We’ve all put in a load of focused and honest work this year, now the seasons are changing, projects are changing and demand is changing. Some of you have entered your peak season and things will be bountiful for a while; others are seeing the annual decline in demand and wondering how ends are going to be met for you and your crew through the holiday season. For those of you who are entering their bountiful season, hell yea, get a new website! For others… I’m going to go backwards, so you can get my suggestions first.
I’ll tell you ways research has shown, and I’ve personally seen smaller operations turn the down-season into affordable opportunities. Then the data-backing the slump and the why. I know you’re busy, lets get to it.
The Off Season Service Work – Ideas
You know your abilities, I don’t, You will always have a better idea of what you can, and cannot do efficiently; what references you have, etc. Don’t consider this as me telling you directly what will work for you; this is more some steps on how you can figure it out yourself; and some examples that data has shown work for certain trades and services given the weather & holidays.
General Labor Skills
Look back over the past year and see what kinds of smaller, quicker projects you’ve done and gotten great feedback for. You can usually fit these in. Everyone does snow removal and christmas lights; not everyone thinks of windows, doors, insulation and quick ‘room makeovers’ that are up in demand during the mid part of winter.
Specialized Tradesmen (Roofers, Exterior Remodeling, Concrete, etc)
Roofs develop leaks after freezes / snow-weight, flashing fails, etc. Check up on your great customers over the past year or two after a big storm and makes sure they’re ok and prepared for the holidays. Cycle your existing contacts, frame it as checking up on your favorite customer and not desperately looking for work.
Professional Services (Accountant, Assistants, Lawyers)
While you’re more weather-proof than most service businesses; you aren’t holiday proof. With taxes coming, holidays happening and laws lawing; you may see some crazy fluctuations around late-fall / early winter. Lean on your specialty and double down on your marketing. Online marketing leads to overall more predictable performance than just relying on a radio ad, or a fancy sign.
It’s cold, some of your long-term customers are being budget conscious and time is always limited this time of year. Your primary skills are what can get you through low-seasons. Look at a pay-cuts, a reduction in long-term contracts and scheduling issues being an expected pain; this will prepare you mentally to make it happen through the season.
But Why..
While I don’t have access to your customers list, data, etc; I have access to Google and Bing trends. Looking back over the years, and using small things like material costs, holiday trends & labor-statistics I can pull a fact-based reason to back up what you’re experiencing.
According to the 2024 Cesus, Extreme weather (Cold, Storms, Heat) cost all businesses; that combined with cultural, financial and general holiday pressures lead to a monetary loss for businsses. (Link)
Customers often research and plan projects during the off-season for peak season, leading to lower immediate sales but consistent background activity. This can often lead to some retainers, initial deposits and lead generation. But only if they can find you when they start getting quotes.
Because its cold and dreary out. Because of holidays, budgets, trips and plans. Because of uncertainty, emergencies and family. Thats why.
Adjusting To The Off-Season
You’re in the service business, you’ve probably got the standard 80/20 rule going on with regards to earnings from customers. The customers that are bringing you the larger contracts, referrals and growth are busy preparing for the end of the year and next years plans. The lower-ticket customers are still panic-resolving issues. Searches like “Full [room] remodel” and “Forming A New Business” are down; while searches for terms like “Busted Pipe Repair”, “Personal Assistant” and :”How to do my taxes 2026″ are starting to tick up.
You may need to pivot away from the larger-projects for the off season and focus on quicker, smaller and specialized jobs. You can also, if given the proper niche, start booking up retainers and projects for early next-year once the holidays have passed and their home / lives allow for the work to be done.
I’ve seen a lot of established companies lay-off for the season & seen newer companies budget a savings to cover wages and have their employees do shop / prep / outreach. I cannot tell you what will work for you, just sharing my experience and results of research into this.