Need advice on sales

[lincoln57]

Hi everyone, just want to thank everyone beforehand for any advice given. I have been in the ornamental iron business for a few years now,taking over our small family business. The majority of our workload has been from referrals and our long time clients. For the past year business has been very slow, i began trying to find economical ways of advertising (craigslist, paper ads, etc.) we offer free estimates, and the problem isn't that we can't get people to call, but rather, after giving them the estimate, these possible clients never seem to call back for the job! I have checked my competitors prices they are the same, or we often beat there prices. The quality of our work is excellent, as we have always done business by referral. If anybody can offer any advice i would appreciate it. Thanks!

[singaboy]

Lincoln,

I know nothing about 'ornamental iron biz' but I know a thing or two about sales. Right off the bat,

Did you call any of those people whom you provided the estimate with, and openly asked them as why didn't they come back again ?

I think the reason that you aren't getting any response lies there. Talk to them (at least couple of them) and come back here to discuss further

Good Luck !

[rpermana]

yup. I totally agree with singaboy. Call them and arrange to meet up. Ask the reason that worries them & hold them from contacting you again. Let say it didn't work out, you can treat them as feedback to improve your sales strategy.

[bananaman]

I would offer the customer a price matching guarantee. Even guarantee you will beat any legitimate competitor's prices. How can they say no to the guaranteed lowest price?Maybe one of your competitors is already doing this.

[singaboy]

The problem is the dude doesn't even know if price match guarantee is the problem here

Off late, I've seen plenty of junior members asking for help here but never bother to respond later...

Lets see if Lincoln has found out something about his case