TOPIC: care package binder for each client

Do you or can you provide a general information binder for each client outlining basic contractor fees for repairs, info on GFIs,lead based paint, galvanized pipe, roofing drip edge, color brochers so you feel like you are giving somthing at the beginning of the inspection
and e mail the report within 24hrs? ? I think a care binder would be a good selling point ? email me This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hi Steve,

I'd say less than 10% of inspectors still give a care binder. Many have all the information on their website and then will link to that information from their report. With inspection fees so competitive being able to save $10 to $20 by putting the info online is a huge advantage. Plus information online can be updated more frequently and link to other sites.

I use a binder package and the results have been very positive. (More referrals)

Costs <$10.

I did for a while.  Not worth the money.  At $5-$10 per inspection at 100-200 inspections per year, I was giving away too much money. As Dom said, put the info on your website and put active links in your report.  Remember they are moving from someplace to this new home weeks or months after the inspection.  Anything you give them is going to get packed away and may never see the light of day again.  So if I spend $1k-$2k per year for fancy stuff, I better get back 3-5 inspection MINIMUM just to recoup the costs.

Instead I try a different approach by making an impression in other ways.  Showing you care about little things can form a better memory than a binder that goes in a drawer or gets torn apart for the kids next school project.

I carry a folding table and chairs for the vacant homes.
I carry dog and cat treats at all times.  Most people like pets.  They like people who are kind to animals.  Corny, I know but it works.
I carry photo copied coloring pages and crayons for kids.
Always have a spare clip board and pages of paper with your company name on them so they can take measurements and stay out of your hair.
 
Make the experience less stressful and they will remember.  Referrals didn't drop from getting rid of the binders, but they sure have gone up since I started the other stuff.  Every area is different.  Your mileage may vary.

Great tips Steve!

I agree that providing 'care' information can be a good marketing tool as long as I don't create the information because that would add to my potential liability.  Instead, I give clients who attend the inspection a Homeowners Manual and a tape measure.  That way the liability for any care advice belongs to the HM author and the clients can spend some time writing notes and measurements in the blank pages in the back of the manual.