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.