What is a call worth to a local plumber?

I charge my plumbers $15 per call as they are the only person getting the call. You don't know how good they are at closing the deal so by charging them this amounts makes them more aware that they need to close the deal.

I believe when they book a job, it's usually minimum $150. I'l bet the average job is $200+.

The average plumbing job can range between $100 and $200. You might consider charging them $10 to $20 per call.

I get a site ranking first then approach plumbers.

I get it onto the first page. I also give them the first month free to prove it is generating calls.

I am doing this with a dentist and a mechanic. It has been a nightmare, but I see the potential.

I just met with the mechanic for the first time to collect a check for the first 2 weeks of calls. I was showing 10 calls, but he said a few were sales calls, a few were body shops and no calls were legit. We worked out a deal with the body shop calls as he is going to send them to the shop down the street so I still get paid. He paid me $100 because he doesn't want me to give up on the idea and go elsewhere.


I am meeting with the dentist this afternoon and I am showing 15 calls and she said she's only received 2, one being a current patient.

Anyone have any pointers for me?

What am I doing right?

What am I doing wrong?

I see so much potential and I know it's going to take time to dial in, but would love some feedback from some seasoned vets.

Thanks again

Aduke,

I used to have call redirect with recording function which you can record & listen phone conversation..it is your proof for client who doesnt want to pay..

service is ifbyphone

In my local area (Cincinnati) plumbers are significantly higher.
I was formally in the Staffing Industry, and have found these two sites to be helpful when researching earning stats.
Plumbers, Pipelayers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

PayScale - Salary Survey Based Compensation Data

An alternative method to handling lead flow would be to forward the number to an answering/order taking service. When a new lead calls in, the service answers the call live, and completes a predetermined form based on the data that you wish to collect. Then the call can be forwarded to the plumber/dentist/etc so that the prospect is handled quickly.

Typically, that info can then be emailed to you. Then you have full control and knowledge of the leads generated to bill for. Rates vary widely between services. I have used several over the years, some for a month for a project, others more long-term. You just have to determine if the cost is justified.

Lost revenue from disputes would probably cover the cost of an inexpensive service. You could probably use the service for your own business, as well as offer it as an add-on service to clients and turn a profit. They will answer with a different business name, depending on what number is called.

Many will attempt to lock you into a contract, agree to month-to-month only (obvious, I know, but if I don't say it, someone else will) and negotiate away the initial set-up fee. If you dig, you will find a smaller firm that will agree.

Let me know if you want any more help/info.
Greg
BTW Rush, are you a Rush fan (the band)

Along with you owning the website you need to own the phone number on your leased website also. Invest in a virtual phone number and forward the calls to the client’s phone. You could give Google voice a try, it’s a free phone number. If your client doesn’t want to pay you just transfer the number to the next client.

The pay per call system is a real pain in the neck. You should charge one flat monthly fee and be done with it. You also need to setup an automatic payment system with your client. Monthly PayPal subscriptions have been working great for me. Running around town collecting from your clients is not a good use of your time.

When it comes to pricing you need to first decide on the minimum you are willing to accept each month and not go below that amount to begin with. If you find a client who only wants to pay $75 a month and your minimum is $150 then you need to walk away from that deal. I generally charge between two to five times what a typical sale would be worth to the client. Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but this is a good starting point.