The COVID19 pandemic has not only jeopardized the health of millions of Americans but has also taken its toll on the economy as well. With many businesses temporarily closed (and in some cases permanently) the unemployment rate rose to levels higher than the Great Depression in the 1920s. In our hometown of Houston, the same occurred. Many people lost their jobs in different sectors of the economy including restaurant, oil and gas, airlines, tourism, and automotive. There were even layoffs in the healthcare industry as hospitals were not allowed to perform elective surgeries. As businesses can now slowly open and people begin to go back to work, we have seen large increases in demand for local services despite the continued increases in new coronavirus cases. Local services include any goods or services provided by a local supplier. They include services such as HVAC, repairs, plumbers, or any type of home service provider.
The proof is in the numbers. All non-essential businesses were ordered to keep their doors shut in Houston on March 24 when there was a “stay home, work safe” order issued. Previously, on March 16, bars and restaurants were ordered to close. These orders continued through the month of April but orders for certain businesses began to be lifted by Governor Abbott on May 1. In the months that included the closures (March, April, and May) the high temperatures were above average in Houston for about 70% of the days. However, in March and April, HVAC service providers reported much lower revenue numbers than in previous years. This was chalked up to a change in consumer behavior: with more people either out of work or concerned about the virus, the demand for HVAC repairs or replacements was lower even though the temperatures were higher than average. May saw a dramatic increase. In fact, we saw an increase in purchasing indicators such as phone calls and form fills anywhere from 66% to 133% from the previous month!
If you are a home services provider and would like to learn how we can increase your leads and revenue for a lower average cost please contact us or give us a call at 713-309-6380.
Weather Resource: https://www.weather.gov/hgx/climate_graphs_iah#2020