Trying to get business going-any suggestions?

[mepoozer]

Hello everyone-This site is wonderful and thought I would post a question about starting out. Maybe someone could help me figure this out- I have a new business and trying to get it off the ground and running. I have been to the local car lots, places that have fleet vehicles,and have handed out many many business cards and also put up the fliers that have the little tabs to tear off with the phone number. I'm getting kinda discouraged cause alot of places say they have a contract with a major company around here and I can't seem to get anywhere! Any suggestions someone may have would be greatly appreciated!!! I have the will and the knowledge along with the hard headedness to make this work but am getting lost as to what else to do from here... Thank You, Karen

[DaveC]

Karen,

Patience is a virtue! And persistance is an absolute when it comes to sales!!!

While these dealers and other potential fleet accounts may presently have a "contract" with a local "major" company, there will come a day when they may decide to switch. Keep returning to those accounts every few months (or less/more as your time allows) to "remind" them that you are around.

Meanwhile, you can always grab some cash doing some retail work. Tabbed fliers haven't really done me much good, but I (conveniently) always go shopping during peak hours and I always have my kit with me. I am not affraid to approach a stranger with a chipped windshield and to offer to repair it for them "on the spot!"

I also get some referrals from the local quickie oil change techs. Initially, each tech. gets a crisp $5.00 bill for each referral they send me. IF any tech sends me 10 or more repairs in any week, he/she gets a crisp $50.00 bill in addition. Of course, I'll fix any one of these guys windshields for free if they promise to send me at least one referral. This actually gives the tech a great selling point in that they can serve as a good testimonial as to the quality of my work!

[mafsu]

If you haven't already, you should try with your states DOT about working on their trucks. A lot of experienced techs don't do this work because it can be a bit of a pain getting to the windshields on stuff like dump trucks. They have more pickups than dump trucks though. It's a good way to get experience and get paid for it.

[mepoozer]

Thank You all for the help and encouragement!!!!!! I may be calling on you guys. I know the market is out there and I will find it but just need a way to get my foot in the door so to speak.
I have done many personal and phone calls and most places say they have "a major company " do it, which if you live in Colorado, and possibly other places, you probably know the couple of companies they refer to.
Dave C- I will try your suggestion of shopping centers. I have put signs on the side of my car now and maybe that will draw some questions also. Thank You. I do have the patience you refere to but sometimes they really get trying-Thanks for the encourangement....
Mafsu- I also will try DOT- I just assumed since it was government run it wouldn't be possible to make progress being a little one person company, but where there is a will there is a way and I appreciate the suggestion! I'll let you know how it goes. Thank You
FilioScotia49 I will call you or e-mail you and really appreciate you're help!!! You must be Scottish! Cool name "Sons of Scotland."
Thank You all for the advice and this site is wonderful- Hopefully I can start helping people like you have helped me! Thanks again to everyone here, Karen