1. Gear up for the cold
"It can get chilly out on the road anyway; but now, with the possibility of Covid still circulating in the winter months, many customers will be keeping their windows open for ventilation. This means installers — us included — will have to keep wrapped up warm. Good quality fleeces and thermals can be useful, while sturdy boots can help brave slippery ground when going in between houses.
Another thing to consider about colder weather is making sure you’re careful on the road. It’s a good idea to plan your trips ahead and factor in extra time for navigating icy roads. Also, stock up on antifreeze!"
2. Be vigilant to van theft
"It’s not a nice topic to talk about, but there has been an increase in van and tool theft over the past few years. And when the nights are colder and darker, the risk is higher.
Our top tip is to make sure your van isn’t vulnerable. For example, don’t leave any expensive tools or equipment unattended in there, and keep anything valuable close to you. Also, it’s useful to think carefully about where you park your van; parking in an unlit area without any CCTV is a no-go. Both of us usually pick a spot where passers-by would notice anything dodgy happening."
3. Keep Covid in mind
"Winter can be a challenging month for installers at the best of times, but there are a few extra things to be aware of now it looks like Covid is here to stay. It’s all about making sure customers are comfortable when you’re in their home — and equally, making sure that you, as an installer, feel comfortable.
We suggest sensitively asking your customer if they’d like you to wear a mask or keep the windows open while carrying out a job. Also, keep a bottle of hand sanitiser on you too!"
4. Put your marketing hat on
"Customer
demand always increases in the winter months — with
homeowners wanting the luxury and comfort of underfloor heating — which means so does the
competition. Many installers will be making the most of the increased need for
underfloor heating, so it’s a good idea to make yourself stand out from the
crowd by ramping up your marketing.
We’re big fans of social media— it’s fun, but also a place where lots of people visit to source a tradesperson. Being active online gives you an opportunity to connect directly with existing and potential customers.
Sharing pictures of your installs can help showcase your skills and why customers should choose you as an installer. Plus, if you work with a supplier like Snug and tag them on social media, your install images could get reshared, which further builds your credibility and helps you reach more potential customers.
But it doesn’t have to be all business. Don’t be afraid to show your personality too — share a picture of your lunchtime sandwich or a selfie in your new workwear. That way, people will definitely want to invite you in and make you a cuppa!"
5. Manage your workflow
"You’ll
most likely get an influx of jobs coming in as the colder seasons come around,
which is a good thing, but it also means you’ll need to handle your workflow
well. We suggest planning ahead, so all your jobs are scheduled and manageable,
while still allowing time for any incoming customer calls or queries.
We
think it’s also important to find a reliable supplier that you trust — just like the Snug
Underfloor Heating team."