Hi All,

A little history:
I have been here and looking around for some time now--I have been tile setting now part time for about 8 years. I am familiar with Schluter and have done quite a few showers, backsplashes, floors etc. I have done my own shower pans--always waterproof with kerdi--though just did my first hybrid thanks to the forum.

I am focusing on tile more these days because there is a ton of carpenters here but only a few doing tile--and I haven't always been impressed with the work.


My question is about the internet--how many have websites and do you feel that it is worth it? What percentage of your work do you feels comes from your websites?

Thanks

Dale

I've had a website for a few years now, although I just upgraded to a much better site a couple of years ago. While I can't say that it's brought me a large amount of business, it has certainly paid for itself.

As my website grows, so does the number of visits to it. I'm hopeful that this will bring more business as time goes on.

If you're interested, I can connect you with the person that does my website. He's very knowledgeable and keeps my site up to date with my latest jobs so that it doesn't go "dormant". An attractive and well put-together site can certainly be an asset to your business.

I have relied exclusively on referrals. I don't even have a business card, except for my phone # on pieces of juniper wood. Even with the shaky economy in a fairly small town I have managed to work more than full time. I think that the secret to my success is that I do top quality work all the time, but I also go out of my way to provide really good customer service. I always compliment my clients on aspects of their house, act cheerful even when I don't feel like it, clean up, show up on time, etc. etc. In my opinion a lot of guys don't realize that construction is a customer service industry.

Anyway, I am rambling on. My point is why spend money on advertising, web sites, fancy logos and all that, when you can have all the work you need just by being the best tile setter around. Maybe if i wanted to expand my business and employ some people, but I've been there and it's not worth the sleepless nights.

Thanks guys for the points of view--given me a few things to ponder.

What Pistolpete says about reputation and customer service is very true. I am a believer in a high level of customer service and as a result find myself developing relationships with my customers that other contractors have noticed and commented on.

What makes it tough around here (South Central Ontario) is that there have been a lot of automotive based shut downs and lay-offs in recent years. What happens then is you get a lot of guys that helped their buddy put in his kitchen floor so he figures he can be a tile setter (or drywaller, or carpenter, etc.). Some guys are working on the weekends for beer money. I find that for some people the low bid gets the job and when you're bidding against a Yabba-Dabba-Doer who's ready to work for next to nothing it's tough. When you have a customer that wants the job done right and is ready to pay what it's worth you consider yourself fortunate and hope that the work that you do and the service that you extend the customer will speak volumes to that customer and their friends.

I have got a number of hits from internet advertising, but quite often they're inquiries like "How much do you charge to install tile?" or "How much to you charge for a Backsplash?". Quite often they're looking for the lowest price. When they start asking about your experience or if you're insured, then you know there's a better chance of them being serious.

By the way, Dale W, where on Manitoulin Island are you. I lived on the Island for some tile when I was younger.

I agree that customer service is key. Problem I am having is differentiating myself from the "handy man" I mean why pay "top $ "to a tile setter when the weekend worker will do it for peanuts. J&D we have had striking INCO workers doing all kinds of jobs here when they weren't over in Sudbury fighting for their rights to make a good income. I find the problem is that most people don't notice all the small details. They have been looking at a floor that needs replacing for some time--once the tile is down it looks great--it is only some time later--say a month that they start to notice the toe catcher here and the misaligned grout lines there--and if ok is the norm--then proper layouts don't even get noticed--" oh there doesn't need to be a sliver near one wall" I mean it's common here to have tile placed down over single layer plywood or direct to concrete in a basement. I am just a little frustrated that someone with experience and attention to detail is having a hard time finding work consistently. Thought the internet might help but was leaning against it. I will continue to do the best work that I can--continue to learn more and better my skills and be confident that it will lead to more and better work.

OH yeah J&D I live Providence Bay--beautiful spot to live and worth all the ups and downs.

I feel for you, Dale W. I realize that you don't really have the largest customer base to draw from, and when you have people hiring the low-ballers simply because of price it makes it even harder. Just try to remain positive and think of all the money you will make doing repairs in the future.

I used to live in Manitowaning, by the way.

Hey Pal! How ya doing?

From one flooring contractor to another...
I know exactly what you mean. We are going through the same thing here in Ontario. Just BRUTAL !
You were very kind in the words you used. Mine are a little different, but frustration is the same.
I even went so far as to post an ad on Kijiji.

http://barrie.kijiji.ca/c-services-skilled-trades-ATTN-TILE-INSTALLERS-W0QQAdIdZ312983778

These guys are just killing the market.
This is skilled not to mention very hard work.
I almost feel like getting out of the business myself.
It used to be residential was the way to go in terms of making a decent buck.
I am beginning to believe that commercial is the only forum you want to be in. The only downside to this, is if you are a craftsman there is no flavour to be had. But invoices are better than none at all.

Good luck with your endeavours.

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