contracts...

[FIDO]

how do i get contracts, and with whom, Ive been doing call outs, due to my other proffession.. but im fully prepaired and ready for full time. so can someone help me with obtaining contracts please...

[Mememe]

how do i get contracts,

by letting people know who you are & what you can do for them
by talking to people
by ringing them up and then followup once a month
by sending letters and then follow up with a phone call and check-in once a month.

Your first contract client will be the hardest, after that, you have a track record and references

with whom,

anybody who either owns or has access to lots of premises/doors:
other lockies (for subcontract work)
security companies
alarm companies
building managers
auctioneers
glazing firms especially 24hr callout firms
carpenters
plumbers
building contractors
large companies (for ext doors & int offices)
door companies
DIY stores (as a recomended lockie)
just use your imagination
etc etc etc

Your first offer to them is as a backup service to their current lockout guy. Even though all these people will already have their own contacts, if you keep in regular touch with them then the first time the "regular" lets them down then you could be getting an emergency call for help. Once you prove yourself then the contract can be yours at next review time.

[FIDO]

thanks for the help, im still unsure about what to charge them, at the moment im charging ........£fe per job plus parts...

cheers again.....

[Mememe]

Assuming that your costs are below the going rate then just charge them something in between so that you can make a profit.

If you don't know the going rates (or can't find out by ringing around) then quote costs +40%. If they accept then you are too low, if they decline then ask them by how much were you out plus any other reasons for losing the business.

If you don't know your costs then you are trouble

Mick

[bonez]

fido

sort your rates out before hand!

be proffessional,polite and on time and you'll be ok.

build up slowly mate "word of mouth" is all you need,then start
advertising and it will come.

time and patience my my friend

j.

[SteveW]

Its OK being prepared and ready for full time, but you need to have enough work to cover it (you need to fill that time). Like Bones has said it takes time. I went full time after about four months and haven't looked back since. But you do have to chase the work, but if your consistent with the quality of your work and get yourself a good reputation customers will start coming to you.

As far as contract work goes what you have to bear in mind is that there are very few new contracts. Most contract work is already filled by another Lockie so you have to be better, more competative and compete for the contracts. You need to offer something different

[VashTSPD]

I've got nothing for getting contracts, but that seems to be covered already. I have a suggestion though-start carrying around business cards if you aren't already. Be a nice guy, you know, help people out whenever ya can, maybe stop and help someone fix their tire or give someone a life or a battery jump-stuff like that, and if they ask if they can pay you, say that that's not necessary but give them a card and say if you're locked out or are looking for a lock smithing contract, be sure to give me the first call.