TOPIC: Buying a home inspection business, help.

Don't confuse "Clients", the actual home buyer, with the agents who may refer you.  You may never hear from an actual client again, in fact chances are you never will unless you do the follow up, follow up, follow up.

There is no value in his previous clients or client database even if he has one.  They don't know you and chances are unless it is a very recent inspection, won't remember the inspector either especially if he hasn't made any contact since the inspection.

Not to dwell on the negative side but you would be much better off spending the same amount of money just on marketing.  $10k, $20k?  That is one heck of a marketing budget.

We get referrals from past clients all the time, not just agents. I had one today, fourth inspection we did for him.  We also get lots of agents referrals, the trick with an agent if you get a referral you must give them a reason to call you or recommend you again.  

Angie's list gives us a few inspections every month.

Insurance agents give us referrals EVERY day.  The local builders association also gives us business, even some of the builders will send work our way.

Give them a reason to remember you and an inspection they are proud of.  They will only keep using you if you keep providing the same or better service than the last owner.

Oregon is a licensed state.  You might look into the cost and requirements for obtaining your license before entering into any purchase.  The time and cost to obtain your license, when added to the purchase price may be greater than you know.    Caveat Emptor.

Each geographical area has their own unique qualities.  Oregon and the Pacific NW don't have 4 points, wind mits or other insurance inspections.  Very rarely do we hear from insurance agents.  Former clients will remember you but you need to prod them with continuing information and helpful hints.  All part of marketing yourself and the business.  If you are lucky, the previous owner did this, otherwise his past clients will mean nothing to you.

Sphere of influence.  Work it but don't become a pest. 

Luke...the rest of the guy's said it right! A BOOMING local car wash went of business when sold. Look at this way...If you start  on your own, and they guy selling his business i closing up shop - you have one less competitor. I think most of the guys responding here started on there own.  In my market...multi-inspectors, and large inspection companies are dwindling away.

Most Agents will stick to the guy they know and trust. When you buy an inspection business you can't  buy Bob's home inspections because they always ask for Bob. But if you buy 1st Choice home inspections there is no Bob. A multi inspector firm or the implication of multi inspectors you are buying the reputation of the business. If the business is presented as a multi person business it is sellable. Just my opinion.

Stephen, and others
Can you give use some of your ideas on how to follow up?