In today’s sophisticated, high-tech world, consumers increasingly demand tangible evidence to back work estimates. Just as patients expect to see the X-ray before the operation, customers increasingly want to see “proof” of the plumbing problem before the repair.

Incorporating diagnostic, inspection and locating services into your business can address this need while also adding new business opportunities. Benefits include: 

• The Added Value of Certainty – Clearly seeing the problem means being able to offer the right fix for the customer, no more and no less. When customers see the problem that backs the estimate, it increases their trust in a contractor and the necessity of the work being completed.
• Business in Less Time – Contractors can serve more customers in less time with diagnostics, inspection and locating equipment because they can locate and repair problems faster. Many tools come standard with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing findings to be shared immediately with clients and co-workers, which leads to faster decisions and shorter projects.
• Expanded Capabilities – Diagnostics is an investment that quickly pays for itself and continues to drive incremental income by letting contractors offer additional services. It also allows you to take on more complex and difficult projects that you previously would have had to decline.
• Add on as You Grow – Reels, cameras, monitors and locators can be acquired over time as revenue increases and contractors expand their services.

The benefits of adding diagnostic, inspection and locating services are numerous. If the few mentioned here have you considering purchasing equipment to begin offering these services, here are a couple of additional things to keep in mind:

• Primary Projects – Buy equipment for the jobs you’re doing now. You don’t need to get everything at once, and some tools are better for certain types of jobs than for others. For example, the RIDGID SeeSnake Mini Camera is a good investment for commercial jobs, while the SeeSnake Compact2 Camera System is better for residential jobs. You can add additional equipment as you recoup your initial investment.
• Equipment Integration – Make sure all the pieces you buy complement each other and will enhance the work you are doing with existing tools. For example, RIDGID reels, cameras, monitors and locators are designed to work together so that setup time is fast and compatibility is a given.

Regardless of the equipment you start with, offering diagnostic, inspection and locating services will not only help your business, but also enhance clients’ trust in your work.

About the Author

James McGregor is the global marketing director for the drain cleaning line at RIDGID, a global manufacturer of more than 300 dependable and innovative tools, trusted by professional trades in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.ridgid.com.