Pro Installer March 2017 - Issue 48 | Page 34

Installer Support
34 | MARCH 2017

Installer Support

QUALITY SUPPORT AND LEADS

The internet has changed decision-making processes . With price comparison sites and online reviews readily available , consumers have a wealth of information at their fingertips before they even think about contacting a local installer .
Freefoam has developed a pull-through strategy to harness the power of the web that brings business for its registered installers through two consumer-focussed sites , myrooflinematters . co . uk , and mycladding . com .
Both sites are designed to generate high quality pre-qualified leads for PVCu fascia , soffit , rainwater and cladding work . Using subtle branding and unbiased , easy-to-understand product information they explain to homeowners what to look out for , the problems that can occur with products and installations and how to avoid them . Consumers are also interested in finding out about the choices available to them regarding colours and design options . The sites include handy interactive visualisers to represent different colours and finishes and attractive photo galleries offering design ideas and inspiration with the ability to share content .
The consumers Freefoam attracts are looking for information , not the cheapest price . In effect , these homeowners are self-selecting , so they ’ re already ‘ warm ’ when it guides them softly ( but surely ) to get a quote from their local Freefoam Registered Installers .
Freefoam says that what sets it even further apart from conventional quote websites is that it doesn ’ t charge for leads , and only offers leads to Freefoam
Registered Installers who respond quickly , with good conversion rates .
The business also follows up each and every lead with the installer and the homeowner to ensure everyone is happy . It ’ s a unique package and the feedback so far has been very positive .
Louise Sanderson , marketing manager , commented : “ As responsible manufacturers Freefoam are committed to supporting installers . Developing these sites has given us a powerful platform to build a strong online presence , generating high quality pre- qualified leads for our installer network .”
If you are interested in becoming a Freefoam Registered Installer go to www . myfreefoam . com

NOT JUST ANOTHER BADGE

Interest is growing in the consumer accreditation scheme ‘ Trading Standards Approved ’ from TrustMark and Trading Standards .
The national scheme , launched in November last year , gives assurance of a trader ’ s compliance with standards set by both bodies . TrustMark initially worked with its primary authority partner , Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading standards , to offer all TrustMark Registered Firms a scheme that gives them national recognition with local reassurance .
TrustMark chief executive officer Simon Ayers said : “ So what does Trading Standards Approved bring to the table ? In a world unfortunately
plagued by rogue traders , the work to bring an end to bad trading practices is never over . But accreditation provides a much needed safeguard to signpost consumers to the ‘ right ones ’ and protect them against rogues . It is our duty to change the industry for the better and protect both consumers and reputable tradespeople .”
Despite a drive to change the negative stereotype associated with tradespeople in the UK , research by AXA revealed that 60 % of homeowners still think that it ’ s fair to brand tradespeople with the term ‘ cowboy builder ’ or ‘ rogue trader ’.
Trust needs be earned , and whilst personal recommendations from loved ones is still a popular
way to find a tradesperson you can trust , we know it ’ s not always possible to find one you need that ’ s local . More and more people nowadays are looking for accreditations for firms to show their quality of workmanship and build a positive name for themselves . Simon said : “ We wanted to deliver something that is not just another ‘ badge ’ or sticker for tradespeople to add to their vans , but adds real value for them , and shows potential customers that the firm not only complies with Trust- Mark ’ s set standards of quality of workmanship , but understands fair trading practices and has all the correct documentation and insurances in place . The firm will have successfully completed Intelligence
and DBS checks to attain this status .
“ We have already received significant interest in the scheme . With Trading Standards Approval , firms also receive access to Trust- Mark ’ s ‘ Business Support Booklet ’, devised in partnership with Buckinghamshire
and Surrey Trading Standards . This provides legislative support to firms to make it that bit easier to stay compliant and improve clarity between themselves and customers when it comes to giving quotes , invoicing and writing fair cancellation policies .”
If you are interested in learning more about how Trading Standards Approved could improve your business or would like to apply online , you can do so by visiting www . trustmark . org . uk / trading-standards . Alternatively , you can contact a member of the in-house team at tradingstandardsapproved @ trustmark . org . uk or call 0333 555 0352 .