As Good as a Roofer?

As a result of Hurricane Ike, we needed to get some repairs done to our roof. The shingles, decking, beams, siding, flashing, trim, gutter and downspout all needed to be replaced or repaired on one corner of the house. We were afraid of what kind of service (or lack of service) and pricing we would be able to line up right after a major storm, but we were pleasantly surprised at the service we received from a small local company.

Too often plantscapers compare themselves to other plantscapers. What we ought to do is compare ourselves to other service providers. With that in mind, are you as good as a roofer?

1. First, the salesperson came out to see us the next business day. There was no week-long wait. He arrived on time, unlike another salesmen (we’ll call him Mr. Potato Head) who was 45 minutes late. He was clean, neat and in uniform, unlike the Mr. Potato Head, the 19 year old in the rock band t-shirt. We felt confident that he could handle our repairs in a professional manner.
2. We were given a written proposal on the spot. Mr. Potato Head gave us a verbal estimate that was 25% higher, after trying to talk us into replacing the entire roof (not really needed when we asked.)
3. The work was scheduled to start the next business day. Mr. Potato Head said there was a 3 month wait and advised us to go with someone else (we did.)
4. The workers arrived on time. Each had his own specialization—one did carpentry, one did the shingles, one did the gutters and downspout. Each came after the other over a period of several days. Each and every person we met was professional, polite, friendly and obviously knew what he was doing. If he had any questions or problems he immediately called his boss and kept us informed of what was going on.
5. The work was done on schedule and it was done right. We were happy to give them a check and even happier to have our house back to normal again.

Do you provide your customers with this same level of service every step of the way? Are you as good as, or better, than a roofer? How quickly does it take your salesperson to line up an appointment? To get plants and containers delivered? Is each and every person on your team friendly, polite and professional? Are your customers confident that you know what you’re doing and do they trust you to do it right the first time

If not, what can you learn from roofers and other service providers?