Sales
Speed to Lead: The 5-Minute Rule for Coating Contractors
The first contractor to reach a homeowner wins the job far more often than the cheapest one. For coating contractors, calling a new lead within five minutes is the biggest lever on close rate, bigger than price and bigger than the coating system you sell.
What does the research say about lead response time?
A widely cited Harvard Business Review study of online sales leads found most companies respond far too slowly, and that firms contacting a lead within an hour were dramatically more likely to have a meaningful conversation with the decision-maker than firms that waited longer. The faster the response, the better the odds.
Why does speed beat price?
When a homeowner asks for a garage floor quote, they are thinking about it right now. An hour later they are cooking dinner. A day later they have forgotten which form they filled out. A fast call catches them while the project is top of mind.
What callback routine works from a job site?
- Send leads to every phone on the crew that can take a call.
- Call within five minutes. If you cannot talk, text: "Hi, it's [name] with [company], got your garage floor request. Is now a good time for a 2-minute call?"
- On the call, ask three things: the space, the timeline, and what made them look into coating now.
- Book the walkthrough before you hang up. Offer two times.
- Text a confirmation with your name and a photo of a finished floor.
What do our clients see when they call fast?
On his first day live, one client called a lead back fast and was quoting a 3-car garage the same afternoon. Another closed 12 jobs from a 30-lead pack and credited fast callbacks. The contractors at the top of our close-rate range never let a lead sit.
What if you cannot call fast?
Hire an appointment setter, use an answering service, or route leads to whoever on the crew is free. A lead that waits a day is worth a fraction of one called in five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What if the homeowner does not answer?
Text right away, call again within the hour, then once a day for two more days. Most contact happens on the second or third attempt.
Should I text or call first?
Call first. If you are on a job and cannot talk, send a text so they know you are real and will call shortly.
Check your market for exclusive coating leads
We work with one coating contractor per territory. See if yours is open.
Check Territory Availability