Highlander

One thing you learn over time is installing confidence in your customers if you arrive looking proffesional ie Sign written van (when ever I see a tradesman pull up in unwritten van I always think has he got something to hide as your van is one of the best forms of advertising you can have), business cards etc I normally go into customers with a form which I can write down tile type, substrate, sizes, anything we discuss like lay out, grout colour etc then I give a price if customer is in agreement with price and dates I pencil them in diary and take a deposit. I also get them to sign form as then you do not have custoemr coming back saying they wanted black grout etc or they were going to purchase metal trims but when you go to job they say no no you were going to provide. It covers your ass.

One thing I will say now a days is that the market is getting flooded with guys thinking tiling is an easy option to get into business. A lot have been on 2 day courses etc not getting at any training course but people think it is an easy option. When I first started there were about 10 tilers advertising now there are 40 - 50 including some eastern europeans that think nothing of charging £15 m2 with materials.

So guys it aint all about reading a book it is being proffesional but also getting out in the firing line getting the chance to price is the hard thing. Dont worry you will make mistakes but nine times out of ten the customers dont know and if you are unsure about anything come and post your questions here.

Highlander