Why We Stopped Treating Every Estimate the Same
Early on, I treated almost every estimate like it deserved the same amount of time and attention. Eventually I realized that makes no sense. A straightforward residential lead who already knows what they want is very different from a commercial property manager asking for multiple service options, a walkthrough, custom scope, and internal approval. So we started matching the sales process to the opportunity. Some prospects need a fast price and an easy way to move forward. Others justify more discovery, more questions, and more time because the potential value of the account is much higher. That also helped me stop over-serving low-intent leads before they ever became customers. I still want every prospect to have a good experience, but I don’t think every estimate needs the exact same process. How much do you adjust your quoting process based on the size or complexity of the opportunity?Should small businesses stop answering every phone call immediately?
This one is tricky because speed-to-lead matters. If a new prospect calls and you don’t answer, there’s a good chance they call the next company. But answering every call the second it comes in can train customers to expect instant access to you forever. That gets hard once you’re in the field, managing employees, driving, handling payroll, doing estimates, or trying to focus on higher-level work. I’ve had to think about this a lot because missed calls can cost money, but constant interruptions also cost money. There’s a difference between being responsive and being constantly available. A business can still have a strong response system without the owner personally answering every call in real time. That might mean: a call answering service a trained admin or CSR voicemail with a fast callback window text-back automation online booking or quote forms clear office hours different rules for new leads vs current customers The goal is to protect lead response without letting the phone run the entire day. For us, I still care a lot about speed. But I also don’t want every phone call to interrupt routes, training, customer issues, or focused work that moves the business forward. Do you answer every call immediately, or have you built a system around when and how calls get handled?What are the extra things you do to sell a job that you don't charge for?
I had a client recently share with me that between me and another remodeler, I was the one willing to do the most without asking for anything in return before he booked the job, so that's why he went with me. I went and took measurements, got him a rendering of his new kitchen and a layout from the cabinet shop, met with him 2 other times, met them at the cabinet store. Really spent a lot of time developing report before I got the sale. I don't know how sustainable that is however my motto is just be as helpful as possible and the rest will come. What are the "extra's" you guys do to get that sale or create value with your customers?Do you return phone calls?
Looking back at trends I've noticed emerging in this post-COVID era of business, one that stands out to me is how frequently I hear potential clients share I am the only contractor that answered the phone/returned their call. People are far too often transparent regarding what a hard time they are having getting in touch with someone, let alone procuring a proposal to complete the work. Being located in SE Michigan USA, I have to ask, is this just something that is a problem in my local market, or is this everywhere and something you've experienced as well? Also, how do you handle following up with calls that can't be answered as they come in? How long is too long to circle back??
What’s Actually Working for Marketing in 2026? 🚜📈
Trying to figure out what actually works for marketing a small service business in 2026 feels like throwing darts blindfolded sometimes. 😅 Facebook boosts? Marketplace? Reels? Before & after photos? Community groups? Google Business? Word of mouth? Door hangers? I run a veteran-owned rural property management company in New Brunswick, Canada, and I’m curious what’s genuinely bringing people, real customers lately — not just likes and views. For the people actually getting calls and booked jobs: • What’s been your most successful marketing approach? • What gives the best ROI for a small budget? • What completely flopped for you? • Are you finding people respond more to personality/branding or straight-up service ads and pricing? Would love to hear real experiences from other small business owners and operators. 🚜🔥How do you create a brand that customers remember? ✨
There’s a ton of home service businesses competing for attention, and sometimes the smallest details are what make a company memorable. 💬 Comment below: What have you done to build a brand that customers remember? Is it your trucks, uniforms, customer service, name, or something else? In this Masters of Home Service episode, Brandon Downer (Pink’s Windows) shares how they built a recognizable franchise brand around more than just a logo—from their signature look to the way techs show up, communicate with customers, and deliver the service. Never miss an episode of Masters of Home Service. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you added ONE new service tomorrow, what would it be? 🤔💭
You know that one service customers keep asking about? The one that makes you think, “Maybe we should start offering that…” What would you add, and what would it take to make it happen? Share your thoughts below! 👇 In this Masters of Home Service episode, kasyallen, Haley Rogers, and Austin Rogers (arogersavai) get into choosing new services that fit your customers, testing demand before spending big, and tracking the numbers to see if a new service is worth it. 👉 Want to put their tips into action? Download our free cross-selling and upselling scripts. Never miss an episode of Masters of Home Service. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
How are you qualifying new clients?
This is something we’ve struggled with for a few years. How and when to really qualify clients before you do the estimate. Right now our flow is typically people will call and speak to my Admin and she will book them in for a video call with myself. They can also book and schedule this online through the AI receptionist or online booking. Now because we’re just doing a video call we’re not driving all over. I don’t really have a whole lot of skin in the game. I’m wondering, should I not qualify them too hard? These are the qualifying questions that we’ve been trying to ask. 1. When would you like to get this project done? 2. Do you have a budget for this project? 3. Have you got other estimates that we need to be aware of? Who is hard-core when you do this? If you didn’t like the responses you were getting would you literally stop the video call and say sorry we can’t give you an estimate for this? I would love to hear how hard-core others are doing this? Thanks for your time.
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.
