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Just curious how most of you go about getting letters of recommendation from your commercial accounts. Yes, you more than likely just have to ask, but what approach did you take? Am I overthinking this? Just trying to put together packs to give out and professional referrals are the piece I am missing. Last thing I want to do is ask in a manner that offends or puts one of my customers in an awkward position.
We email our commercial accounts an evaluation form. They are not asked in advance. It is sent more like a follow-up check for quality and service. On the form at the bottom is a spot that asks if it is ok to use their responses for future marketing/recommendations. They always check yes.
It is an easy way to make sure you are meeting your clients needs, and at the same time get the recommendations you want to use.
Good luck!
Kim, Great idea.
I would guess this is the modern way to get reccommendations. In the past I’ve perferred the print type company letterhead Logo.As for as asking, I just ask how they felt about my work. With a favorable response, I ask if they would take some time to “write a letter of reccommendation” for my reference book. Some would respond and say they don’t have time… but for the most part, they came through. Some would even ask if there was any thing in it I would like to be included. It gets easier each time you ask.
In my “Reference Book”, the first section is letters of Reccommendation. The second section is evaluation cards, and the third section is before and after pictures. The last section is information on insurance, cleaner & protector MSDS sheets, certificates etc.
The book seems well recieved. I used it with all estimates and property management solicitations.
(sorry for misspelling, I had to hurry through this, I need to be some where else)I do the same as Gordon. i just let the customer know what i need it for and ask them. I mostly only ask those that i have been working with for some time, so it hasn’t been an issue. a few i have had to ask repetedly, but they come threw with glowing reports in the end.
after over 20 years with Heaven’s Best you would think i would have a pile of them but i havent gatherd even a few until this year i will get my but in gear!!!
I always just ask. I have several referrel letters that I have received over time and occasionally use them in trade shows. I blow up some and put them out on large backer boards. I try to build a relationship with my customers that way when I do ask I don’t feel awkward. I usually ask people that I have serviced at least twice. Referrel letters are great. I also have customers on call for referrals. If someone calls in and asks for a referrel I am ready to hand out a number or three.
It’s been a few years since I ask for some new ones. I geuss I should get some new ones each year.
I appreciate those of you who are collecting letters of recommendation. As a company we want to use these in a lot of our marketing.
It is tough to get customers to write them. Most say no problem, I will be happy to write one but then they don’t. Have to remind them once or twice and even then it always takes a long time. Frustrating…..
One thing I have found about letters of recommendation is that your customer is happy to give you one, but they do not know what to say. You as the operator may want to create the letter for them so all they need to do is print it on their letter head and sign it. You all know the things that people like about you such as he was on time, he did a better job than any of his competitors, he was very reasonably priced, he made our carpet look like new, he was so polite, he was very knowledgeable about his industry. The list goes on and on. You may need to email the customer everything ready to go so all they need to do is print it out. Many times you will find that they will add a few lines to the letter you created for them.
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