Manufacturer of Hydraulic Presses
Did you meet profit goals for your machine shop in 2018? Are you facing stiffer competition in your local area? Do you want to expand into a high-paying niche?
It’s a new year and time to set income and customer goals for 2019. More business comes from getting more work from your current customers and from attracting new clients.
Here are 5 tried-and-true ways to increase the work coming into your shop in the coming 12 months.
Everyone wants to feel special. One of the simplest methods is to use your customer’s first name. Send your client an email to mark an important day, like a birthday, business anniversary, or an award they received.
Take the time to schedule at least one in-person meeting with each current customer during the year. Take him out for coffee, buy him lunch. It doesn’t have to be fancy. The emphasis is on one-on-one communication. Catch up on what’s going on in his life and in his business.
After the meeting, make a note of what you learned, writing it on a 3x5 card or adding it to an online list. Then occasionally send an email, using some of the facts you learned. The more you personalize your communication with current clients, the more important they feel.
Everyone loves a deal! Offer a discount or free add-on when your customer brings in more work. They already know the quality you deliver, but it can be tempting to try out another shop offering lower prices. Keep them in the fold with occasional bonuses and price reductions.
Your prospects want to deal with a human being. That can be hard in the digital age. It’s important to put a personal face at every point prospects come in contact with your machine shop.
Social Media. Choose one to three social media platforms and keep your accounts updated. Post photos of current jobs and information about your hydraulic press operators and other workers. Give your shop a human face.
Blog. If you have a blog—and it’s an excellent idea—post at least once a week. Be sure to answer comments in a timely manner. When you get a conversation going that way, you give a very personal, engaged feel to your shop.
Support and sales. Train the person answering your phones to chat with the customer. Definitely answer questions and solve problems. But in addition, go the extra mile to find out what your called wants and needs. A simple phone conversation can result in a very positive impression.
Go to trade shows to network with prospective clients. You’ll also get a chance to meet current ones. Investing in a booth is the perfect way to meet people who need your services. You can establish a personal connection that will pay off big time later in the year.
Attend business groups in your local area. Invite them to come by your machine shop for a tour. When you are attentive and helpful to people at a networking event, prospects form a positive impression of your business. When they need a machine shop, you’re the person they will remember.
Contact your customer after the job is done. Find out if they are happy with the work, the price and the deadline. Email is a simple method that makes it easy for people to give feedback.
If they report a problem, get back to them right away. People want you to take their concerns seriously. By giving them a chance to be heard you will stand out in the crowd. Offer to fix the problem, perhaps offer a reduction on the next job. Leave them satisfied feeling and they will come back.
Press Master Can Help You Be Successful in 2019
We’ve been in business for over 40 years, and we’re proud of our reputation for reliability, competitive prices and durable, innovative hydraulic presses. Our business is built on word-of-mouth from repeat customers. We provide excellent equipment that helps you keep your customers happy.
Call Press Master today for more information about hydraulic presses and accessories that can make your 2019 prosperous.
