Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Mar 14, 2005 09:54pm | #1

   Maybe buy a mailing list and send a thousand postcards that you specialize in removing sliding patio doors and repolacing gthem with french doors.  (Please don't send a postcard to my house ... my DW has been after me for several years to do just that.)

    

   I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

1. 
   mikerooney | Mar 14, 2005 10:58pm | #2

   There's a guy over at JLC does nothin' but doors.

   Ask him, and I'm sure he will tell you plenty.

    6 16 17 97 99   

    

                                                       

    

2. 
   scrumseeker | Mar 14, 2005 11:47pm | #3

     I use to work for a garage door company, and had good success with flyers and/or job site signs.

     I liked to drop flyers around the neighborhood of each job.  Usually the neighboring homes are similar age and in need of similar updates.

   A small sign out front of current and recent projects also works well for attracting business. 

3. 
   MisterSteve | Mar 15, 2005 12:49am | #4

   If you can stand the attitude, make up a folder of your work and present it to smaller architecs and interior designers. It seems they are always asking for custom doors and the like, but are too lazy to find out who does a good job.
   -steve

   http://www.lukeworks.com

1. 
   Mattohio | Mar 15, 2005 03:29am | #5

   Thanks for the tip, however I don't make doors.  I just install them.

    

   Matt

1. 
   MisterSteve | Mar 15, 2005 03:37am | #6

   Sorry- I read wrongHave you tried subbing with builders or bigger renovation guys?Hanging doors well is a step above, in my opinion, than what many average crews do well.Just a thought.
   -Steve

1. 
   Mattohio | Mar 15, 2005 02:07pm | #10

   Subbing to larger contractors might be a good idea......I'll try calling around to test the waters. Thanks

2. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Mar 15, 2005 06:17am | #7

   Mattohio, how much do you charge to yank out an old door and drop in a new prehung? If the guys are doing it for $200, they must be clean R & R's using prehung doors.

   In any event, you can't compete on price with the big boxes. If 75% of the market buys from them becasuse of price, that still leaves 25% who buy on value.

   Figure out why your services are more valuable here and list them. After you list them, we will be able to explain how you might market them.

   blueJust because you can, doesn't mean you should!

   Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!

1. 
   Mattohio | Mar 15, 2005 02:12pm | #11

   Thanks for responding. I am trying to differiniate myself from the Big Boxes by selling quality to the homeowner. On my jobs I offer a higher degree of service, such as: Lead safe remodeling, dust control (with zip wall barriers), careful site protection, real weather proofing including pans where applicable, and start to finish work including paint. This comes with a price however, and I am finding it hard to communicate the difference between my offer and the Big Box offer. By the way, I have dealt with several customers whom tried the Big Box and found that the job actually cost far more than 200 bucks, and that the quality was questionable.Thanks, Matt

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Mar 15, 2005 03:54pm | #13

   Make up a flyer to hand to customers, showiung what you do for $xxx vs what HD does for $yyy ... kinda like the ads you see in the paper comparing trucks ... you know, the ones that show that Chevy beats Ford.

    I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

2. 
   Mattohio | Mar 15, 2005 06:25pm | #14

   Ed,
   The thought of a cost comparision flyer had crossed my mind. I wonder if there is any danger of being sued by Home Depot. I suppose that I could use the expression "big box" instead of actually naming the store. The largest problem that I have found with flyers is getting them into the right persons hand.Thanks again, Matt

3. 
   FastEddie1 | Mar 15, 2005 07:23pm | #15

   As long as you tell the truth, there shouldn't be a problem.  The millwork desk at HD & Lowes has a menu of standard costs, like 'normal' installation, extra for weatherstripping, extra for painting, extra for brick, etc.  Get friendly with a sales rep on a slow day for them and see if they will show you the menu.

    I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

4. 
   Mattohio | Mar 15, 2005 08:46pm | #16

   Excellent idea. I usually stay away from HD as I cannot stand the "cattle herd" approach, but perhaps I can manage to find someone acceptable to talk to.Matt

4. 
   woodman54 | Mar 15, 2005 06:34am | #8

   Hi, I was able to get recommended by my local lumber yard to hang doors for 15 years. I was know as the Door Man and hung up to 5 entry doors a week. Over here in Cheshire MA the HD charges $ 600.00 for a prehung front door plus $ 35 to measure and there could be extras also.

1. 
   AlanRoberson | Mar 15, 2005 08:13am | #9

   Have you thought of going solely commercial? the clients are usually very competent, the profit is higher, and you don't compete with HD or slim shady down the tracks.

1. 
   Mattohio | Mar 15, 2005 02:14pm | #12

   I had not thought of going commercial, although I have installed a fair amount of commercial doors. I'm not sure how I would market to the commercial market.Thanks, Matt