gaining new residential contracts, how to go about getting them.

I always find a quick phone call works best in order to find out who the property manager is and then follow up with a introductary letter but if your are not comfortable then a letter is just fine.

I can't find a sample of my commercial letter but I have pasted a sample letter that a pal from the USA Emailed a few years back. With a little customisation it should do the trick.

“Your company name” would like to offer you something that is rare today. We would like to provide you with a dependable, professional, quality service at an affordable price.

Our goal at “your company name” is to make our clients happy at all times. With each satisfied customer, we enhance our reputation for creativity, professionalism, dependability, and bend over backward service. That is why we would love to make you another one of our satisfied customers.

“Your company name” specialises in all aspects of "Garden Maint / or Landscaping etc." We service numerous residential and commercial clients in the area, with each client receiving the personal attention they deserve.

We understand that your home and its landscape are one of your biggest investments. We also understand the importance of having your property look its best at all times.

We realise that it can be very difficult to find landscape service providers who you can trust and count on. We are very serious when we say we are dedicated to pleasing you. In fact, we are so certain we can make you happy, we guarantee our work.

If you are ever unhappy with our service, let us know and we will make the necessary changes immediately. We realise that without you it is impossible for us to exist, and therefore, it is our mission to make your life a little easier. Call us today to set up an appointment for a free estimate.

Replies

Graeme @ BGS February 10, 2009 at 6:32pm

I always find a quick phone call works best in order to find out who the property manager is and then follow up with a introductary letter but if your are not comfortable then a letter is just fine.

I can't find a sample of my commercial letter but I have pasted a sample letter that a pal from the USA Emailed a few years back. With a little customisation it should do the trick.

“Your company name” would like to offer you something that is rare today. We would like to provide you with a dependable, professional, quality service at an affordable price.

Our goal at “your company name” is to make our clients happy at all times. With each satisfied customer, we enhance our reputation for creativity, professionalism, dependability, and bend over backward service. That is why we would love to make you another one of our satisfied customers.

“Your company name” specialises in all aspects of "Garden Maint / or Landscaping etc." We service numerous residential and commercial clients in the area, with each client receiving the personal attention they deserve.

We understand that your home and its landscape are one of your biggest investments. We also understand the importance of having your property look its best at all times.

We realise that it can be very difficult to find landscape service providers who you can trust and count on. We are very serious when we say we are dedicated to pleasing you. In fact, we are so certain we can make you happy, we guarantee our work.

If you are ever unhappy with our service, let us know and we will make the necessary changes immediately. We realise that without you it is impossible for us to exist, and therefore, it is our mission to make your life a little easier. Call us today to set up an appointment for a free estimate.
ian February 10, 2009 at 6:54pm

ok manyt hanks great help
Graeme @ BGS February 10, 2009 at 6:57pm

Please "post" how you got on and what method(s) worked the best.

Good luck.
JIM @ THAMES GARDEN SERVICES February 10, 2009 at 7:04pm

I haven't got any myself YET but have been looking into tendering for council contracts in my area, which include many council owned and run retirement homes and schools. After hours of trawling through council websites and finding nothing my girlfriend told me the magic word-"procurement" This got me to the relevant pages on each respective councils website to find out about tendering.

Most councils seem to either have their own vetting service but some sub-contract this out to other companies. Once you have been vetted and tick all the boxes, you are free to tender for contracts as they come up for renewal.

I hope this helps. Just knowing one word could have saved me valuable hours of my time!

http://www.thamesgardenservices.com
Graeme @ BGS February 10, 2009 at 7:48pm

Don't forget that most councils would have a list of contractors that they can call upon for "small works quotations” under £50K I think without the need to formally go to tender.

Worth searching on-line for the relevant form and to get on their list.
Graeme @ BGS February 12, 2009 at 11:12am

Have you tried contacting the local branch of Age Concern? I use to pick up quite a few regular jobs from them. Key with Age Concern is reliable and reasonable service. However client turn-over was an issue :-)