12 Top Tips for Getting Work for your PAT Testing Business

This information comes from my own experience of running a PAT Testing Business over many years.

Handy Tips

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Please feel free to use any of the information below, and if your experience is different to mine, by all means let me know! I've made many mistakes over the years - but the trick is to learn from them, and pass on the information to others so they don't make the same mistakes you did.

Find out more about learning how to carry out this vital health and safety task by taking a PAT Testing Course

Tim James

12 Ways to Get More PAT Testing Work in 2026

Many people attend a PAT Testing course with the hope of earning some extra income, starting a side business, or even building a full-time PAT Testing company.

One of the first questions we are asked is:

"How do I actually find customers?"

The good news is that there is still plenty of demand for PAT Testing services. The challenge is not learning how to test appliances. It's learning how to market yourself and build a customer base.

Having worked in the PAT Testing industry since 1986, I've seen countless businesses succeed and fail. The most successful PAT testers aren't necessarily the most technically gifted. They're the ones who build relationships, provide excellent service and make it easy for customers to come back year after year.

Here are twelve proven ways to generate more PAT Testing work.

1. Ask Every Customer for Referrals

One satisfied customer can often lead to several more.

If you've done a good job for a local business, ask whether they know any other organisations that may require PAT Testing. Many business owners belong to networking groups and often know other companies that need similar services.

A simple recommendation from a trusted contact is often worth more than any advertisement.

2. Focus on Repeat Business

Many new PAT testers spend all their time chasing new customers.

In reality, the most profitable customers are often the ones you already have.

Keep accurate records and contact customers before their next inspection becomes due. A business that spends £300 every year for ten years is worth far more than a one-off customer who never returns.

3. Create a Professional Website

A modern website helps customers find you and builds confidence in your business.

Your website should clearly explain:

What areas you cover
What PAT Testing involves
Typical costs
Your qualifications and experience
How customers can contact you

Include genuine photographs wherever possible. People like to know who they are dealing with.

4. Make the Most of Google Business Profile

Many customers search for services such as:

PAT Testing near me
PAT Testing Hull
PAT Testing Leeds
PAT Testing company

A well-maintained Google Business Profile can help you appear in local searches.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and keep your profile updated with photographs and business information.

5. Build Relationships with Electricians

Electricians are often asked about PAT Testing by their customers.

Many electrical contractors don't offer PAT Testing themselves and are happy to refer work to someone they trust.

Likewise, PAT Testing customers sometimes need electrical work carried out. A good relationship can benefit both businesses.

6. Network with Letting Agents and Landlords

Many landlords require PAT Testing as part of their overall safety management procedures.

Local letting agents can be an excellent source of repeat work because they often manage multiple properties and regularly require inspections between tenancies.

A single successful relationship can generate work for many years.

7. Specialise in a Particular Market

Rather than trying to work with everyone, consider becoming known within a specific sector.

Examples include:

Schools
Care homes
Hotels
Holiday parks
Construction companies
Mobile DJs and entertainers
Churches and community groups

Specialists often command higher prices because they understand the needs of their chosen market.

8. Join Local Business Groups

Many towns have networking organisations, business clubs and chambers of commerce.

Attending local events helps people get to know you and your business.

People are far more likely to recommend somebody they have met in person than somebody they found randomly online.

9. Use Social Media Sensibly

You don't need to spend hours every day on social media.

However, regularly sharing useful information can help establish credibility.

You might post:

Electrical safety tips
Common faults you find during inspections
Changes in industry guidance
Photographs from recent work

Focus on being helpful rather than constantly trying to sell.

10. Be Clear About What You're Charging For

Many new PAT testers underestimate the importance of clear quotations.

Before agreeing a price, establish:

The approximate number of items
Whether equipment is easily accessible
Whether work will be carried out during normal hours
Whether there are multiple buildings or locations
Whether remedial work is expected

A job that sounds like "around 100 items" can easily turn into 300 items once you arrive on site.

Also, if you're testing IT equipment - is a computer monitor 1 item or 2? Most people would treat the mains lead as a separate item and charge separately for it, but make sure your customer understands that!

Always explain what is included in your quotation and what may incur additional charges. Clear communication at the start helps avoid disputes later

11. Deliver Excellent Customer Service

This may sound obvious, but it remains one of the most effective marketing strategies available.

Turn up when you say you will.

Communicate clearly.

Provide professional reports.

Answer questions honestly.

Businesses remember good service and often recommend reliable contractors to others.

12. Don't Compete on Price Alone

One of the biggest mistakes new PAT testers make is trying to be the cheapest.

Customers who choose purely on price are often the hardest to please and the least loyal.

Instead, focus on professionalism, reliability and expertise.

Most businesses are happy to pay a fair price for a service they can trust.

Final Thoughts

There is still money to be made in PAT Testing, but success rarely happens overnight.

The businesses that thrive are usually those that build long-term relationships, provide excellent service and consistently stay in touch with their customers.

If you're considering starting a PAT Testing business, remember that your technical skills are only part of the equation. Marketing, customer service and professionalism are just as important.

The good news is that these skills can all be learned, and the sooner you start building them, the sooner you'll begin to see results.

And One Bonus Thought:-

Accept the following advice please! Remember to credit check your customers, and work hard at getting paid once you've done the job. Some organisations are shortening their payment terms to help small businesses (especially government departments) but others are increasing their terms. Some companies now expect to pay you 90 days after you invoice them – so you could be waiting 3 months (or longer) to get paid. If you agree to this, be sure the customer is not going to go bust in the meantime! You could do the most profitable job in history, but it means nothing until the cash is in the bank.