Hey everyone! Michelle T. from Phoenix here. Just had to share - after weeks of cold calling, I finally landed my first utility audit client! It's a small manufacturing facility on APS Schedule E-32 TOU. Found $847/month in demand charge errors going back 18 months. They're thrilled and already asking about their other locations. Any tips for managing multiple sites for one client?
Cold calling success - landed my first client today!
Congratulations Michelle! That's a solid first win. Randy D. here. For multi-site clients, I recommend setting up a master spreadsheet to track each location's rate schedule, billing cycles, and findings. Make sure you have authorization letters for each meter before requesting historical data. Also consider offering a volume discount for 3+ locations to encourage them to give you everything at once. What was your approach that finally broke through on the cold calling?
Nice work Michelle! Tony F. from Vegas. I've found multi-site manufacturing clients are goldmines. They usually have similar billing errors across all locations. Document everything systematically - same rate schedules often have same problems. What industry is your new client in?
Thanks guys! It's a metal fabrication shop. Randy, I finally got through by calling at 7:30 AM and reaching the owner directly before his office staff arrived. Mentioned I'd found similar savings at a competitor (which was true from my sample audit practice). Tony, they have 3 locations all on similar TOU schedules so hoping you're right about consistent errors!
Congrats Michelle! Maria G. from San Antonio. That early morning tip is gold - I've had luck with that too. Make sure you get testimonials from this first client. Manufacturing guys talk to each other at trade shows and chamber events. What percentage are you charging them?
Great job Michelle! Vernon C. in Tampa. I second the testimonial advice. Also ask if they know other manufacturers with similar operations. Referrals from satisfied clients close at about 80% in my experience vs 5% on cold calls. The early morning calling strategy works because business owners are usually in early checking on overnight production runs.
Michelle, Carlos M. also in Phoenix here. If you need help with APS rate analysis I know their schedules inside out. E-32 TOU has some tricky demand ratchet provisions that often get misapplied. Happy to review your findings if you want a second pair of eyes. Congrats on breaking through!
Carlos that would be amazing! I'll send you a PM. Maria, I'm doing 50% of first year savings. Vernon you're so right about the referral rates - already planning to ask for introductions once I deliver the refund check. This forum has been incredible for getting started. Thank you all!