How to get more business

[gone postal]

I don't mean a constant discount, only a one time. For example, refer a customer and get a one time discount of 50% on your next detail.

Here's my thoughts on this method strictly from a marketing standpoint.



If it takes a 50% reduction in price to motivate them to recommend a friend, your work probably wasn't good enough. Now, if your work completely blows them away and they are happy w/ your price (which both criteria should be met w/ proper skill and market research), then a simple $5 off and $5 off for your friend should be sufficient - or a free upgrade as Jakerooni suggests. It shouldn't be your discount that makes them want to do referrals - it should be your work. The discount or upgrade is just icing on the cake. You also don't want anyone to think that you're willing to do your work for half price - it makes it seem like your full list price is severely gouging them then....or is at least negotiable.



Kinda reminds me of an old adage I learned in sales....



"Would you suck a guy's **** for a million dollars?"

Most guys would say "yes". If not, you can ask $10 million, $100 million, whatever. Point is, you need a yes.

Once the guy says "yes", you respond "Well, now that we know you'll do it, we just have to work on the price"



Point being, if they know you'll do it for said price once, why not again?

You - "No, sorry, that was just a special 'referral' price I gave you that one time".

Client - "Oh, okay. Well, um, so-and-so down the street does it for only $10 more than that price. Economy is tough, etc."

You - Not wanting to risk losing business......



I think you get the idea. Extreme case, but it happens. Don't cheapen your work. There are enough hacks out there doing that and you get to come to the rescue - actually, the hacks help make your work & price a great value.

 

[imported_Shaun Carollo]

I have had some success with offering a free wash service for each referral I do work for. My customers call me and tell me they have referred someone and I tell them that as soon as I complete the work, I'll schedule their wash.

I like this idea the most. Not only do you get a referral, but you get to go back to where you just where within the last few weeks, and let their neighbors see that the home/business owner trusts you and has had you come back that quick.