beginnerSales

Sales Pipeline

A visual tracker that shows every potential job from first contact to signed contract, like a fishing line with hooks at different stages — some leads are just biting, others are almost in the boat.

Full Definition

Your sales pipeline organizes all potential jobs into stages (lead, estimate scheduled, estimate delivered, follow-up, closed won/lost) so you know exactly where each opportunity stands. It's your roadmap to predict future revenue and identify where leads are falling through the cracks.

For Contractors

Why It Matters

Without a pipeline, you're flying blind on cash flow. A concrete contractor with 20 active leads worth $160,000 total can predict they'll close 5 jobs ($40,000) this month at a 25% close rate. That's the difference between scrambling for work and planning your crew schedule weeks ahead.

Real-World Example

A concrete contractor in Phoenix tracks his pipeline: 8 leads in 'initial contact' ($64,000 potential), 5 in 'estimate scheduled' ($40,000), 3 in 'estimate delivered' ($24,000), and 2 in 'final negotiations' ($16,000). He knows $16,000 is likely to close this week, $24,000 within two weeks, giving him clear crew planning and cash flow visibility.

Common Mistakes

  • -Keeping leads in your head instead of written down — you'll forget to follow up on $8,000 driveway jobs
  • -Not tracking where leads drop off — if 80% disappear after estimates, your pricing or presentation needs work
  • -Treating all leads the same — a $15,000 stamped patio deserves more attention than a $3,000 sidewalk repair
  • -Not following up systematically — most concrete jobs close after 3-7 touchpoints, not on the first call

What to Do

Write down every active lead right now with these columns: Customer Name, Project Type, Estimated Value, Current Stage, Next Action, and Follow-up Date. Put it in a simple spreadsheet or CRM. Update it every Friday. This 30-minute weekly habit will increase your close rate by 15-20%.

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Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What stages should I include in my concrete sales pipeline?
Keep it simple: New Lead → Estimate Scheduled → Estimate Delivered → Follow-up/Negotiation → Closed Won/Lost. You can add stages like 'Site Visit Scheduled' if you do those separately, but don't overcomplicate it.
How long should leads stay in my pipeline before I mark them lost?
For concrete work, follow up for 90 days. Homeowners often get multiple bids and take time to decide on big projects like driveways ($8,000+). Set reminders every 2 weeks. After 90 days with no response, mark it lost but keep in your database for future marketing.
Should I track small repair jobs in the same pipeline as big projects?
Yes, but use dollar value to prioritize your time. A $500 crack repair gets basic follow-up, while a $15,000 stamped patio gets multiple touchpoints and site visits. Most contractors do 80/20 — 80% of revenue comes from 20% of jobs.
What's a good close rate for concrete contractors?
25% overall is solid. Premium decorative concrete should be 30-35%, basic work 20-25%. If you're below 20%, your pricing might be too high or you're not qualifying leads properly. Above 40% might mean you're underpricing.
How do I handle seasonal changes in my concrete pipeline?
Track seasonal patterns — spring surge, summer peak, fall rush before winter. In cold climates, use winter for estimates and planning. Build a 'warm pipeline' of jobs ready to start when weather breaks. Some contractors book 2-3 months ahead during peak season.

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