TOPIC: Last One To Post Wins!!

A lot has to do with what area of the Country you live in, the other is how hard you work at it and what do you offer that sets you apart from your competition.

very true, David. I realize Cleveland has a growing economy while WV is still in the "slump" stage. I still think a home inspection living can be earned here. Only been at this professionally for a year now, and each day whether I do an inspection or not, there is something new to be learned about being an inspector, even though I've been remodeling and flipping houses for 25 years or so. I didn't realize until 3 months ago how important a good website is to this business, and I'm still learning how to manipulate it. I think joining HIP and InterNACHI will give me the boost and learning materials I need to grow, and catapult ahead of the competition. I am still a true believer that genuine integrity, honesty, experience, and hard work is the key to success. Thanks for the input, hope you stay busy (but not too busy to have fun)!!

I think most guys in the more rural areas are struggling.  I know I am.  Maybe 2 calls a month, not even the price shoppers anymore.  I've been hammering area offices but it doesn't seem to be working yet.  Need to lean more commercial, fill out what I can offer...

I get calls every now and then Casey, but they are price shopping and I won't do any of them for less than $325 -$375 up to 2000sf.
Lost one shortly to another Inachi Member because he wanted $325 just for the IR. But only $125 for the whole inspection. Stole the inspection from me because of that.
Last time I farm out any ancillary services to him.
He even asked me how much I wanted for a kick back on the inspection. Wow.

People are strange.

People are desperate.  I took some off of today's inspection since it was a friend of mine, but I haven't been discounting.  Had one person call (price shopper) that actually called back as I was scheduling today's inspection.  When I checked my voicemail, I couldn't decipher the phone number that was left, and the number that came up on my phone went to an automated company greeting...no option to get to an operator or anything!  That was frustrating, she was probably going to buy. 

Been picking up here in S.A. pretty good for me. Not as busy as David in Ohio though.
I haven't needed to discount, but I did do 3 freebies lately .
Actually I have raised my warranty inspection pricing and new home construction phase inspection pricing.
Still doing preowned homes but eventually will only do new stuff and commercial. I have had a few commercial lately. Amazing how much more you can charge on commercial. Bring those on. Did a 10,000 SF day care last week.