Hi Dave,
Honest answer?....not sure yet.
I have split the UK into areas, they will be quite large i.e. west midlands, bristol, kent, west london etc
From all the areas, I have twenty which we receive probably between 5 and 10 enquiries a month from the remaining areas get probably something like one or two a month, some to date maybe zero enquiries full stop.
Obviously the areas that I know we are getting plenty of enquiries already will be our premier areas which will be charged double the standard areas. If I only get these areas covered I would be happy. And for the guys taking these areas on I would be 100% confident they will be happy with the amount of enquiries which should come through.
But for instance we have only ever received one enquiry from West Wales to date. However that enquiry turned out to be the largest contract I had ever been involved in. Since then I have received an enquiry which could dwarf that contract, but it's early days for that one at the moment.
Anyway basically the problem I see is that the areas I dish out will be too big in terms of smaller companies to try and cover i.e. if an enquiry is 25 miles from them they may turn round and say its not worth going out to quote for a £100 job maybe.
But if I make the areas too small, the price could come down, but the admin for me will become a nightmare I expect as I would end up with hundreds of areas to deal with rather than maybe 50 as it probably will be as it stands.
I would envisage prices of £40 a month for premeir areas and £20 a month for the standard areas. Basically you are paying for us to hopefully find some nice enquiries which with a bit of luck will recoup your outlay.
It may be the case that in twelve months time some of the standard area guys get their money back as I've failed to provide leads and we find certain areas will just not be worthwhile, but I would imagine the premier area guys will be laughing with the type of enquiries which come through.
I've just cancelled my ufindus/customer street site at £40 a month for the last year, I have received zero enquiries, but they didn't give me my money back.
So really guys, it's a case of sitting and hoping that enough enquiries come in to keep everyone happy, but you can finish whenever you like.
Cheers,
Huw.