Over the years contractors, sealer producers and equipment manufacturers have offered guidance on how best to run your sealcoating operation. As the season starts we offer these industry-proven insights to help get your sealcoating off to a great start.
- Check, repair and maintain your sealcoating equipment. If you winterized properly this shouldn’t be difficult. Replace any worn parts. Make sure all equipment is DOT-compliant.
- Connect with your sealer supplier, review all vendor agreements (and insurance policies).
- Review financials; Job cost your services to ensure quotes are accurate. Early in the season it’s easy to miss some costs and bid jobs too low.
- Inventory tools and pavement maintenance materials. You don’t want to get caught short as you start the season.
- Train your crew. Cover application equipment, mix design, broom/squeegee technique, proper clothing, safety and on-the-job emergency procedures.
- Market early and market to past customers. If you aren’t marketing by the time you read this you are probably behind the curve already. Give prospects and past customers a nudge via email, social media or direct-mail postcards.
- Offer an early season discount for customers that sign a contract now. This puts work in your pipeline and gets that customer on your list – not your competitors’.
- Provide your estimates on pre-printed forms. In this day and age there’s no excuse for not handing your customers a professional proposal.
- Return phone calls and messages. This might be the most-frequently mentioned mistake sealcoating contractors make. Many business get their start and spur their growth simply by doing something their competitors don’t: return calls promptly.
- Once you start, follow manufacturer’s recommendations. And if you’re unsure, ask!
Good luck!
