheap competitors. Some customers will always choose the cheapest option. That’s fine. But if too many good-fit customers are comparing you only on price, your message may not be doing enough work. Your marketing should make it clear why your service costs what it costs before the customer ever asks. That means talking about: risk trust reliability communication safety convenience consistency the cost of hiring the wrong company The cheaper competitor may still win some customers. But I don’t want to lose the right customers because I failed to explain why we’re different. Are cheap competitors hurting your business, or is your positioning making it too easy for customers to compare you on price?From One Business Owner to Another: Here’s How to Level Up in 2025
Hey everyone, my name is Keith, and I’m a 26-year-old entrepreneur who owns a growing residential cleaning business. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I wanted to share some advice that could help take your business to the next level in 2025. One thing that has consistently set my business apart is offering multiple cleaning options. I can’t tell you how many times clients have told me they chose my company over competitors because we gave them options beyond just “basic clean” or “deep clean.” Our most popular service is what I call a semi-deep cleaning. This option focuses on deep cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms (the areas most prone to build-up), while doing a basic clean for the rest of the home. Clients love it because it’s practical and affordable. The key here is giving clients the freedom to choose the level of service they want. Plus, having different price points makes booking a no-brainer. Another tip: charge flat-rate fees instead of hourly rates. I’ve found that clients appreciate knowing exactly what they’ll pay upfront. With flat rates, they don’t have to worry about surprise charges or feeling like the job was rushed because the cleaner was running out of time. It also allows you to price based on the condition and size of the home, which makes it easier to provide a fair and transparent quote. Here’s a small but powerful touch: always give your clients something to remember you by. When we arrive at a client’s home, we hand them something thoughtful like a brochure, referral card, or even just a simple “thank you” card. At the end of the cleaning, we leave them with a small gift, like a $2 candle or new dish sponge. Little gestures like these stick with clients and make your service memorable. It’s an easy way to stand out from other companies they’ve used in the past or might consider in the future.Sweat equity
Building a pressure washing business with sweat equity. I've been leaving flyers and tear aways at local businesses. About to post some on local Facebook groups, is there any additional advice for adding customers but keeping it local and personal. I am hoping to build a locally recognized company... patriot Pressure Washing, PPW!
Referral Feature - Choosing incentive structure
What incentive option are you all finding works best; percentage-based vs. set dollar amount? I'm curious about what others are doing to spread the word about this new referral system to existing clients and prospective clients (aside from the email campaigns within Jobber)How Referral Systems Are Changing the Home Improvement Game
Referral programs aren’t new, but they’re becoming a huge part of the home improvement world. Homeowners want trusted pros, and contractors want more jobs—referrals make that happen. Why They Work People trust word-of-mouth over ads. A referral from a friend or neighbor carries weight, and when companies reward that, it’s a win-win for everyone. How People Are Using Them Homeowners save money – Discounts or perks for referring friends. Contractors grow their business – More jobs without spending big on ads. Loyalty programs – Earn rewards for multiple referrals. Community referrals – Nextdoor, Facebook groups, and forums are full of trusted recommendations. Make It Work for You If you're a contractor, a solid referral program can bring in quality leads without the heavy marketing costs. Try something simple—offer $50 off the next project for both the referrer and the new client when they book. It’s an easy way to keep customers coming back while bringing in new ones who already trust your work. Are you currently using a referral program with your business? Drop a comment!
Has anyone hired a commission-based sales rep for their business?
Has anyone hired a commission based sales rep for their landscaping company? Looking to grow our company and it’s getting harder to handle all the requests in a timely enough manner, but same time we aren’t busy enough to have another crew lead. Looking to weigh options and interested in feedback on how it’s worked for others.
