Top 5 Ways to Get Repeat Business as a Tradesperson and Why Smart Stickers Make It Easy
Published on: June 6, 2025
By Bash, Co-Founder
In a competitive trades industry, repeat business is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Whether you're a gas engineer, electrician, fire alarm tester, appliance repair professional, or HVAC technician, having customers come back year after year builds not only your revenue it builds trust, reputation, and operational efficiency.
While word-of-mouth is gold, it's not enough on its own. The real secret? Systematically giving customers, a reason and a way to rebook with you automatically. That's where smart service stickers come in.
In this guide, we'll cover the top 5 proven methods to secure repeat jobs as a tradesperson and show you how to integrate Smart Service Stickers to make it all seamless, reliable, and profitable.
Why Repeat Business Matters More Than New Leads
Before we get into the how, here's why you need to care:
- •Acquiring a new customer costs 5–10x more than retaining an existing one (source: Harvard Business Review).
- •Repeat customers spend up to 67% more than first timers.
- •Maintenance trades are often cyclical boilers, PAT testing, alarms, appliances all require regular service.
- •You're not just fixing things; you're building long-term client relationships.
But without a reliable way to stay top-of-mind, even the happiest customers forget to call you back.
1. Make It Easy for Customers to Book Again
Customers are more likely to rebook with you if the process is frictionless.
The Old Way:
- •Leave a paper sticker with your number (if it sticks at all).
- •Hope they remember you next year.
The Smart Way:
Use Smart Service Stickers — durable, professionally branded QR stickers that:
- ✅Scan with any phone
- ✅Open a pre-filled booking form
- ✅Let your customer rebook in seconds
It's the easiest possible way for your customer to say "yes, same time next year."
Try scanning a demo at our InstallerSHOW stand or buy your own starter pack at workbelt.co.uk/smart-service-stickers
2. Set Service Reminders at Point of Install
Don't leave follow-up to chance.
How Smart Stickers Help:
Each sticker includes a "Next Service Due" label section. You apply it when you complete the job — on the boiler, the fuse board, the alarm box, the appliance, wherever it makes sense.
Why it works:
- •Customers have a visual cue every time they walk past the unit.
- •You're pre-programming the rebooking cycle into their awareness.
- •It makes you the go-to contact, not the next tradesperson they Google.
- •It's not just about marketing — it's good customer service.
3. Automate Follow-Ups with Minimal Tech
You don't need an expensive CRM or app to automate follow-ups. The QR system on Smart Stickers can be linked to:
- •A calendar form (like Calendly)
- •A booking tool
- •A WhatsApp message
- •Or your existing site's contact form
For example:
- 1.Sticker is applied on boiler, marked "Next Service Due: May 2026."
- 2.Customer scans the QR next spring.
- 3.It opens your booking form with the location pre-filled.
You've automated the entire process without any software subscription. But if you want advanced tracking, customer history, and rebooking reports — the optional Workbelt Portal unlocks that too.
4. Use Personalised Branding to Stay Memorable
Most tradespeople still use cheap stickers that:
- ❌Peel off over time
- ❌Have tiny fonts and generic text
- ❌Look unprofessional
When you invest in smart, branded stickers, your business name is front and centre — not buried on a back page of a manual.
Smart Service Stickers come with:
- ✅Custom branding option
- ✅Clean, professional layout
- ✅Strong adhesive and weatherproof design
- ✅QR code that routes to your chosen booking flow
You're not just leaving a reminder — you're leaving a brand asset on every job.
Customers who remember you book you again. Simple.
5. Demonstrate Professionalism & Build Trust
In today's market, trust is currency.
If you can show that:
- •You keep service records organised
- •Your systems make life easier for your customer
- •You proactively support compliance (e.g. for landlords, commercial clients)
…you stand out from 90% of your competition.
Smart Stickers double as:
- •Maintenance record labels
- •Service history indicators
- •Asset tracking markers
Whether it's a landlord needing PAT tests logged or a homeowner wanting boiler history at a glance you're showing them you run a tight ship. That leads to repeat business, referrals, and bigger jobs.
How to Use Smart Stickers – Step-by-Step
Order Your Pack
Apply Stickers On-Site
Stick to flat, clean surface (appliance, boiler, fuse board etc.)
Fill in "Service Date" and "Next Service Due"
Connect QR Code
You'll receive a link builder in your portal
Connect the QR to your online booking, WhatsApp, or calendar
Your customer scans, you get a job
Monitor Usage
Use Workbelt's dashboard (optional subscription) to see:
- •How many scans
- •Which stickers are active
- •Which jobs are due soon
Rebook and Repeat
Encourage your customer to scan when the time comes
Or trigger automated reminders if you're using the full Workbelt platform
It's your entire rebooking pipeline — simplified and sticker-powered.
The ROI Breakdown
Let's run the maths on just one job using a smart sticker:
- •You service a boiler for £85.
- •Apply a 50p Smart Sticker.
- •Next year, they scan and rebook with you automatically.
- •No leaflet drops. No ads. No lost customers.
- •You earn another £85, minus maybe a £1 in overhead.
You spent 50p and made £85 the following year. Do this across 100 jobs a year, and that's:
£8,500 in retained business
For a cost of just £50 in stickers
That's a 170x ROI.
Find Us at InstallerSHOW (24–26 June)
We'll be at 4F42j, showcasing our full sticker range. Come see a demo, get your questions answered, and claim your exclusive InstallerSHOW offer:
Where to Buy
Order directly at workbelt.co.uk/smart-service-stickers
- •No account needed
- •Starter packs available
- •Quick dispatch UK-wide
Final Word: Systemise Your Rebooking's
Repeat business shouldn't be a gamble. With Smart Service Stickers, you create a self-renewing service cycle that saves time, builds loyalty, and increases your revenue — all without chasing customers down.
Smart Stickers aren't just clever. They're your new silent sales team.