How do I check the recurring treatment plans of a pest control company?

Request the plan list and compare it with three other sources: the invoices, the payment records and the technician schedules. A plan that appears in the list but has no recent visit or payment may not really be active. Ask how cancelled or paused customers are tracked, so that the list reflects who is truly on service today.

Next, look at the terms. Are plans written or verbal? Do they renew on their own, and can a customer leave at any time? Your lawyer can read the standard agreement with you. Ask how price changes are communicated and what share of customers is on each type of plan, such as residential, commercial or one-off.

Finally, talk about the people who deliver the service. Customers often feel loyal to a particular technician. Ask who holds those relationships and whether the technicians will stay. If you can, call a few customers with the seller’s permission. A business plan that sets out how you will retain customers after closing is also helpful when you speak to a lender. Ask what proportion of customers renew each year and how the company knows. A renewal record kept over time is far more persuasive than a single count. Ask how new plans are sold, whether by phone, door visits or referrals, since the method affects how stable they are.

Key takeaways

• Match the plan list to invoices, payments and visit logs.
• Read the standard agreement for renewal and cancellation terms.
• Find out which technicians customers are loyal to.