Achieve Better Customer Relations,
Choose Your Customers Wisely

My advice for making a profit in the painting business is simple, yet challenging: Get to know your customers. Listen to them when they first call you and when you’re making up the estimate.

The secret to making a profit is working for the right customers. They don’t have to be rich — in fact, very few of ours are. Knowing your customers’ expectations, and then deciding whether you want the job, is crucial. I didn’t really see good profits until I learned to turn down some jobs — jobs that would be too large or difficult for our company or jobs for customers who are difficult to deal with.

Of course, you need to make money to support yourself and your family. When you are first starting your business you won’t have the luxury of turning down jobs — in fact, you may want to take on lots of work to get people familiar with your company and your abilities.

But once you are established, if you can avoid working for that general contractor or homeowner who is difficult or has unrealistic expectations, you will save yourself lots of headaches and stress and work will be more enjoyable.

Remember: get to know your customers! It’s your business — choose the jobs you want to work on. It will be more profitable for you in the end.

This tip was contributed by Randi Crawford, owner of Crawford’s Painting in Wenatchee, Wash.