Running a small plumbing business in Australia can often involve overcoming many challenges.
From managing your workforce to dealing with unexpected issues on job sites, it can be tough to keep everything running like an unclogged pipe.
However, with the right management tips you can make your plumbing business a success.
Here are 9 tips to help your plumbing business profitability soar to new heights.
1. Hire the right people for the job
Your small plumbing business is only as good as the people you hire.
That’s why it’s important to take your time when you’re looking for new employees.
Trustworthy and competent employees are valuable assets for your business. And it’s cheaper to keep employees than to keep onboarding new ones.
Look for people who have experience in the plumbing industry, are reliable, and have good communication skills. A good way to find potential employees is to ask for referrals from other plumbers or to post job listings on job websites and social media platforms.
Another way you could go is to hire contractors. Contractors are great for short-term work but keep in mind that they won’t owe you any loyalty or contribute to the long-term success of your business other than what you pay them for.
Recommended reading: 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor
If you do go with hiring contractors, ensure that they have plumbing contractor insurance to protect you from any liabilities.
2. Have a clear business plan and structure
A solid business plan is a great way to ensure your plumbing business is on track.
By outlining the vision, mission, and objectives of the business, a well-crafted business plan provides a roadmap for success. It also helps plumbing business owners to identify potential obstacles, and to develop strategies to overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities.
It’s also a good idea that your business adheres to a practical operational structure.
This means that your team knows who they report to, who their colleagues are, and what their responsibilities are. Having a clear structure helps to prevent confusion and ensures that your team are on the same page.
3. Take advantage of technology
Another important tip that will help you run a successful plumbing business is to embrace technology.
There are various technologies out there that can help to streamline your plumbing business operations.
For example, scheduling software to keep track of appointments and job sites can go a long way in making you more efficient.
Using cloud-based storage solutions to keep your files and documents in one place and mobile devices to stay connected with employees and customers will also help a lot with your business’ success.
4. Focus on building strong relationships with your customers and suppliers
Communication is key when it comes to customer satisfaction. This is why great plumbing management often involves clear and transparent about your pricing and services.
Keep customers informed about the status of their job and any changes that occur. Provide them with a clear timeline for completion and be responsive to any questions or concerns they may have.
Likewise, your suppliers are an important part of your plumbing business.
Building strong relationships with them can help you to get better pricing and faster delivery times. Communicate regularly with your suppliers and let them know what you want. Be respectful of their time and resources.
5. Have a regular maintenance check schedule
Regular maintenance is important for any tradie business. But it’s even more important for small businesses that rely on their equipment to operate efficiently and profitably.
Bringing old or malfunctioning tools to the job doesn’t just make you seem unprofessional; it could greatly increase the risk of injury or property damage.
Try and ensure you have the right tools and equipment for regular maintenance tasks.
Keep your equipment in good condition by regularly checking it, cleaning it, repairing parts or replacing them if necessary, and maintaining adequate storage systems for tools and parts so they don’t get lost or damaged over time by being stored improperly (for example, wet rags next to electrical components).
6. Keep up with trends in the plumbing industry
The plumbing industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies.
Attend industry conferences and events to network with other professionals and learn about new technologies.
Read trade publications and blogs to stay informed about industry news and trends.
7. Monitor your finances
It’s important to keep a close eye on your finances. Monitor your expenses and revenue regularly to ensure that your business is profitable.
Develop a budget and stick to it. If you’re not comfortable with accounting, consider hiring a bookkeeper or accountant to help you manage your finances.
8. Ensure your plumbing business has top-notch customer service
At the end of the day, your plumbing business is all about customer service.
Make sure that your employees are trained to provide exceptional service.
Respond quickly to customer enquiries and concerns. Follow up with customers after their job is completed to ensure that they are satisfied.
9. Give your plumbing insurance a maintenance check
There are a variety of risks that plumbers face. All it takes is for a customer to slip, your tools get stolen, or you bust your back and your business could be in strife.
Fortunately, plumbers insurance has a variety of covers that safeguard you from risk.
From Public Liability insurance and Portable Equipment cover to Personal Accident policies, there are a range of plumber’s insurance options available through BizCover to get you through a tough situation.
The bottom line
Managing a plumbing business in Australia can be challenging, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding career move.
Hopefully, these nine management tips will help you take your business to the next level.
