The number one rule of any successful business is “Know thy customer”. In demolition work, where trust is everything, this is especially pertinent. Yes, you need to be good at destroying a structure (or parts of one) safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary chaos. However, you also need to understand which factors signal that you’re capable of this.
This article will break down what truly matters to your clients when they’re searching for a demolition company, so you can win more contracts.
Proven Experience
The demolition process is extremely high-risk, and one mistake can lead to heavy financial losses or even physical injury. Your clients want to know that you’ve done it before. This means you need to demonstrate a clear history of successful, safe project completion. Contracts that involve the safe removal of hazardous materials are particularly compelling, as these jobs are especially complex and a positive track record shows a high level of skill.
Licensing, Insurance, and Safety Standards
If you break the law or injure a bystander, clients can also be on the hook for any potential negative consequences. Because of this, they generally expect demolition experts to take safety and compliance very seriously. To improve your chances of securing contracts, consider the following:
Insurance
Do you have the right insurance for the type of work you perform? At minimum, you should invest in public liability and worker’s compensation, as these are required by law in most or all Australian states. You may additionally require specialised policies for certain high-risk work.
Licenses
Ensure that you have the correct licensing as required by your state. Note that the rules are different depending on where you’re located – a demolition company in Sydney, for instance, must have a different license from a similar demolition company in Perth. A demolition company in Brisbane will have different requirements again. You may also need a special license to perform certain tasks (such as asbestos removal).
Work Health and Safety
Demolition companies who take worksite safety seriously are seen as a lower-risk investment. They’re less likely to cause serious accidents, and often respond better when an emergency does occur. Strong safety protocols also make it easier to obtain insurance.
To demonstrate your commitment, create, test, and implement a strong worksite safety plan. Keep it in a location where it can be easily seen, and be prepared to explain your safety credentials to potential clients.
Transparent Communication
Clear communication and complete honesty are non-negotiable for most clients. They need to trust that you’ll tell them the truth, no matter how difficult it is to hear, and answer questions promptly. How you interact with them from that first email or phone call can determine whether or not they ultimately choose you.
You can demonstrate this trait to potential clients by providing:
- Clear, itemised quotes
- Realistic timeframes and punctual service
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff who can explain the process in clear language
Environmental and Waste Management Practices
Today’s clients are more environmentally conscious than ever before, in part due to changing sustainability reporting laws. They’re being held accountable for their environmental impact, and that means they need to vet out all partners (including demolition contractors) carefully. Improper disposal of hazardous materials can also cause physical injury to bystanders, exacerbating the issue.
This means they’ll want to know how you remove and dispose of materials such as asbestos, and whether you comply with local sustainability laws. Going above and beyond your legal obligations will earn you extra points. One way you can do this is by having an environmental liability insurance policy in place.
Value for Money
There’s a common misconception that clients will always choose the lowest quote, but this isn’t necessarily true. In fact, pricing too low could make your work appear to be poor quality. It tells them you have no other competitive advantage worth noting.
What clients actually look for is value. They don’t necessarily want you to be the cheapest demolition company on the Gold Coast – just the one who offers the best value for each dollar spent. You can help them feel confident that you are this company by:
- Providing clear explanations of the services you offer
- Showing a high level of professionalism in everything you do (proper demolition insurance helps with this, by showing you can afford to do things the right way)
- Pricing in line with your competitors - not drastically higher or lower than them
Be the Demolition Company Clients Choose
When clients are looking for a demolition company near them, there’s a lot more involved than simply who costs the least or responds to their email fastest. They want to know that you take safety seriously, fulfill your legal obligations, and keep them in the loop at each step. By taking steps to accomplish these things, you put yourself in a far better position to win contracts.
Trying to position yourself as the best demolition company in Melbourne? One easy way to fulfill most of the criteria listed above is by having the right insurance. This small change immediately positions you as safe, professional, and trustworthy. You can start learning about insurance, which policies you might need, and how to get them by reading our ultimate guide.
FAQs
Clients generally look for good communication skills, prior experience, strong safety procedures, a high level of professionalism, and adherence to legal obligations.
One fast, easy way to tick most items off a potential client’s list is by having sufficient insurance in place. This reduces risk, helps you remain compliant (some policies are required by law), and immediately positions you as trustworthy and professional.
The types of insurance you must legally have vary depending on state. For example, a Perth demolition company has different requirements from a demolition company in Adelaide. You should always start with workers’ compensation (mandatory in all states) and public liability (mandatory in most states).
In addition to the competitive advantage it provides, a good insurance policy protects your financial interests by taking the hit in the event of an emergency. Without coverage, you can be left thousands of dollars out of pocket.