As a plumbing services company, it’s important to establish a good relationship with your customers. Word of mouth can go a long way, especially when it comes to referrals. Unfortunately, it seems that not all tradespersons are treating their customers with the respect they deserve. According to recent research, four in ten UK adults have been “ghosted” by a tradesperson. Here’s what you need to know.
What is ghosting?
Ghosting is a term used when someone disappears or stops responding unexpectedly. It’s commonly associated with dating, but it can happen in other situations, including the trades sector. A tradesperson might “ghost” a customer if they don’t want to do a job anymore, if they’ve found a better-paying job, or if they’ve simply lost interest.
Why is ghosting a problem?
Ghosting is a problem because it’s unprofessional. If a customer hires a tradesperson to do a job, they expect that person to see the job through to completion. If the tradesperson disappears without a word, the customer is left in a difficult situation. They might have already paid a deposit, and they’ll need to find another tradesperson to take on the job, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Not only is ghosting unprofessional, but it’s also bad for business. If a customer is ghosted by a plumbing services company, they’re unlikely to recommend that company to their friends and family. And if they leave a negative review, it could damage the company’s reputation.
How can plumbing services companies avoid ghosting?
The best way to avoid ghosting is to be transparent from the start. When a customer contacts a plumbing services company, they should be given a detailed breakdown of the work that needs to be done and an estimate of how much it will cost. The tradesperson should also let the customer know when they’ll be available to start the job.
Once the job has started, the tradesperson should keep the customer informed of their progress. If there are any delays or changes to the schedule, the customer should be notified as soon as possible. And if the tradesperson decides they can’t complete the job, they should let the customer know and recommend another plumbing services company that might be able to help.
How can customers avoid being ghosted?
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to avoid being ghosted by a plumbing services company. However, there are a few things customers can do to increase their chances of finding a reliable tradesperson.
Firstly, they should do their research. They should look for plumbing services companies that have good reviews and a strong reputation in their local area. They should also ask for references from previous customers and check that the tradesperson is registered with a professional body, such as the Institute of Plumbing and Heating.
Secondly, customers should be clear about what they need. They should provide the tradesperson with as much information as possible about the job so that they can give an accurate estimate of how much it will cost and how long it will take. They should also ask for a written contract that specifies the scope of the work and the payment schedule.
Finally, customers should trust their instincts. If something feels off about a tradesperson, they should listen to their gut and look for someone else to do the job.
Conclusion
Ghosting is a problem that affects both plumbing services companies and their customers. Tradespersons who disappear without a word are unprofessional and damaging to their reputation. Customers who are ghosted are left in a difficult situation, and it can be costly and time-consuming to find another tradesperson to complete the job.
The key to avoiding ghosting is transparency from the start. Plumbing services companies should provide customers with a detailed breakdown of the work that needs to be done and keep them informed of their progress. Customers should do their research, be clear about what they need, and trust their instincts when choosing a tradesperson.
By working together, plumbing services companies and their customers can avoid the problem of ghosting and establish a strong, long-lasting relationship.
Call Now