New here-Introduction-I run a referral service

startingreferralbiz

Hi,

I'm new to this site. I am starting a contractor referral business and would like your input regarding my business. You see, unlike the really big contractor referral services I am a small service. I personally screen all of the contractors recommended to me. I check licensing and bonding (when appropriate) get homeowner references and insurance. The main difference between mine and the large ones is that I only charge for leads that bring in business. I don't charge per lead, which I feel is a great advantage.

My question to those of you who have used services such as the big the big ones, or smaller ones like mine is, what have you found to be beneficial about using referral services? What is the major advantage to you? What advise would you give a newbie starting in this industry?

Thanks very much!

Teetorbilt

You have a tough row to hoe.
My major conflicts with referral services has been;
Wrong area.
Wrong work types.
Wrong pay scales.

startingreferralbiz

Thanks for replyingTeetorbilt. I'm not sure I know exactly what you mean. Do you mean that the leads that were provided were in the wrong area, wrong types of jobs and wrong pay scales?

I think with some of the larger referral services that can happen because they're basically putting you into a computer-generated database and lets face it, they may be located in Montana, somewhere while you're located in California!

Mine is specific to my area. Please give me more feedback though, I'd really like to understand what your thinking is!

Thanks!