Annualizing Your Clients

[KyLimbwalker]

I have a problem I'm trying to solve, and I'm sure some of the bigger companies have solved it...

Specifically, how do you annualize your client base? That is, how do you go about scheduling your better clients for a visitation every year? Have any of you ever worked for a company that has solved this problem?

Here are the pertinent questions:

1. How do you identify your "annual" clients? The tire-kicking old guy with the stump getting 5 bids is not a good candidate....

2. How do you schedule your annual clients? Do you ask them to schedule their next appt. when you perform a courtesy call-back about the work you just performed? ie "Were you happy with our work Mrs. Smith? Great. Your arborist would like to see you next year to check on your tree. Would you like to go ahead and schedule that appt now?"

3. How do you remind them of their appt next year. Do you give them a courtesy call back or email reminder?

My thoughts are that if you can see your clients every year, you will increase your points of contact (poc) and strengthen the relationship

 

[treehead32]

Not sure what kind of customer database management software you are using but it sounds like this is the solution to your questions. Plant health care is an easy way to see a customer annually, however if you don't do PHC, then a newsletter that goes out monthly via email is a great way to be in front of them again. Mailing thank you cards after they have used your service with a "Next recommended trim on Maple tree:August 2018" is another option. Then use a system that reminds you (the business) to email, mail, whatever to them 2-3 months before that date. Each month the business, accesses the file/folder of customers that are tagged due for estimate to trim or whatever 3 months from now and touches base to see if they would like to meet.

 

[KyLimbwalker]

Thanks @treehead32 ! We already auto annualize most of the PHC and all of our Lawn clients. I really like your idea of adding the "next recommended trim" to a thank you card. I think we'll consider putting that on the invoice.

-C

 

[tod_k]

Thanks @treehead32 ! We already auto annualize most of the PHC and all of our Lawn clients. I really like your idea of adding the "next recommended trim" to a thank you card. I think we'll consider putting that on the invoice.

-C

We offer a Monatoring service, 3 visits a year from a BCMA.