It's amazing how much more cooperative a client becomes when you put disposable booties on over your work boots before walking into their house. It's a small gesture that shows a lot of respect.

Field Service Insights & Best Practices
1

I’ve been doing home service calls for a while, and this small change made a huge impact. Clients now offer coffee instead of watching me like I’m up to no good.

A $20 box of shoe covers transforms how they see me. It’s incredible how just one little gesture can improve the entire atmosphere.

2

Shoe covers work, but I go further. I text clients before showing up to confirm the time and ask about using their side entrance or garage.

Most people love the heads up. Some prefer the garage route so neighbors don’t see service trucks all day.

Other things that help:

  • Wipe down whatever I touch before leaving
  • Put furniture back exactly where it was
  • Leave business cards on their counter, not stuffed in the mailbox

The real money maker? Follow up a week later. Quick text asking if everything’s still working fine. Nobody does this and clients remember it when they need work again.

Word of mouth beats any advertising. People talk way more about contractors who don’t act like slobs than whoever charged less.

3

Those booties definitely help. I always bring a small trash bag too for any packaging or debris from parts I swap out.

Clients notice when you’re not digging through their garbage or leaving mess on their counter. Small thing, but it keeps them happy and they pay without hassle.

Handling their space right just makes the whole job feel more professional.

4

Same here - started bringing a small doormat after seeing a plumber do it. Game changer.

These little things show clients you actually give a damn:

  • Clean tools before going inside
  • Ask where to set up instead of just claiming a spot
  • Handle their stuff like it’s yours when you need workspace

Crazy how much trust you build just by not trashing their place. My referrals and repeat business shot up.

Clients remember the guy who didn’t track mud through their house way more than whoever bid fifty bucks lower.

5

Yeah booties work but I still get the stink eye sometimes.

6

Makes sense. I do the same thing now but took me years to figure out.

7

Absolutely. I run a small service business and do the same thing. Shoe covers cost almost nothing but the payoff is huge.

What surprised me most? It completely changes how clients act. Instead of hovering and watching every move, they actually leave us alone to work. Some even apologize for their “messy” house when it’s spotless.

We throw down drop cloths even for quick jobs. Takes 30 seconds but clients notice immediately. One person told their neighbor we were “the cleanest contractors they’d ever hired” just because we didn’t leave a mess.

It’s crazy how these small things matter way more than being the cheapest option. Clean up after yourself and suddenly you’re the pro they recommend to everyone.