Speaking of service magic

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I just yesterday receved a lead from S&M customer wants an estimate on fixing one under the cabinit light. I said $90 an hr plus materials she hasnt called back she said "Im waiting to here from 2 other guys" Luv Service magic its tought me many lesons in agravation.
 
DONT DO IT.

Im 600 dollars in the hole so far and havent got the first job. These people that go on service magic are just getting as many contractors as they can to give them prices. If you have time to run around and price small jobs constantly and not get them because someone else bid 25 less than you it may be worth it. Most people I have found didnt realize what the work is gonna cost and it seems that they dont plan to have the work done anyways....just wanted to see what it would cost.
 
Reliable Remodeler Lead Service

Reliable Remodeler Lead Service

I decided to give Reliable Remodeler a try. The text below shows a lead I just received, the first in 2 weeks:

Electrical - Install - West Covina, CA 91791

-OrderID: #571251 Date: 2/29/2008 10:25:00 AM

Description: Homeowner needs to have electrical installed. Ready to secure a contractor.

Referral Price: $15.00| SELECT THIS LEAD ( View in Browser)

Notice how vague the job description is, that's not an accident, it's a ploy designed to maximize the number of contractors that might select this lead. The lead services need to deceive the contractors to make money. If I don't take this lead, Reliable Remodeler will call me in 4 days and offer me the lead for $5. That's just how desperate they've become in the bad economy.
 
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HaskinsElectric said:

Referral Price: $15.00| SELECT THIS LEAD ( View in Browser)
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If I'm going to throw my money away I would rather buy lottery tickets. Sure the odds are longer ( just) but the pay out is better.:grin: :grin:
 
growler said:
If I'm going to throw my money away I would rather buy lottery tickets. Sure the odds are longer ( just) but the pay out is better.:grin: :grin:
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Now that is a novel approach. I spend abut 400/ with SM and I bet that if spent that kind of money on the lottery, I would have a pretty good chance of winning. Plus I wouldn't have to work so hard. This theory should be tested, and if it works, you could have an book and infomercial showing people how to get rich by working only 30 min a day!
 
brantmacga said:
that website looks like it was put together by a 5 yr old. from a customer prospective, i wouldn't want to do business with them. they have stock photos labeled "a staff member on the job" and "the business owner". no address or anything given, just a phone # and aol.com e-mail address.
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That was exactly my thought. It is canned and it screems at you that it is canned. They told me they will give me two free leads just to try. That's been about a week or 10 days ago, I still haven't seen the free leads. If it takes them that long to come through when they are courting you I figure they are not worth even the free trial effort. e/m
 
Jerseydaze said:
SM is mostly a waste I turn it on when I dont have a lot of work but i know I must low ball any job through them or run to the phone and call the person. I purchased an add from ma bell so im hoping that helps although most people say its not worth it anyone have any good advertising ideas for a small company?
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I get quite a lot of calls from my phonne book ad. Enough to pay my overhead. Little ad,lots of calls.With this economy shot in the arm money coming in,customers calling for prices.
 
ElectricianJeff said:
I have been with ServiceMagic for right around a year now. Its a numbers game for me and it is always frustrating to pay for a lead when you don't get the business. It has caused me to sharpen my sales and closing skills.

In the last 2 weeks I have done a 200 amp upgrade ($ 1,850.00), a small 100 amp garage sub-panel in garage ($ 750.00) and ran a GFCI recep. for a jacuzi tub ($ 170.00).

Two of the customers are wanting me to call them when I get back from Florida, I leave tomo. :grin: for additional work. I have 3 new satisfied customers that will refer me to their family and friends and I have some extra $$$ to lose to the other 31 guys I'm golfing with next week.:mad: I consider this a good return on the $66.00 these three leads cost me. Besides, its been slow here with the weather and I appreciated the business.

You have to just take the good with the bad.

Jeff
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Come here with those numbers... You'll put an entire industry out of work.
No wonder your busy. Busy and making money are two different things tho.

How can you afford the TEE-Fees?
 
Energy-Miser said:
Speaking of service magic, are they any good? I get a phone call once in a while from them asking me to join. Anyone registered with them? e/m
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I signed up with Service Magic when they first started- I think it's been 7 years now. I think I was the only one in the area and there were a few leads a week. I got some jobs, lost others, and that's OK, too. The ones that really bugged me were the prospects that wouldn't call me back- ever. That happened a half a dozen times. SM has never been willing to refund bad lead money. I would never pay the larger job code leads either (IMO, way too many flaky customers).

They used to say that the leads were only given to 3 contractors, but that was when I first signed up.

- Greg
 
keesha said:
Come here with those numbers... You'll put an entire industry out of work.
No wonder your busy. Busy and making money are two different things tho.

How can you afford the TEE-Fees?
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I'll stay right here....would hate to put an entire industry out.

I just don't understand.... 200 amp upgrade: HO had tried to do it himself when he firgured out he was over his head. He already had a Homeline panel, necessary breakers, meter socket, and 2 sticks of 2" RMC. I had to supply a permit, 60' of 3/0, LB, a couple of grounding bushings and some wire nuts. I was in and out, by myself in 6 hours.

The 2nd lead I had about $200.00 in materials, in and out in 2.5 hours.

the 3rd one was the best...handbox, GFCI,wire was already there and energized in and out 45 minutes.

I don't know what TEE fees are but would venture a guess that I can afford them. I can't wait till I start making the big bucks like you ;)

Jeff
 
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