You finished another busy holiday season. Your installs looked great. But will those same homeowners call you again next year—or will they price-shop the next business?
Too many installers grind for new leads every season, chasing one-and-done projects. Smart pros know: the real profit is in repeat business. Loyal residential customers save you time, boost referrals, and fill your calendar early.
Getting repeat customers is much more difficult for holiday light installers who lease lights as opposed to those who sell lights. Why? Because who already own lights are more incentivized to hire an installer next Christmas. Not sure whether to choose a selling or a leasing model? We've got a resource for that!
Here’s how to turn happy first-timers into reliable annual clients—and how Big Star Lights can help you deliver an experience they’ll come back for.
Table of Contents
- Understand Why Clients Don’t Return
- Master the Post-Install Experience
- Lock in Early Rebookings
- Deliver “Wow” Quality Every Time
- Use Tools & Products that Reduce Callbacks
- Closing: Build a Return-Driven Business
Understand Why Clients Don’t Return
Before we talk solutions, let’s get honest about why some customers don’t call back. Here are some of the big reasons:
They forget who installed their lights.
You might want to pump yourself up by telling yourself you did such great work that all your clients will remember your name. Even though I wholeheartedly believe you did an awesome job, that doesn't mean that your clients will remember to call you to book an appointment as soon as October rolls around. You should proactively reach out to them when it's time to do so. If you run a newsletter, send monthly updates so your customers will remember you, and so you can upsell your year-round home services.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep detailed notes on each customer in your CRM so you can reference specifics that jog their memory when you call.
They had install issues (timing, quality, price)
Your employees' lateness, poor manners, or bad installs shouldn't reflect poorly on you or your business as a whole. Unfortunately, one bad interaction can leave a sour taste in customers' mouths. Listen to your customers' complaints without defending your actions. True listening is rare and can go a long way to regaining your customers' trust for next year.
Their lights didn’t hold up.
There could be many reasons why your lights didn't hold up:
- You exceeded the safe run of lights. Exceeding a safe length of holiday lights can cause power issues that accumulate over multiple years. Tripping breakers is also possible when you surpass 350 linear feet for bulbs (like C9s, G30s, or G20s).
- Squirrels! Squirrels are a cute pest. Dredged among holiday light installers, these rodents are known to chew through Christmas light wiring. Avoid unhappy customers by setting clear expectations. You're not responsible for nature.
- You purchased low-quality lights. If you install holiday lights you purchase at big-box stores, don't be surprised if they fail after one or two seasons. Choose Big Star Lights' commercial-grade lights. Our lights are durable, long-lasting, and perfect for homes of all sizes.
They found someone cheaper.
Cheaper rarely means better. Politely ask your ex-clients which of your competitors they opted to hire, what their services are, what their Google ratings is, and how long they've been in business. This line of questioning isn't to create a "gotcha" moment by showing how much better you are than the competition( though I'm sure you are). The purpose is to help reinforce how price isn't the only factor your ex-client should take into account.
Remember: Your job is to make it easy and obvious for them to come back to you.
Master the Post-Install Experience
The install may be your first impression—but what happens after is what drives loyalty. Practically every homeowner has bad experiences with contractors who leave their properties in worse condition after they finish. That's why post-installation is just as important as the installation itself.
Tips:
- Leave behind a branded door hanger or thank-you card with your contact info.
- Send a simple “Your lights look great!” email or text with photos after install.
- Follow up before takedown to confirm timing and show professionalism.
- Clean up all garbage and debris after yourself.
💡 Pro Tip: Include a “VIP Rebook” offer in your post-season communication—like 10% off next season if they pre-book by March.
Lock in Early Rebookings
The best time to secure next season’s business? Right after this one ends.
How to do it:
- Offer priority scheduling for return clients—people love avoiding the holiday rush.
- Provide a small incentive (discount, upgraded product) for early rebookers.
- Use automated reminders—tools like Mailchimp or Jobber make this simple.
Remember: Practically anyone can sell Christmas light installation in November and December. Keep those months empty for new customers. You'll want to book your returning clients' installs in September and October.
Deliver “Wow” Quality Every Time
Return rates are driven by satisfaction. If a homeowner had to replace bulbs mid-season—or got a sloppy install—they won’t be eager to rehire you.
Ways to boost install quality:
- Use commercial-grade lights (like BSL’s C9 Faceted Bulbs or G30 Smooth Bulbs).
- Invest in better tools—Pitch Hoppers, Ladder Wedges, and Light Feeders help deliver pro results.
- Check every line and connector before leaving a site.
💡 Pro Tip: BSL bulbs feature epoxy glue bases and silicone seals to prevent water damage, which means fewer post-install headaches—and happier return customers.
Use Tools & Products that Reduce Callbacks
Every callback is a drain on your time—and erodes trust. Products matter.
| Product Category | Big Star Lights Advantage | Cheaper Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Bulbs | Epoxy base, silicone seals, bright lens | Basic construction |
| Mini Lights | 99.9% copper, UV-resistant, waterproof | Low-grade wire |
| Stretch String | Expands with tree growth, seamless fit | Fixed-length only |
| Permanent Trim (Chromaglow) | Customizable, app-controlled, reliable | Limited or glitchy |
Fewer product failures = more trust = more repeat clients.
Closing: Build a Return-Driven Business
If you want a business that grows year after year, you can’t depend on fresh leads alone. You need to build a machine that:
- Delivers consistent quality
- Keeps your name top of mind
- Encourages loyalty through experience and follow-up
Big Star Lights was literally founded by an installer who wanted products that deliver this kind of lasting customer satisfaction. Today, we back that with the tools, products, and support to help you do the same.
Want help making this shift? Book a 1:1 call with Daniel, BSL’s founder and owner. He's walked this path, and he’d love to help you build your return rate strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after the season should I follow up for rebookings?
Within 1-2 weeks after takedown is ideal. Strike while your work is fresh in their mind.
Do higher-quality lights really make that much difference?
Yes. Fewer product issues = fewer negative experiences = more loyalty.
What’s the #1 mistake that kills return rates?
Failing to follow up. A great install means nothing if they forget who you are.
Summary
- Return customers are key to profitability.
- Master the post-install experience.
- Secure rebookings early.
- Deliver install quality that “wows.”
- Use pro-grade lights to reduce callbacks.
Ready to grow a thriving base of return clients?