A good service provider can be hard to find. You know the kind…they provide prompt, courteous service with a commitment to doing quality work. They exceed expectations regularly. They provide the “and then some” without having to be asked. The value provided far outweighs the price.
Perhaps you’re already contracted with service providers that do all of the above and more. However, if you’re frustrated by the poor quality of workmanship, delays, broken promises, and substandard work, here are a few points to consider BEFORE you hire your next vendor.
- Interview your vendors/service providers. Ask about their work history, education, experience, and license, certification, or degree.
- Ask about their work philosophies. Do they speak passionately about their work? Or, do you hear a lack of enthusiasm that might indicate a variety of important points for you to consider?
- Inquire about their policies regarding service such as delivery times, return phone calls, guarantees, etc. They don’t have any policies? Hmmm…….
- Solicit referrals. Most will give you their best clients. By skillfully crafting the questions asked of the referral, you can learn much about your potential vendor/service provider.
- Don’t step over anything. If something doesn’t sound, feel, or look right, question it immediately. The seemingly insignificant items that get overlooked are generally symptomatic of a large problem.
- Comparison shop. Interview a minimum of three service providers before making a decision. It requires more time up front, but ultimately saves you time and frustration.
Spending quality time selecting vendors/service providers reminds me of something I learned from my Dad. “If you don’t have time to do it right the first time, how much time do you have to do it over?” Words of wisdom for all of us ….
Strategic Coach Takeaway: Identify the five most important qualities of your ideal vendor/service provider. Interview & select your service provider from that pre-defined perspective.
