How to Make More Money on Every Job… EFFICIENTLY!
Boost efficiency and profits on every service job with smart truck setups, pro tools, and better habits—work smarter, not harder, every day.
KickStart: You can be more efficient and provide a superior customer experience at the same time.
In our residential services industry I’ll NEVER back down from… “Service Engineering” the homeowner’s EXPERIENCE should be your #1 priority! However…
In today’s challenging economy, efficiency is also super important. Whether you’re a one-man operation or running 20 crews, you can’t afford to waste time, gas, or energy on anything that doesn’t directly bring income.
The good news? You don’t need more customers to make more money—you just need to get more out of every job you’re already doing.
Let’s break down some easy, real-world strategies you can start using today to tighten up your techs’ routine, look more professional, and ultimately boost your profits. This means…
It’s time for Steve to choose our Daily Industry Sector! Hmmmm, what the heck, let’s be Pest Control professionals today!
1. Get Your Trucks Dialed In – and Keep Them That Way
Your work trucks are a rolling office, supply closet, and storage shed. If they are a mess, the whole day will be too. Every wasted minute digging through clutter is profits slipping through your fingers.
Quick Wins:
Put your most-used tools and products near the doors so you can grab them fast. I call this a “Hierarchy of Needs” and it will transform your truck organization!
Store gear in groups based on workflow—group by task, like inspection tools, treatment gear, and safety equipment.
Clean and reset the truck at the end of each day. No matter how tired your techs are 10 minutes at night can save 30 minutes (or more) tomorrow morning.
Think about it this way: your trucks should help your staff get in and out of every job faster, not slow them down.
2. Upgrade to Pro-Grade Shelving
Sure, building out your truck with scrap wood and a few drywall screws might feel resourceful, but it’s not doing you any favors long term.
Here’s why stainless-steel shelving is worth it:
It’s lighter and more space-efficient than clunky wood setups.
It looks sharp—like you actually know what you’re doing (because you do).
It holds up for years with zero maintenance.
Customers will judge you based on how your rig looks when you pop the back open. A pro-looking setup builds trust and shows you care about the details.
All of the above leads to much better employee morale, better production (profits) AND many more ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ online Cheerleader reviews!
3. Label Everything (Yes, Everything)
You might know where everything is. But what about:
A new helper?
Your techs after a long week? (Or a boozy weekend?) 🙄
A customer watching your worker dig through piles of stuff thrown-in on the last job? Instead…
Grab a label maker and go to town:
Label shelves, bins, containers, chemical bottles, assigned tool areas.
Use color coding for quick visual sorting.
Create zones for inspections tools, treatments, pest baiting, PPE, etc.
Clear labeling = faster setups, quicker restocks, and less stress. Plus, when clients peek in and see everything neat and labeled, they FEEL more confident in your Home Front service!
4. Never Walk Empty-Handed
Here’s a classic time-saver: Every trip to or from the customer’s home should have a purpose. For example…
First trip: bring up the Job Folder, door mat (What! You aren’t placing a door mat at the front door? Why not?)😯, and inspection tools.
On every return trip: take back empty containers, trash, tools you’re done with.
If you forgot something, grab something to return to the truck. (Make every trip count!)
ProTIP: List out the items needed for a “standard job”—sprayer, duster, flashlight, PPE, bait gun, etc. Now group them logically in “trips” up to the home. Tape this checklist on each truck’s dash. It keeps tech’s trips tight and their mind clear.
Efficiency isn’t just about speed—it’s about working with intention! (Remember, if clients FEEL like your techs are “rushing through their job” it is a HUGE negative Moment of Truth!)
5. Let the Chemicals and/or Equipment Do the Heavy Lifting
Your biggest cost in this business isn’t equipment or products—it’s labor. (If you’re an owner-operator, your time is the most expensive of all.)
That’s why skimping on quality tools and chemicals is a false economy. This might save a few bucks up front, but it costs more in the long run.
Cheap products = more callbacks, more time on-site, more re-dos.
Pro-grade products = faster results, happier customers, fewer follow-ups.
You’re not just applying product—you’re solving a problem. So invest in formulas that give fast knockdowns, long residuals, and real results. The faster you’re done (with happy customers), the more jobs you can do—or the sooner you can get home.
Bonus: Efficiency = Better Customer Experience
This stuff isn’t just about saving time. It’s also about looking sharp, acting confident, and delivering a smoother experience for your customers.
You’re in and out faster. (Without running!)
You don’t forget gear or fumble around.
You appear more trustworthy and professional.
All of this builds loyalty, referrals, and repeat work—which is where the real money is in pest control… and in YOUR Home Front business!
Special Note: Tired of the constant barrage of price shopping customers just calling around researching prices for ___ work? Our Converting the “How much…?” Caller – Course will immediately pay for itself on the first price shopper call. Guaranteed!
The KickStart Line: You Don’t Need More Jobs—You Need Better Systems!
Most of our techs are hustling hard. But working harder doesn’t always mean you’re earning more.
Work smarter:
Tighten your truck setup.
Use quality, professional tools and products.
Stick to efficient habits.
Treat each job like a system—not a one-off chore.
When you achieve this, you and your techs will be faster, more consistent, and more profitable—without burning out.
Apply these Home Front principle and everyone, including your clients, will enjoy the job more too!
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