So you finally “bit the bullet”, spent the money, and got the machine. Maybe it a ride-on floor scraper, planetary grinder, shot-blaster or a scarifier.
Now what?
We need to find the work to pay for it! Let’s consider a ride-on floor scraper as an example. The following is a list of possibilities where a contractor can look for floor-removal projects to keep their machine busy.
- First, let's get the obvious one out of the way, which is FLOORING SHOPS, especially commercial flooring shops. You can ask for the project manager or the scheduler, possibly the owner or even a salesperson. One of these people will be able to point you to the correct person for flooring removal and surface prep. Unless it’s a new-build, for every square foot of new material they install, they have to remove that much old material, and that means you have a shot at the work.
- COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTORS. These guys can actually be a better source of work and often a better price per square foot than the flooring shops, as you are able to cut out a level of profit, since the flooring contractors are often getting the work from the same general contractors, taking their cut and subcontracting the work to you.
- Here is a surprising one, how about PAINT STORES. Most of the big nation-wide paint stores have a commercial division who will need surface prep work done. This is also a great contact if you have a diamond grinder or shot blaster, as their coatings require concrete surfaces to be profiled to the acceptable CSP.
- DEMOLITION & ABATEMENT COMPANIES. Demolition companies do a lot of flooring removal and even if they have their own equipment there are likely times they don’t have enough equipment and will need help. Abatement companies often have parts of their projects that are not “hot” so they can sub those parts to you!
- YOUR COMPETITORS. Believe it or not, keeping up a friendly relationship with your fellow flooring contractors means that when they get in a bind and need help with removals, you will get the call.
- RUN ADS IN CRAIGSLIST & KIJIJI. Don’t focus just in your city, but flag areas close enough that you are willing to travel to.
- HAVE A WEBSITE. A professional online presence is important for building credibility and introducing yourself and your services to your potential customer. You don’t need anything too fancy. Just a page where prospects can see the services your company offers and have a reliable way to reach you. Even if social media isn't "your thing", start with a LinkedIn profile. It's a no-fuss way to build credibility and be easily found online.
- ONLINE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION BIDDING SERVICES. There are a number of sites that — for a small fee — will provide you with contracts that are out for bid in your area. There are even sites like www.bidocean.com that show you local government contracts that are up for bid AT NO COST! But here is the cool thing about that, it shows you who wins the bid! You don’t even need to win the bid yourself; you can just contact the winner and ask to submit a bid to them on the flooring portion of a bigger project.
So there are EIGHT easy avenues you might pursue to keep your new machine working hard and paying for itself. The reality is, once your name gets out there and your good reputation gets known, it is not very hard to stay busy.
I have been working with the sales team here at Bartell Global & Innovatech for close to 10 years and have seen hundreds of Terminators go out the door and I can absolutely say I have never heard a contractor say he regretted his decision to buy a ride-on!
That’s true for the Innovatech Terminator, but the same can be said for the machines we compete with. It is a great and profitable way to make a living.
Did I forget anything? Do you have a different take on what I commented on above? Let me know! Use the comment section below.