Don't mention the war!

[Lucas 2]

Don't mention the war! No-one likes to admit they haven't got enough work but I've got 2-3 possible jobs, one big but if they don't come in - nada, niente, nothing......too many tilers inc. new ones out there and not enough jobs to go round...? what do you reckon..?
Think I may have to learn some more skills or ....? Is it worth getting a website/address onto business cards..?
What's things like for you..?
Best Wishes
Lucas 2

 

[doug boardley]

things are quiet up here too lucas!, actually got 1000 business cards printed last week for the first time in years, (never needed any form of advertising before the credit crunch)! Will do a hand out of cards to tile shops slightly farther out of my normal radius next week

 

[cornish_crofter]

I've got a couple of builders helping me out at my property at the moment. They've got nothing to go onto afterwards.

Even I've got some work and I would say that they are more established than me.

 

[mikethetile]

this months professional builder magazine reported that tiling is on the increase despite evryone else struggling

they reckon its because people are improving instead of moving

the top home improvement is wetrooms / shower rooms

followed by kitchens

these add value to their homes

also people are having tiled floors as they intend to stay in their homes for the forseeable future and so are prepaed to invest in more expensive flooring

 

[White Room]

Tiling for a plumber at the moment and asked what he's next, nothing came the reply. Do know another plumber and he's got 6 weeks work and turning some down, theres still work out there just finding the right contacts

 

[Tubsy]

although being an independant installer we get most of our work from a national bathroom company and were booking in fits and starts at the moment, our customers have changed from young couples starting out to middle aged people staying in their houses cause they can't sell. the stuff were installing is the higher end quality wise so there is less quantity but more quality, wet rooms have taken off this year for us i'm booking more surveys for wetrooms than ever. so my advice is to present yourself and the qualities you can offer the customer maybe specialise in the stuff you make the most profit on and work on being the best at it....

 

[Daz]

this months professional builder magazine reported that tiling is on the increase despite evryone else struggling

they reckon its because people are improving instead of moving

the top home improvement is wetrooms / shower rooms

followed by kitchens

these add value to their homes

also people are having tiled floors as they intend to stay in their homes for the forseeable future and so are prepaed to invest in more expensive flooring

Just out of interest, was that report written by Mark Humphries (he also runs a tile training centre)?

My experience is that it is pretty much true, I'm finding that a lot of my customer base are improving rather than moving.

 

[LM Ceramics]

to be honest not really busy up here well for me anyway really slacked off after a busy feb and beginning of march only got 2 bathroom installs booked in

 

[Fred]

I'm not busy at the moment. But I do feel people will improve their homes so work well come.

The constant news about the current worries only makes people hold onto their money more.

I'm also getting more tilers laid off in central London calling me to see if I have any work I can pass on, and have noticed a few new faces in my local rags, so more competition. Thats not good news.

 

[brian c]

stick with it,im sure its getting better...well thats what i have found this wekk at least.If you can survive the next year or so then you will be ok ..imo.

 

[Lucas 2]

O.K thanks,
Just wanted to get some idea of how others are finding it at the mo...
is the topic too sensitive?

 

[andy-p]

i dont want to rub it in but im having a really busy year with no sign of it letting up , ive even had to knock work back and my bro in law who is a tiler as well is the same, but we have both been in this game for a long time and have many contacts , experience and your good name counts for everything ...

 

[LM Ceramics]

well done andy glad some us are alright i do believe experience and contacts will play a major part in this credit crunch ive said it before and ill say it again its survival of the fittest

 

[mikethetile]

Just out of interest, was that report written by Mark Humphries (he also runs a tile training centre)?

My experience is that it is pretty much true, I'm finding that a lot of my customer base are improving rather than moving.

hi captain

ive just checked, it was put out by the tta

they surveyed their members

its encouraging news :hurray: