Service companies are the backbone of the economy and Housecall Pro is committed to doing everything we can to help during the Coronavirus pandemic.
I hope you find the resources below helpful. Please share this email with other home services companies.
Sincerely,
Ian Heidt
CEO, Housecall Pro
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READ THE UPDATE --> keep scrolling
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April 1, 2020 update quick update
The
WHO COVID-19 Situation Report for March 31
reports 750,890 confirmed COVID-19 cases (57,610 new) and 36,405 deaths (3,301 new) globally.
As of 4:50pm pacific time the Johns Hopkins dashboard reports over 900 thousand cases and over 45 Thousand deaths globally.
If the recent trend continues, the global pandemic could reach 1 million cases and 50,000 deaths in the next 5 days.
The US CDC reported that as of yesterday, 7 states have reported more than 5,000 cases, and 20 states have reported widespread community transmission.
The
is reporting over 200 Thousand US cases and over 5 thousand deaths.
New York state reported 9,298 new cases yesterday, bringing the statewide total to almost 76 thousand (75,795)—a daily increase of 14%. New York City has reported 43,139 of these cases, including 5,686 of the newly reported cases—a daily increase of 15.2%.
US PROJECTIONS
The US Coronavirus Task Force presented projections that based on available modeling, notably by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation,
we can expect at least 100,000 deaths nationwide, and that’s with continued and effective implementation of social distancing measures.
VENTILATOR SHORTAGE
WE continue to see that hospitals across the United States, and around the world, face a shortage of life-saving ventilators. Tesla purchased 1,200 ventilators from China, which will be distributed free of charge to hospitals in need.
In addition to a shortage of ventilator units themselves, hospitals are also facing a shortage of the medications needed to use them. In order for a patient to be put on a ventilator, they must be sedated which of course requires medication.
NEW YORK CITY FIELD HOSPITAL
In New York City a field hospital has been set up in Central Park. The hospital will provide overflow capacity for COVID-19 patients at Mount Sinai, providing an additional 68 beds. Construction on the hospital, consisting of 14 tents shipped from North Carolina, reportedly began on Sunday, and the hospital is operational as of today.
Paycheck Protection Program:
Applications Open April 3
Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender
or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program.
You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating.
All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower.
A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at
.
WHAT IS THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM AND HOW DO I APPLY FACT SHEET
April 1 Topic: PRO Roundtable with Home Service Business Owners Like You
Panel Members
Lawanda Haney, owner of Fit For Cleaning based out of Olney, Maryland.
Shawn Patton, owner of Patton Plumbing, Heating & A/C, LLC based out of Memphis, Tennessee.
John Cipres, owner of Andreas Fault Property Services based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Zach Crider, owner of Gordon's Appliance Service based out of Illinois.
How are you getting customers during this time?
Podcasts
are a great marketing opportunity to be a guest on a podcast that you like/resonate with and do a plug for your business at the end. Best way to get on a podcast is to cold call/email them!
Zoom meetings
virtually with key customers such as real estate agents and provide them information and value
Record how-to videos
and upload to your social media accounts and community message boards/groups/forums
Deliver care packages to the community
with supplies you may already have - these become leads
Virtual service calls
to diagnose the issue faster and minimize exposure using Zoom (most of your customers are already using it for work or to talk with family & friends)
Existing customer base is the golden ticket
! Send an email about limiting contact and exposure risk, disinfecting vans tolls, gloves, shoe covers etc…
Cross train technicians
so if you do HVAC and plumbing make sure your techs can do both so you only send one tech, your customer only pays one service fee, and
Social media advertising
: Facebook Live, Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories- perfect time to boost ads and let people know who you are and what you do and the health/safety precautions you are taking
Let’s talk admin- what is something you always put off but are now working on for your business?
Join a networking group
Prioritize & compartmentalize time
- focus on something different each day
Virtual networking
Text and email your customers
to check in on them and let them know you are here for them if they need anything or have questions
Create content
for your website or social media
Create a podcast trailer
to take to other home service professionals to do a joint podcast
Really
know and understand your numbers
and set targets
Tag or organize your customers
in your CRM
Set up Recurring service plans
What is your feeling on how the next three months will pan out for your business?
John:
anticipating a 20% increase because he launched a new company with another Housecall Pro pro focusing on insurance accounts which are less affected
Lawanda:
we were down 29% but looking ahead we have already met 50% of usual sales and when we get one more commercial account we will be 110%. Once things return to normal, projecting 350% because of the goodwill in the community and leads they are nurturing.
Zach:
his goal is to be ready to hire 2 technicians so that he can return to the office working more on the business. April May is historic ramp up time and expects it to be so this year too
Sean:
working on consolidation and is looking to run a better net margin and be more profitable this year. Looking to reduce the cost per call.
Q&A
How have you been doing virtual estimates if you have been?
Lawanda: Message her on Facebook for the template she uses for cleaning estimates
Sean: Asking customers to send photos from inside while his techs will do everything they can do outside and then walk the homeowner through any fixes or repairs they can do themselves inside.
I am considered an essential business, but where do you draw the line on calls that you are taking?
Zach: has been doing just about every appliance repair call but eliminated installations. Cleaning and sanitizing all tools, wearing gloves and masks, and prescreening on calls to make sure customers aren’t sick
John: getting a lot of plumbing backup calls but looking to do any of the outside jobs and being selective about which inside jobs they are taking. Carries a thermal imaging camera to take temperature of occupants before going inside.
Keep Your Industry an Essential Service
We’re making it easy to write to your government representatives and send them a letter urging them to classify your industry as an essential service during this time of uncertainty.
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Legal disclaimer
Housecall Pro is offering the Coronavirus Evening Update for Home Service Businesses for informational purposes only and to foster thoughtful communication and discussion regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; Housecall Pro is not offering advisory services or otherwise advising or representing any members of the group invited to participate. Housecall Pro is not offering legal, medical or other professional advice in the Coronavirus Evening Update and makes no representations or warranties regarding the content of the Coronavirus Evening Update. Participants should obtain independent advice relating to their businesses and their particular circumstances.
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