Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • CATASTROPHE
    • Hurricane
  • TOPICS
    • Architecture
    • Cleaning & Sanitation
    • Contamination
    • Contractor Safety
    • Contents
    • Fire & Smoke
    • Mold
    • Odor
    • Recon & Reno
    • Water
  • EDUCATION
    • Training & Education
    • Business Management
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
    • Industry Events
    • Sponsor Insights
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ask Annissa
    • Marketing Monday
    • Tech Tip Tuesday
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Convention & Trade Show
  • ABOUT
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Contents RestorationAsk Annissa

Ask Annissa: How Can I Get Jobs if I’m not on a Preferred Vendor List?

Most preferred vendor programs do not cover contents - they only cover emergency mitigation and reconstruction.

By Annissa Coy
August 29, 2014

Preferred VendorsIt is absolutely possible to get all the jobs you want even if you are not on a preferred vendor program. There is a myth in this industry that the majority of jobs are taken either by large national companies or by those on preferred vendor lists.

That is simply not true.

In fact, most preferred vendor programs do not cover contents - they only cover emergency mitigation and reconstruction.

I believe that if you focus your efforts on being the best in your market it won’t matter that you are not on a preferred list. Being on a list does not ensure your success.

Good solid business practices, outrageous customer service and a strong company culture are things you can take to the bank.

Make no mistake there can be value in getting on these programs but it’s not the end of the world if you aren’t. Being on them does not magically ensure your success and that you will get jobs handed to you. You still need to earn the job in the eyes of the homeowner, as they ultimately have the choice to hire you or someone else.

 We just finished a job that a preferred vendor was sent out by the insurance company was fired from. The homeowners thought that they were arrogant and pushy and did not like their uncaring attitude. When our team came in and showed compassion for what they were going through, they were immediately won over.

People need to know that you care as much as they do about their things and home. They really don’t care about a vendor list. They just want their life back together and for life to move on.

If you want more work than you are getting, then focus your marketing on education that shows just how much you really do care by providing value up front. And demonstrate for them what you will do that no one else can.

We have adjusters that call us to take care of their jobs instead of calling the pre-approved guys on their rolodex.

Why?

Because we have built a good relationship with them and they know that by calling us, the job is handled impeccably.

If you deliver a “wow” experience for all involved and create the right solid relationships, you will have all the work you can handle without being on anyone’s list. 

KEYWORDS: contents cleaning contents restoration insurance adjusters restoration networks

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Annissa coy

Annissa Coy is a well-trained and highly skilled professional with more than two decades of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry and the co-creator of Firehouse Education and Mobile Cleaning Systems. She was also the winner of R&R’s inaugural Recognizing Women in Restoration award in 2017. Be sure to check out Annissa’s weekly videos on www.randrmagonline.com! Have a question for Annissa? E-mail her at Annissa@firehouseeducation.com.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Digital view of the United States with a Hurricane and coding

    Is Your Restoration Technology Ready for the Upcoming Hurricane Season?

    Here’s how restoration contractors can prepare their...
    Catastrophe Restoration
    By: Taylor Carmichael
  • Business team analyzing financial data on digital tablets during a meeting

    7 Trends Influencing the Restoration Industry in 2026

    With market uncertainty, workforce transitions, new...
    Guest Columns
    By: Oscar Collins
  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Josh Woolen
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • Newsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Restoration & Remediation audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Restoration & Remediation or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • restoration technician working a water damage project
    Sponsored byCotality

    Schedule smarter with DASH’s mobile restoration job management

Popular Stories

Restoration Jobsite Table before and after organization.

The New Profit War: How Restorers Will Compete in the Age of Managed Repair Programs

Restoration Golf League Full Color Logo

Restoration Golf League Announces 2026 Event Lineup and Celebrates Recent Champions

temporary containment barrier constructed with white polyethylene sheeting

Improving Negative-Pressure Containment for Biological Contaminants

Register for Webinar - Connecting the Field, Office and Carriers: How to Streamline Claims with Better Data and Communication

Events

May 19, 2026

Hurricane Response: What’s Changed, Who’s at Risk, and How to Scale Without Breaking

This webinar is part of the Preparing to Respond: Hurricanes series.  

Hurricane season isn’t what it used to be, and neither is disaster response. In this webinar, an expert‑led panel will break down what’s changed for hurricane response, and how restorers can scale responsibly without sacrificing their safety, retention, or profitability.

May 28, 2026

Connecting the Field, Office, and Carriers: How to Streamline Claims with Better Data and Communication

The modern claims ecosystem depends on seamless integration between the field, office, and carrier. Learn how a unified “golden thread” of communication transforms fragmented workflows into a transparent, high-performance process.

September 9, 2026

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoThe Experience Convention and Trade Show unites the cleaning, restoration, inspection, indoor air quality, and HVAC industries through hands-on education, live demonstrations, and high-impact networking. Attendees gain practical skills, business insight, and connections that elevate industry standards and drive growth.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Preparing for Hurricane Season

How prepared are you and your team for hurricane season?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Hurricane Month - How Restoration Professionals Can Prepare Before the Storm

Related Articles

  • Ask Annissa: What Can I Do if I’m Having Trouble Getting Paid by the Adjuster?

    See More
  • Ask Annissa: How Can I Get Paid in Full Faster?

    See More
  • Ask Annissa: How Can I Get More Restoration Work? Part II (with Video)

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • Cover.jpg

    How To Get More Water Damage Jobs (ebook)

  • COVER pdf.jpg

    How to Get More Restoration Jobs in 14 Days... (ebook)

  • fires out.jpg

    Fire’s Out, Now What? Vol. I & II

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our newsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • Newsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing