Are you a contractor customers would recommend to others?

In our role as electrical industry peak body, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is often asked by media what people should look for when they are engaging an electrician. Of course, our first answer is always to ensure you are dealing with someone who holds the appropriate licence and insurance for whichever state they’re working in.

Beyond that critical requirement, however, we also recommend customers ask other questions:

• Does the contractor offer a guarantee of workmanship?
• Do they belong to a recognised industry body such as Master Electricians?
• Do they provide a written quote before starting work?
• Do they carry and promote energy-efficient options?
• Do they use an active safety system to protect their staff and customers?

Through the media, Master Electricians constantly challenges consumers to apply these tests to any contractor they are considering engaging. My challenge to you is this: would you and your business pass those tests?

Maintaining your credibility and your client’s trust as an electrician is a key aspect of performing a high-quality job. Put yourself in a homeowner’s shoes - are you a reputable electrician that he or she can trust to carry out quality electrical work in their homes?

It is essential that you be prepared to show your electrical licence to a homeowner should they ask to view it. Remember that even licensed sparkies can make mistakes or carry out substandard electrical work. Always make sure you also have the appropriate public liability insurance to support you.

Alleviating a homeowner’s doubts about your credibility as a sparky can be as simple as showing up well dressed in a company uniform or employing manners in their home. Always provide the homeowner with a written quote before commencing work and ensure they receive a copy of the Compliance Certificate at the completion of a job.

Remember, a simple safety switch installation gone wrong could mean severe injury or even death for a homeowner or his or her loved ones. Ensure that their trust in electricians is not misplaced. This is why MEA conducts a screening process before accrediting electricians, so that homeowners know the mark of an accredited Master Electrician is a trusted brand and one they can rely on for quality electrical work.

Finally, make sure you are safety focused in everything you do. A serious accident can be easily averted simply by turning the mains power off before you carry out any electrical work. Performing electrical work on live equipment should only be done as a last resort and avoided as much as possible. You should also have active safety systems put in place to prevent tragedies or unsafe electrical work, and risk assessments need to be conducted on every job.

Why not make it a business goal to increase your word-of-mouth recommendations in 2013. Focusing on those few areas I’ve mentioned above will have a positive impact on your bottom line.