Increase Sales, Profit by Adding Low-Voltage Lighting to Your Portfolio

ENHANCE A CUSTOMER’S OUTDOOR LIVING AREA, EXPAND YOUR PORTFOLIO, AND IMPROVE YOUR PROFIT WITH LOW-VOLTAGE LIGHTING

Many contractors are adding a new and substantial revenue stream by installing low-voltage lighting systems to accompany landscape designs.

Low-voltage landscape lighting can be a relatively easy upsell for three reasons:

• The labor is less intensive compared to many other landscape elements.
• You can bury low voltage lighting wire in the soil in a relatively shallow ditch (6” minimum depth) or the same trenches as your irrigation system. A basic installation includes laying wire, connecting and installing fixtures, and connecting to the transformer.
• You’re selling an experience by adding value to a client’s home and outdoor living areas. As a contractor, there are several things that can help you upsell low-voltage lighting with ease.

Lighting can accentuate nearly any hardscape project, including paver pathways, garden walls, kitchen islands, seat walls, and trellis areas.

Assess hardscape designs of previous projects and consider how lighting can improve the aesthetics – and then share with existing clients exactly how lighting will enhance their home’s exterior.

The addition of low-voltage lighting systems elevates hardscaping from quality to luxury—and can command luxury prices as well.

Provide education on the benefits and value of installing low-voltage landscape lighting to address concerns and overcome resistance proactively. Some benefits and advantages you might highlight include:

• A landscape lighting system essentially extends a clients’ living area, enabling them to enjoy their yard long after sunset.
• A low-voltage system can help serve as a security element, offering a well-lit view of your client’s property that suggests the home is occupied.
• Adequate lighting also helps reduce accidents and liability by allowing your clients to see where they are going and what is going on.

Don’t forget to take images of your lighting installations!

Successful contractors often bring photos of their lighting work to show potential clients the difference between common outdoor spaces and newly lit outdoor spaces. You can use them to add to your website, social media channels, or market to the rest of the neighborhood’s homes.

Extending outdoor living areas with lighting creates an ideal environment for hosting friends, family members, and neighbors, leading to word-of-mouth referrals. Referrals bring in the best business because clients have seen your work, like what they see, and they are ready to pay you to do the job.

If you have any questions about integrating lighting solutions into your business, please let me know. Also, don’t forget landscape designs can include Hinkley’s new 12V Luxury Lighting Collection that allows for a complete Outdoor Solution in every living space.