Completing a handyman job doesn’t mean your work is over. Following up is a vital step that helps ensure the client is satisfied, reinforces your professional reputation, and can even generate more business. In this post, we’ll explore key tips for following up after a job, including inspections, gathering feedback, and resolving any lingering concerns.
This blog is part of our series on how to hire a reliable handyman – sharing everything you need to know to get the best handyman for your needs.
The Importance of Post-Job Inspections
A post-job inspection allows you to review your work and ensure everything meets your quality standards before you walk away. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Walk Through the Completed Work: Take a few minutes to inspect everything you’ve worked on. Check for any visible issues or potential oversights. It’s better to catch any problems now than have the client notice them later.
- Test Everything: If your job involved plumbing, electrical work, or installations, test the results. For example, turn taps on and off, flip light switches, or check that hinges are working smoothly.
- Document Your Work: Taking pictures of your completed work not only showcases your craftsmanship but also protects you in case of any disputes later on. It’s a good habit that can pay off in unexpected ways.
By doing a thorough post-job inspection, you minimise the chances of callbacks for minor fixes and demonstrate that you care about your work.
Gathering Client Feedback
Feedback is crucial for improving your services and building trust with new customers. Here’s how to approach this:
1. Make Feedback Simple and Easy
Clients won’t always take the time to write detailed reviews unless you make it simple for them. You can provide:
- A Short Survey: A few quick questions about the job and their overall experience. Keep it brief but insightful. Example: “On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied were you with the job?”
- Direct Email Requests: Personal emails feel more genuine than automated requests. Ask if everything was to their satisfaction and if there’s anything you could improve upon.
2. Encourage Honest Opinions
Be open to constructive criticism. Not every review will be glowing, and that’s okay. Learning from less-than-perfect feedback helps you grow. Always thank clients for taking the time to share their thoughts, even if the feedback is critical.
3. Use Positive Feedback to Your Advantage
If you receive positive reviews, share them on your website or social media pages (with the client’s permission). This helps boost your credibility and attract future clients.
Resolving Any Remaining Concerns
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, issues arise after a job. The way you handle these situations can make or break your reputation.
Address Problems Quickly and Professionally
- Respond Promptly: If a client reaches out with a concern, acknowledge their message as soon as possible, even if you don’t have an immediate solution. Quick responses show that you take their concerns seriously.
- Assess the Issue: Go back to the site if necessary and evaluate the problem. Take responsibility if the mistake was on your part, and be willing to fix it.
- Offer Clear Solutions: If the fix is straightforward, address it right away. If it’s more complicated, explain your plan clearly and outline a timeline for resolving the problem.
Showing that you care about the quality of your work and the client’s satisfaction is key to building a lasting, positive relationship.
Tips for Building a Follow-Up Routine
Staying organised with follow-ups can be challenging, especially if you’re managing multiple projects. Here’s a routine that can help:
- Create a Follow-Up Checklist: Include tasks like “Post-Job Inspection,” “Email Client for Feedback,” and “Resolve Any Issues” to make sure you cover everything.
- Schedule Reminders: Use a calendar app to remind you to check in with clients a week or two after the job. This helps keep follow-ups from falling through the cracks.
- Keep a Record of Client Feedback: Maintain a file with past feedback to track what’s working well and what needs improvement. It’s a great reference for improving your services over time.
Key Takeaways
- Conduct a post-job inspection to ensure everything is perfect before leaving a job site.
- Make collecting feedback simple and use it to improve or showcase your services.
- Handle any concerns quickly and professionally to maintain your reputation.
- Develop a consistent follow-up routine to keep everything organised and efficient.
Following up after a job might seem like an extra step, but it’s one of the most effective ways to boost your professional reputation and keep your clients happy. With a thoughtful follow-up process, you’re not just completing jobs—you’re building lasting client relationships.
