Every pest control operator knows the importance of bringing in new customers, but not every business owner recognizes just how directly their sales process impacts a prospect’s choice to schedule service or take their business elsewhere. Capturing leads, moving them through the sales process, and addressing their needs efficiently can make or break a deal. Without a clear process in place for capturing and responding to leads, the stellar customer service you’re committed to providing…
While contactless delivery may have gained traction in 2020 primarily due to the unique circumstances created by the pandemic, changes in those circumstances aren’t likely to reduce demand for no-contact delivery. Consumers have grown accustomed to the ease and convenience of receiving their parcels, packages, and even their meals without the need for additional interaction on their end. That convenience is sure to be the new normal in delivery and logistics moving forward. Whether you’re…
The decision of whether to charge customers based on parts and labor or to charge a flat rate for a given service is nothing new for field service companies. Even if your field service business is already structuring billing around parts and labor, exploring the perks of flat rate pricing can be beneficial—especially when it comes to implementing a billing process that benefits both your business and your customers. Eliminate Guesswork for You and Your…
When your business relies on your workforce out on the road, the importance of getting them where they need and getting them there on time can’t be overstated. Whether they’re delivering goods or providing services, arriving at the right location on time is the key to making an impact on your customers’ lives and ensuring that they’re left smiling. Getting it right is crucial and mistakes aren’t an option. Your route planner needs to plan…
In 2020, the number of open jobs was higher than the number of people looking for work. While nearly every industry is fighting to fill positions, employers in the skilled trades are struggling even more to hire trained workers. A labor shortage can have many negative effects on companies including: Slowing a company’s growth;Struggling to maintain procedure and maintenance;Sourcing affordable supplies;Hiring employees that don’t have enough skill;Compromising quality control. While closing the labor shortage gap…
With all of the changes brought on by COVID-19, we’ve heard the word “unprecedented” being used more than ever this year. While the word might seem a bit overused at this point, it’s just the right term to describe the reality of the situation for this holiday season. COVID-19 has led to significant changes in just about every facet of everyday life, and last mile delivery and logistics are certainly not immune to feeling those…
Extending the range of services you offer can provide a valuable opportunity to tap into new markets, find new customers, and secure more incoming revenue. This can be particularly valuable if your primary line of work ebbs and flows throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to choose a service that will generate more income during what you’ve come to think of as your slow season. For those in the lawn care and landscaping industry,…
Whether your business relies on a fleet of two or 200 vehicles, there’s no denying the importance of being able to account for your drivers and vehicles while they’re in the field. Tracking your fleet in real-time equips you with the up-to-date information you need to properly manage your business and make decisions that set you up for more efficient operations and more satisfied customers. When you have a last-minute change of plans or an…
Your company’s profits are the key to its success, which means that any opportunity you have to bring in new business or to improve your operational effectiveness is not to be overlooked. Many of the everyday processes that you carry out in the field and office, such as filling out paperwork and then inputting that data into your system at day’s end, are essentially requiring your team to do the same work twice. In some…
When you operate a business, it can be all too easy to view your company’s interactions through the lens of a business owner. Taking the time to get into your customers’ shoes and break down how that same exchange transpires from their perspective is absolutely crucial to ensuring you provide a positive customer experience. That positive customer experience is vital for any business to thrive, and doubly so for a field service business that relies…
From meandering roadways to customer requests, planning efficient routes that help your delivery business minimize expenses can prove to be virtually impossible when planning is done manually. Many of the issues you encounter while route planning is more than just common—they’re thoroughly documented logistical problems that have existed since the advent of widespread delivery. Knowing you’re not the only one encountering these issues can be helpful, but nothing compares to solving these problems and gaining…
A commonly cited phrase tells us that knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true for pest control business operators. All of the knowledge in the world though, won’t do you any good if you’re not able to sort through it to gain insights into your business’s performance and make plans for a stronger future for your company. In the grand scheme of things, data analysis falls into the categories of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive. While…
As a field service business, focusing on your customers’ needs is paramount to your success. Being customer-centric doesn’t just apply to the way you conduct business and carry out your jobs in the field, though; it also applies to the way you accept payments from your customers. Your customers’ expectations are shifting when it comes to how they pay for your services, and it’s crucial that you adapt to this shift in demand to ensure…
Your business may provide physical, real-world services like pest control or landscaping, but that doesn’t change the fact that today’s businesses exist in an increasingly digital world. Regardless of the services you’re providing or the scale you’re providing them on, you need to have an online presence in order for your customers to find you when they’re searching for the services that you offer. What Is an Online Presence? Your online presence refers to the…
When it comes to termites, you’ll find that just about all of your prospects and customers know the risks involved. Termites are infamous for their ability to infest an area, cause costly damage, or even destroy a home. When homeowners find out that they have termites, it doesn’t take much convincing to sell them on taking steps to eliminate the problem. Making homeowners aware of the problem before it becomes a glaring issue though, can…
Today’s customers have higher demands than ever before when it comes to their online orders, and satisfying your customers is one of your top priorities as a last-mile delivery company. When your customers are satisfied, they’re more likely to continue utilizing your services and, in turn, provide your business with an ongoing revenue stream. Impressing your customers is about more than just getting their goods from point A to point B, though. As online ordering…
There are plenty of things that are synonymous with summer, including barbecues, bonfires, and swimming pools, just to name a few. Another common outdoor element that’s tied to summer is an unwelcome one: the arrival of mosquitos. The unfortunate truth is that for most of the United States, mosquitos are a common element in the summer landscape. As a pest control company, you know that in addition to irritating buzzing and itchy bites, mosquitos are…
The past 20 years have brought the idea of home delivery from the realm of occasional catalog orders to an everyday occurrence for American consumers. The advent of online shopping, a wider range of available products, and faster shipping have encouraged many consumers to opt out of visiting brick-and-mortar stores in favor of placing a quick order for various items they might need around the house. One area where in-person shopping has remained dominant, though,…
As a business owner, you have more than your fair share of responsibilities. Your primary goal, of course, is to provide your customers with quality service so that you can reach your full potential and offer your services to more customers. In order to continue operating and providing your customers with top-notch service, though, you need to take steps to ensure that your business is complying with a wide range of standards and regulations. These…
As the world works to limit the spread of COVID-19 and adapt to changing restrictions, routines, and best practices, one thing remains true: consumers and businesses still need to receive fresh food and groceries. While most people thought of grocery, food, and beverage delivery as a convenience even just a few weeks ago, many individuals and families now find themselves in a position where online ordering is an absolute necessity. Those who work in the…