Fencing maintenance contracts might not be the first thing you consider when building a new business. After you complete the consultations, planning, construction, and billing, the customer relationship is just beginning.
Customer satisfaction is essential in an industry that frequently relies on word-of-mouth for networking. Referrals are powerful growth drivers because 88% of consumers trust their friends over traditional media. So, even if you run ads on your favorite social media platform, a neighbor’s recommendation matters more
Service contracts give you regular access to your customers and allow you to build trust and rapport. Doing your job well opens the door to future construction opportunities that help your business thrive.
Agreements like these benefit your business by providing steady revenue and added peace of mind for your customers.
Let’s examine how fencing maintenance contracts can help you build lasting relationships and a strong business model!
The Value of Customer-Focused Maintenance Contracts
Starting a fencing business or growing the one you already have is a great way to be your own boss. There’s lots of work available, and the outdoor living sector is exploding. But, as you’ve surely discovered, once the initial installation is complete, you might not hear from that customer for many years.
Maintenance contracts allow your customers to invest in the longevity of their fence. This agreement typically covers:
- Annual inspection
- Gate adjustments
- Hardware maintenance
- Minor repairs
You might not always do serious repairs, but regular service can prevent costly replacements. Over time, your clients will see you as a trusted partner, not just a contractor or installer.
New fences are more expensive than ever! If you can save your clients money in the long run, they’ll thank you.
Building Trust Through Proactive Service
Meeting a customer once isn’t enough to develop a relationship; these things take time. Regular touchpoints during inspections and service calls can go a long way. They allow you and your crew to establish reliability and trustworthiness, which can lead to future business.
Catch problems early and address them to increase the life of a fence.
Structuring a Customer-Focused Maintenance Contract
Create a fencing maintenance contract that gives your customers choices based on their fence type. Wood, vinyl, and aluminum fences require different maintenance and repairs.
Offer tiered packages that meet your customer needs and budgets. A basic package could include an annual inspection and cleaning with additional costs for minor repairs. Your standard package might consist of bi-annual inspection and cleaning and include the cost of minor repairs up to a set amount. Premium packages could include bi-annual inspection and cleaning, minor repair costs, and stain or paint.
Price your contracts between 10% and 20% of the installation cost annually. So, for an $1800 fence, your customer might pay $180/year for your services. Compared to the replacement price, a service contract feels like a small investment to your customers.
How High-Quality Components Add Value to Maintenance Contracts
Costs are increasing for all builders, and one way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for repairs is to use high-quality materials in the initial construction phase.
Out of all the areas of a fence, gates take the most abuse. Hinges, latches, and catches are all failure points that can result in higher repair bills. Using premium gate hardware from Nationwide Industries® means you can focus repair costs elsewhere.
Nationwide Industries’ Gate Hardware Kits include everything you’ll need in one convenient package. Compatible components, Grip-Rite® fasteners, and easy-to-follow instructions eliminate guesswork. Kits are available for all fence types and include pool-specific latches for code compliance.
Fencing Maintenance Contracts Help Build Your Business
Installing a fence can begin a lasting customer relationship if you include a maintenance contract in your business model. Proactive maintenance and high-quality components from Nationwide Industries give your customers peace of mind with their new investment.
Customer-focused service contracts can help your brand stand out in the competitive light construction industry. With trusted partners like Nationwide Industries in your tool kit and strong client relationships, you can’t lose.
Find out Where To Buy Nationwide Industries hardware near you.