Roofers Have the Longest Waiting Lists

ROOFERS have the longest waiting lists out of all the trades due to a shortage of skilled operatives, according to new research.

Roofers’ waiting lists are now on average nine weeks long, compared to the average waiting time for a tradesperson in the UK of almost five weeks

The study by IronmongeryDirect, surveyed workers across the nation to reveal the length of waiting lists in the industry and the trades with the greatest demand.

One in 6 (17%) say they can’t see customers for at least 2 months.

Staff shortages are the biggest factor. More than a quarter (28%) of tradespeople say that this contributes to their long waiting lists.

Finding staff with the right skillset is also an obstacle for many (16%), as are delays for parts (17%). Roofers are the most affected by the skills shortage issue (40%).

Workers in Manchester have the longest average waiting list time, with an average of six weeks, followed closely by Leeds and Liverpool (five weeks). The shortest current wait for a tradesperson is three weeks, which is in Sheffield.

Waiting times are longer in some trades than others, with roofers having the longest average (nine weeks).

The trades where workers have the longest waiting times, on average, are: 

1. Roofer – 9 weeks
2. Locksmith – 8 weeks
3. Joiner – 7 weeks
4. Scaffolder – 6 weeks
5. Carpenter – 5 weeks
6. Builder – 5 weeks
7. Electrician – 5 weeks
8. Landscaper – 5 weeks
9. Plasterer – 4 weeks
10. Caretaker/ Maintenance – 4 weeks

To help tradespeople keep customers happy while experiencing long waiting times, IronmongeryDirect has shared tips for periods of high demand.

1) Prioritising your waitlist

Prioritising your waitlist is crucial for ensuring your business runs smoothly. Review your list of jobs and identify those which are most urgent so you can complete these first. You may have an emergency call out, or some customers who have been waiting a number of weeks. Whoever you choose to prioritise, it’s important to keep all staff and customers updated. Moreover, be transparent about why you have to push work back.

2) Keeping in touch with customers

No matter how long your wait list is, it’s crucial to keep in touch with your customers. Let them know when planned work is due to start. Be honest about waiting times from the beginning, and open about potential delays, such as materials lead times, or larger jobs taking longer than expected. Being clear with people will help to avoid any confusion and keep them happy.

3) Quality assurance

The most effective way to keep customers happy is to ensure that when you do get to their job, you do it to the highest quality possible, justifying their long wait for you. Nothing is more important than doing the job well, so providing a brilliant service is key to a satisfied client base.

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