New Google Search Features: Online Estimates Filter and “Have AI Check Prices” — what does this mean for service pros?
Google has recently started rolling out new pricing-related features in local home service search, and they could impact how service businesses get discovered. Two early changes we’re seeing: “Online estimates” filter Google is beginning to surface an Online estimates filter in some home service searches. Early signs suggest businesses that provide clear, machine-readable pricing or instant estimates may be favored over generic contact forms. “Have AI check prices” or “Ask AI for Pricing” feature Google is also testing an AI feature that gathers pricing on a homeowner’s behalf by using AI to call businesses and collect price quotes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=illIa8LSfY0 These features are still new and evolving, but they raise big questions about pricing transparency, estimates, and local search visibility. We’re curious: Have you noticed either of these features in your area yet? Do you currently show pricing or estimate ranges online? Do changes like this make you rethink how you approach pricing and Google visibility? Would love to hear what service pros are seeing so far 👇Should you use yourself as your model in your advertisement campaign?
I recently was looking into having some professional photos taken for my website and Google profile and was wondering.. Should I use myself as my "model" for the photos or look for a professional? I like the idea of using myself so people know who I am when I arrive at their home, but I admittedly don't look the best in pictures!How Much Should You Really Be Charging?
The number one question I receive is tied directly to the fact, most contractors are still guessing when it comes to pricing. Overhead. Profit. Labor rate. Trip fees. They think just because they throw a number they hear their competitors use, thats all that they need. It may work, but how and what do you divide these funds is just as important for your business health. If you don’t know how to do the math, you’re not building a business. You’re surviving check to check and think you need more work, when you do not. So here’s the plan: This Tuesday & Thursday on IG, I’m walking you through our Contractor Price Builder Worksheet FREE on instagram live. We will cover: - How to calculate your real hourly rate - The difference between markup and margin - Why profit is a non-negotiable - And how to price with confidence Join the session. Bring your numbers.Did you know you can adjust the due date for an invoice?
Most of you may already know this, but I am here for those who don't! In the Jobber settings you can adjust the date that your invoice is due. Mine was set to NET 30 (30 Days) which is a really long time for a service. I adjusted it to NET 10 to give some time and not seem overly needed to my customers. What do other companies have their due date set at? Does anyone have their due date set to the same day? Has anyone set theirs longer?
How to sign up a business that has multiple sites across your city?
I wonder if anyone has any good advise on getting a medium sized business to sign up multiple locations? I am thinking along the lines of a restaurant/store/landlord that has 3-4-5 locations locally and possibly has different service pros at all of them. I know that I couldn't work a national account or ones that are spread out across the province, but I am thinking the ones that are all concentrated in my city. So far I am thinking about offering free inspections at all the locations, taking photos and notes, and relaying those back to the person who would make the call to approve that contract. Offering a discounted rate if all locations are signed up. Doing service for a very low rate at one location for a trial period. Offering a few no charge services to show my level of workmanship. I think I have a good plan to go after these types of business situations, but I am wondering if anyone has a better approach that I may be missing? Always gonna reach out to the community to see if there are any ideas floating around I missed.How to price a job that is outside your normal working area?
I have made myself a set price list for work within the 35KM where I like to work, but often get calls outside that area. I have been going and doing the work at the same price I quote for calls within my area and wonder if that is hurting me? The idea was to have people discuss what price I gave them with family and friends in different locations and recommend me, but at what point does that price become unprofitable? Should I raise all my prices so customers feel I am not adding a travel surcharge? Should I be upfront and let them know my location and if they want me to come, I will have to add a travel charge? Should I refuse work outside my area? Refuse is such a bad word right!What Are the Best Practices for Expanding Painting Service Contracts?
I have a painting service contract for our customers. It has worked out well for the last year but we haven't signed up a lot of customers. I think we have 15 customers on service contracts right now. I really want to vamp this up but I am hoping to get insight from other businesses on best practices for service contracts. I'm also trying to figure out if I should just sell as many as I can and then hire a full time person to service those clients, or keep slowly adding them until I can hire someone full-time to do it. I have been hesitant to go after this super hard because I don't want to be in a position where I can't get to our service contract clients for too long.Marked or unmarked vehicles?
I own a pest control company, and have always liked having my vehicle unmarked when showing up to a customers home or business. It avoids people asking me to park around the corner or not in the driveway. Then I think as I am driving around it would be nice to have some exposure. I have decided that I am not going to use truck advertising now, but I wonder if I am making the right decision. Any thoughts?4 wheel drive and winter tires.
In my past jobs I was always provided a work truck. All companies would buy the standard Chevy Colorado 2 door WT, rear wheel drive and all weather tires. If there was a bad snow storm, sometimes I couldn't even get out of my driveway! Funny thing is, back then I didn't care, I was an employee and if I can't make it safely, it was the companies problem to figure out. Now that I have started my own business I have decided that I would buy a 4 wheel drive truck and install winter tires. I want to be available to my customers no matter what the weather and I don't want any excuses. I feel I can safely make it to a home or business no matter the weather and I think that is going to make me stand out to customers. I know that not all businesses have cold weather problems to deal with but in Ontario where I live and operate, I think being ready for winter is very important. If anyone is thinking about purchasing a work vehicle, and live in a snowy area, I would highly recommend making the investment in a 4 wheel drive vehicle with good tires!Getting paid for the job.
Hello all, I was standing in front of a customer today, having a great conversation with her and I was wondering, when do I ask for payment? I felt she was a trustworthy person and wouldn't try anything funny, and I didn't want to break the conversation with asking her to pay. I usually wait until my service is complete to ask for payment but I can see that causing an issue at least once in the future. Do you ask for payment upfront before you start your service or wait until the end? Do you go by feel of the customer?
