Mistakes are okay in business as long as you have the will to learn from them to avoid future errors. But big scale mistakes can scar your business forever; these can affect your relationship with the clients as well as harm the integrity of your business. The reasons for these blunders could range anywhere from carelessness to lack of experience. While you cannot stay clear every mistake (after all, we’re all humans!), here are some common ones that you can try to avoid.
Unclear Contract
After the verbal negotiations, your client is going to ask for a written contract, binding you and them legally to keep their respective ends of the deal faithfully.
It is unprofessional to present a contract that is not well written or thought out. The parties involved, dates, payment, and all other details should be highlighted and clear to read and understand. Disputes, if any that arise later, can be easily solved by keeping the contract at its base; in such case, any unclear terms are definitely going to hurt you. A well-written contract also makes sure that you don’t forget the details of the agreement during the long course of the project.
Not Sticking To Your Schedule
Before starting the work, it is your duty to provide an estimated time of when you will start and finish the project.
Keep your ability in mind while promising the deadline. Do not agree on an early schedule to get the deal finalized. As the project goes on, that could result in your team rushing to meet the deadline, making more mistakes towards the end of the project, or even fail altogether in delivering on the agreed date.
Lack Of Communication
Your clients would be investing their hard-earned money into their projects. As investors, they would like an update either once in a while or regularly depending on their needs.
A case of miscommunication could prompt your clients to call you continuously, making the whole situation unfavorable for both parties. This could also make them lose their trust in you and negatively affect your business. Ask them at the start of the project questions like how often would they like to be informed about the proceedings, share your plan, and stick to that schedule.
Fluctuating The Pricing
It is understood that taking up a renovation project, for instance, could mean additional or unexpected costs.
But many contractors drop a low bid at the start to get the deal done and then eventually spike up the price on ‘extras’ when the work is going on. That is unethical and shunned in the industry. Instead of giving a miscalculated rough cost, ask them for time and enquire about the current rates of materials that would be required for that exact project and then let your clients know an estimate. This transparency would help you in maintaining that all-important client-contractor relationship.
This industry is growing at an alarming rate, but conversely, this is also the industry with the second-highest consumer complaints. As a responsible contractor, you should strive to bring down those complaints by being reliable and providing customers with quality services. You need to understand your client’s issues and tackle them. Being in a competitive industry, it always important to strive for the best, and little extra effort to reach that place won’t harm. One of the biggest headaches for your client is procuring finances for their home improvement project. Partner with us to provide them with easy financing solutions, and see your business grow by leaps & bounds.
