It’s a two or three step process for the consumer
- It begins with asking for help from friends, family, or co-workers. This can be done via word of mouth or through social media.
- Then the online research phase begins. Consumers will Google terms such as:
- AC Repair
- Air Conditioning Contractor
- HVAC Service
- Best Heating and Air Company
How does your online reputation look?
So how do you choose an air conditioning company?….Can you be found easily when they do a generic search on Google? Is your company on the first page of the major search engines? Are you doing paid ads to get you on page 1? For Example: AC Repair in your city or town
How do your reviews look on Google, Facebook, or the Better Business Bureau?
Consumer are researching what you do….reading reviews and recommendations….they are forming an opinion about your business, even before they call….
Step Three of the Process: Now it’s time to call
Choosing a residential heating and air contractor can be overwhelming. When it’s time to
install a new unit, have your existing system serviced, or preventative maintenance is needed, make sure you take your time to choose the right heating and air contractor for you. Get several bids, have them come out to your home, and be sure to ask the right questions. To avoid a costly and frustrating mistake, here are five great questions to ask before you make your choice.
How does your company answer these questions below?
This is common practice in our industry, right? You would be surprised what consumers don’t know.
1. Will you come to my house?
Before any contractor gives you a bid they should take a look at your system and evaluate your home. Be prepared to tell them about any problem areas, such as rooms that won’t cool or heat properly. Don’t be afraid to ask if they have experience working on your particular system.
2. Do you have references?
There’s nothing wrong with asking for names and numbers of past and current customers. Once you get the information, do something with it. Call them and ask specific questions. Initially, a reference may give you what seems like a canned response but dig a little deeper and ask what they liked, what they didn’t like, and what could have been better. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau website. Look up their business rating and customer experiences. The website for the Better Business Bureau is https://www.bbb.org/
3. Do you have the proper license and certification required in the Carolinas?
Residential Heating and Air contractors are licensed through the State Licensing Board. Ask each contractor if they are up to date on their licenses or certifications. You can also look up if they are licensed in your state on these websites. For North Carolina, you can go here. For South Carolina, click on this.
4. Are you insured?
Ask about their insurance and how their insurance will protect you from damage to your home and/or personal property. You’ll also want to ask about their worker’s compensation policy.
5. Can I get that in writing?
Ask for a written and itemized bid. The bid should include the work that needs to be done, when the project will be completed, and itemized cost for labor and parts.
Are you currently doing all of the above? As contractors, sometimes we take these things for granted. We think the consumer understands our business, maybe they don’t know as much as we think? Let the consumer know your company does all of these. It will increase your sales!