Service Magic

[Cole]

Some of my guys have been asking if I could get them some more work, so I have decided to go with service magic. I start receiving leads on Friday so I will see how it goes :roll:

[Cole]

The funny thing is I have a design/build company and in the last 2 weeks all I have been selling is my design. LOL

The good thing is I signed to do a 18,000 sf house today!!

[Cole]

It should keep us busy for a while.

[Rich]

Ok - let's not artificially increase the post count :)
Why not wait and use my leads service for free.. haha.

[Cole]

Hehe lol, I am going to use yoour lead service with service magic!!!! :lol:

[Cole]

This is a question from Grumpy, how many of your competitors do u think are using some kind of lead service?

[grumpy]

Ok - let's not artificially increase the post count :)
Why not wait and use my leads service for free.. haha.

LOL Rich we will just shut down our businesses and wait :)

Cole I know I am never the only one bidding. What I do know is that none of the big boys in my area use service magic yet. It seems like only small guys use lead services. Like I said before you have to be agressive to make them work!

[Rich]

Why not? LOL

[Cole]

Is it me or have leads slowed down for the winter?

[grumpy]

Service magic and improvnet and other lead services cut advertising every november, until about february march.

[Cole]

Thanks Grumps

[ITE]

what exactly is a lead service?

[giddonah]

It's like a mixer for those who need work done and those who do the work.

[Cole]

Say a homeowner goes to www.servicemagic.com they fill out a request for work on there house. Service Magic finds contractors in the area that would be willing to give a bid.

Note: You have to pay for it.

[ITE]

oh ok, I see now. thank you.

[Cole]

Ok Grumpy, I am having some success but not as much as I predicted.

How about putting together a little intro guide," How to win leads using Service Magic."

by Grumpy.

[grumpy]

Hey Cole, the trick is to be the first to call the customer. Have all leads routed to your cell phone. The service magic computer not only calls me and leaves a voice mail if I don't answer but also sends over a text message. I call the customer immediately, usually within minutes. The salkes job starts as soon as they answer the phone.

I say "Hi I am Grumpy with Grumpys hack jobs Incorporated."

They almost always say "Wow that was fast!"

I then spend as much time as they need discussing the project with them on the phone just having a casual conversation making a lasting impression. Then I set the appointment. My goal is to set it for as soon as possible so I can be the first contractor to actually meet with them.

I want to be the one that sets the standard in their minds. Most of my competitors don't call the customer for days.

If you don't get ahold of the customer I suggest calling twice a day, and leaving one message. Why twice? Why not twice? It doubles your chances of getting ahold of them. The lead literally grows colder every MINUTE you don't speak with the customer.

That's really all there is to it. You just gotta be prompt and agressive. SM is actually one of my better lead providers when it comes to the QUALITY of the lead.

[Cole]

When do you normally setup your meeting with them?

[grumpy]

When ever it's convenient for them. INfact that's what I ask them. "When would YOU like to meet?" I make myself available to the customer from 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturday under normal circumstances. I do Sundays and even evening appointments under special circumstances.

I am in the service industry. I accept that these people have to work to pay for their new home improvement therefore I have to be convenient to their schedules... but I do make it a point to meet each and every customer weather I need to or not.

[Cole]

Thanks, Buddy!

[giddonah]

grumpy, you're a damn vault of good tips.

[Cole]

Grumpy, is the man to talk to about online leads.

[Hometown_Handyman]

grumpy, you're a damn vault of good tips.

I AGREE!!!!!
Does this type of service give a good return on the investment? In your opinion/experience?

[grumpy]

In my opinion: Yes. But it's not like a lead that comes from a referral, yellow pages, or your own website. A service magic lead is a highly competitive lead.

If you have a sales staff, or you yourself are really focused on sales and customer service then service magic IS FOR YOU. If you are the kinda guy who returns calls when he gets home at 8 pm at the end of the day, then don't even bother wasting your time.

[ITE]

which online leads service does everyone like the best? Is one better than the other?

[jwatkins]

I am very new tothis site and am always looking to find new ways to get leads. I use several online sites but not Service Magic. I used them for 6 months last year during my peak season and the leads I got only about 1 out of 15 were quality. I was not impressed. However Reliable Remodeler and Renovation Expert have been excellent. It seemed SM was charging me $35 for a lead that was ranging from a new patio door to a new deck and $50 for anything else. If any of you can recommened any other site it would be greatly appreciated.