Last week I questioned whether the recent uplift in consumer confidence could mark the beginning of a ‘Burnham bounce’ for the home improvement sector. With the latest GfK/NIQ Consumer Confidence Index recording its biggest monthly improvement in almost three years, there were encouraging signs that homeowners may once again be feeling optimistic enough to invest in their properties.
This week, the latest Business Pilot Barometer, which analysis data from the retail sector, is suggesting that the market ‘has settled into a period of steady performance’.
While enquiry volumes eased slightly during July after June’s strong recovery, installers continued to maintain sales levels thanks to stronger conversion rates, higher average order values and improved operational efficiency.
In fact, conversion rates reached 40.8%, their highest level so far this year, while the average order value climbed back above £4,000. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always about generating more leads; it’s about making the most of the opportunities already in front of you.
That ties in neatly with the point Danny Williams made in his August Glass Times column, where he described our industry as one of Britain’s most reliable economic bellwethers. Consumer confidence may be returning, but homeowners are still taking a considered approach to spending. They’re not saying ‘no’ to home improvements – they’re making sure they say ‘yes’ to the right company.
For installers, that places even greater importance on the sales process. Speed of response, professionalism and the ability to help customers visualise the finished result can all make the difference between winning and losing an order.
Technology is increasingly helping businesses gain that edge. Tommy Trinder recently revealed that users of its AI-powered ‘Bring It To Life’ feature have now created more than 7,000 photorealistic property makeovers in just ten weeks. Rather than asking homeowners to imagine how new windows, doors or a different colour scheme might look, installers can now show them a realistic image of the finished project within their quotation.
It’s easy to see why that’s proving so popular. Purchasing replacement windows or a new front door is a significant investment, and homeowners naturally want reassurance that they’re making the right decision.
The more confidence an installer can give a customer during the quotation process, the greater the likelihood that enquiry becomes an order.
Retail sector ‘holding steady’
Last week I questioned whether the recent uplift in consumer confidence could mark the beginning of a ‘Burnham bounce’ for the home improvement sector. With the latest GfK/NIQ Consumer Confidence Index recording its biggest monthly improvement in almost three years, there were encouraging signs that homeowners may once again be feeling optimistic enough to invest in their properties.
This week, the latest Business Pilot Barometer, which analysis data from the retail sector, is suggesting that the market ‘has settled into a period of steady performance’.
While enquiry volumes eased slightly during July after June’s strong recovery, installers continued to maintain sales levels thanks to stronger conversion rates, higher average order values and improved operational efficiency.
In fact, conversion rates reached 40.8%, their highest level so far this year, while the average order value climbed back above £4,000. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always about generating more leads; it’s about making the most of the opportunities already in front of you.
That ties in neatly with the point Danny Williams made in his August Glass Times column, where he described our industry as one of Britain’s most reliable economic bellwethers. Consumer confidence may be returning, but homeowners are still taking a considered approach to spending. They’re not saying ‘no’ to home improvements – they’re making sure they say ‘yes’ to the right company.
For installers, that places even greater importance on the sales process. Speed of response, professionalism and the ability to help customers visualise the finished result can all make the difference between winning and losing an order.
Technology is increasingly helping businesses gain that edge. Tommy Trinder recently revealed that users of its AI-powered ‘Bring It To Life’ feature have now created more than 7,000 photorealistic property makeovers in just ten weeks. Rather than asking homeowners to imagine how new windows, doors or a different colour scheme might look, installers can now show them a realistic image of the finished project within their quotation.
It’s easy to see why that’s proving so popular. Purchasing replacement windows or a new front door is a significant investment, and homeowners naturally want reassurance that they’re making the right decision.
The more confidence an installer can give a customer during the quotation process, the greater the likelihood that enquiry becomes an order.
Luke Wood
Related Articles
Will the industry benefit from a Burnham bounce?
A hot topic
SGP raising the bar for quality and service