How to Turn a Painting LEAD into a Paying Customer

Lets say, you run a painting ad somewhere and you get a call from a lead. So you ask them what they want painted.

Next, you set up a time to go do the estimate for them (usually the next morning or afternoon. I like mornings).

Giving Estimates

Once you are in their home or place of business, you let them (the prospect) tell you what they want painted.

You then take some measurements and write up the estimate (I use a sheet of paper that has my company letterhead on it and all my contact information on it as well. It’s a work sheet with a boarder around it.

Then you simply hand the prospect the estimate (you have a copy too). And if they are ready to go with the estimate, you ask them for a down payment and tell them you can start the next day or first thing Monday morning, etc.

If they want to think about it, you just finish the estimate by saying, O.K., nice meeting you, looking forward to talking to you soon, and you leave.

Most people that call for an estimate are usually ready to give you a down payment and have you get started right away. Some may wait to call you back.

If they want a reference from one of your existing painting customers, you give them one including a phone number.

Also, many leads you get may be referrals from someone you painted for. These are ‘good as gold‘ leads since you come highly recommended.

Again, many times, leads come through other people you painted for. People like being referred to a good painter instead of having to find one on their own. That’s too much work.

Best Leads

It’s almost like a getting a cold contact vs. a warmed up contact. A warm contact (a referral) is the best way to turn a painting LEAD into a paying customer!

I always let my voice mail screen my calls. This way, before responding to the caller, you have time to find out what they want painted and what you are planning on telling them. Things like your schedule, when your can do the job, etc.

Always call them back that night after work or the very next morning. If you wait any longer than that, you will probably lose them. People get mad if you wait too long. They want fast, courteous service.