In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process for setting up Service Plans:
What are Service Plans?
Service Plans, also known as maintenance plans or service agreements, are recurring memberships that keep customers connected to your business. They include routine maintenance, exclusive perks like discounts and priority service, and predictable payment options. These plans ensure customers return regularly while giving you a reliable revenue stream and opportunities to build long-term relationships.
Why should Pros use Service Plans?
Service Plans help you build loyalty, streamline operations, and grow your business. They stabilize your cash flow, even in slower seasons, by encouraging customers to commit to regular maintenance.
Step 1: What’s the goal of your service plan program?
Defining what you want to achieve before setting up your Service Plan program is essential. Identifying your primary goal will help you create a plan that aligns with your business objectives and meets your customers’ needs. Here are some common goals for Service Plans:
Goal | Best Practices |
Generate predictable revenue Stabilize cash flow by securing recurring monthly or annual payments, even during slower seasons. |
|
Build Long-Term Customer Loyalty Turn one-time customers into repeat clients by creating a relationship built on trust and value. |
|
Improve Operational Efficiency Plan your workload more effectively with predictable scheduling and fewer last-minute calls. |
|
Step 2: Choose when to get paid for service plans
To set up your Service Plan, you'll want to head over to the Service Plan dashboard to start your new plan. For detailed information, you can use this help center article.
Step 3: Decide when to receive payment for service plans
When setting up your Service Plan, deciding how you’ll get paid is crucial to your business model. The proper payment structure depends on your goals and how you want to manage cash flow and job pricing.
💡 You have the flexibility to choose how you get paid. You can select between pay-now or pay-later options and even combine plans to suit your business needs.
Pay Now Plan: Get Paid Before the Job is Completed
This payment option lets you collect revenue upfront, either monthly or annually.
Predictable Income: You can count on a steady flow of revenue every month or year.
Simplified Billing: Customers pay for the plan in advance, making it easy to manage payments.
Encourages Loyalty: Upfront payments keep customers committed to your Service Plan.
Best For: Businesses looking to stabilize cash flow and reduce the admin work associated with individual job pricing.
Pay Later Plan: Get Paid After the Job is Completed
This option allows you to collect payments once the work is done, letting you adjust pricing based on the scope of each job.
Flexibility: Adjust pricing for jobs that require additional work or materials.
Transparent Costs: Customers see exactly what they’re paying for after completing the job.
Custom Solutions: Perfect for businesses handling complex or variable projects.
Best For: Businesses focused on pricing flexibility and managing job-specific costs.
Step 4: Develop a sales strategy for service plans
Now that your plans are set up in Housecall Pro, it’s time to sell them to your customers. Train your team to communicate the value of service plans effectively. Update your website or create marketing materials to inform customers about this new offering.
Step 5: Set up service plan reminders and preferences
Put your service plans on autopilot by enabling scheduling and renewal reminders.
Step 6: Navigate and use the service plan dashboard
The service plan dashboard is your central hub for managing your service plans. Here, you can oversee service plan templates, schedule upcoming service visits, track customers due for billing, and much more.
Step 7: How to manage customer service plans
The final steps are to learn how to schedule your service plan visit and customer billing.
See What Our Pros Have to Say
Having trouble finding what you need?
For further assistance, please reach out to our Chat Support team
via the Blue Chat Bubble in your Housecall Pro account, or
contact our Phone Support team at (858) 842-5746.
Need help understanding your company's Service Plan strategy?
Enroll in Business Coaching by Housecall Pro's 3-hour Workshop and learn how to identify your lifetime customers.
