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?Solved222Views3likes5CommentsMoving Legacy Clients to Online Pay: How Did You Make the Switch Stick?
Moving clients from traditional checks or cash over to digital invoicing and credit cards is one of the quickest ways to fix cash flow, but old habits die hard for long-time customers. When you made the transition to digital payments in your business, how did you get your persistent "check-in-the-mail" clients onboard without losing their trust? Did you set a strict deadline, add processing fees, or simply make paper invoicing a thing of the past?What’s your go-to trick in Jobber for turning quotes into approved jobs faster?
Hey everyone, I’m looking to tighten up our sales pipeline and cut down the time between sending a quote and getting the deposit in. For those of you who've been using Jobber for a while: What specific workflow, line-item layout, or automated follow-up sequence in Jobber has made the biggest difference in your quote approval rates? Are you relying heavily on automatic SMS reminders, using specific deposit requirements directly on the quote, or keeping it strictly to email with line-item options? Would love to hear what’s working best for your crew right now!Curious how everyone is using AI in their business?
Are you using it for writing estimates? Social media? Customer emails? SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)? Marketing? Scheduling? Or something else? I've found AI has saved us hours every week by helping us create estimates, write customer emails, develop social media content, organize processes, and streamline our workflow. How has AI helped you personally and professionally? What's your favorite use case? I'm always looking for new ideas to make our business more efficient.36Views1like2CommentsHow do you handle clients who ask for "ballpark" pricing over the phone?
Hey community! Quick operational question. When a lead calls in or messages asking for a quick price before you can get photos or property measurements, how do you handle it? Do you give a wide range to filter them out, or do you strictly hold out until you have photos/measurements in hand? Curious to see how different shops handle the balance between speed and accuracy.How are you handling minimum job charges and site estimates for 2026?
Hey everyone, Looking to tighten up my pricing model and job minimums heading into the rest of the season. For single-operator shops: What is your current hard floor / minimum charge for a residential service call? Are you doing virtual estimates via satellite imagery first, or insisting on every site visit in person? Curious to see how everyone balances closing fast versus avoiding scope creep.Is there a need for this niche?
iFab does electronics repair down to component level, plastic welding, and obsolete parts manufacturing, remaking discontinued pieces nobody stocks anymore. Rare skillset, not something most shops offer. Genuinely asking, is this a gap anyone actually has use for. If you had a fried circuit board, a broken plastic part with no replacement/feasible replacement, or a discontinued piece you needed remade, would you look for a shop like this, or is it too niche to matter to most people.Trying to gauge real interest, not just told it's cool. Thank you, Matt33Views1like3CommentsHow do HVAC companies improve their quote conversion rate and follow up with leads?
How do you get better at sales? I’m only turning over 20% replacement quotes. Do you have an automated follow up system? I also provide two different financing options. Is there a way to track to see if you’re bottlenecking in rejections vs following up?Rejection Isn't the End—It's Proof You're Building Something Worth Fighting For
Every successful business owner has heard "no" more times than they can count. A declined grant, loan, or opportunity doesn't define your business—it reflects the reality that many great businesses compete for limited resources. The entrepreneurs who eventually break through are usually the ones who keep showing up. They improve their applications, strengthen their businesses, build relationships, and continue serving customers while everyone else waits for permission to succeed. REMEMBER: :: A grant is a tool, not your business plan. :: Progress doesn't stop because funding does. :: Every application makes you better at telling your story. Whether you were selected or not, take a moment to recognize how far you've already come. You had the courage to put your dream on paper and ask for an opportunity. That's something many people never do. Keep building. Keep applying. Keep improving. One "yes" can change everything, but only if you're still in the game when it comes.