eBay competition (part 2)

John R. Hall

This is an actual testimonial at a web site that sells HVAC equipment direct to the end user:

"Boy, who would have guessed it could be so easy? After several free estimates from AC contractors, I new the size and style package unit I needed for my mobil home. About ten clicks later you guys had my shiny new 3-ton package unit on its way to my door. All in all, I will end up saving about 37% compared to the contractor estimates I was being quoted!

Keep it up, you are a fabulous resource for the average American."

Note the spelling of his "mobil" home and the tonnage of the equipment (3-ton). He'll have enough mold to start his own roadside vegetable stand.

Ken_8

John

It's a triple wide located in Death Valley where 125° is the norm and he is a part-time indoor mushroom farmer.

LOL

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

John R. Hall

Yup Ken

Throw in a lemonade stand and he's good to go. :-)

mark_40

not so funny ....

if you were one of the contractors wasting thier time on a quote ......

Boilerpro_3

That's why....

free estimates are becoming a thing of the past with me. Why spend 4 to 5 hours Measuring a home, completing heat load calcs,discussing with the owner thier options, and then the owner goes to someone else who is "Cheaper" but did not do any work before giving a price.

Boilerpro

Constantin

Agreed...

... that is why you never give folks the results of the heat-gain/heat-loss calculation, specific boiler specs, etc. Otherwise, you're giving the hack installer a blue-print for the equipment needed.

Were I a installer, I'd simply give them a matrix with good, better best, some points of distinction, and a price at the bottom. Enclose general product literature that describes the boiler, condenser, evap lines etc. in detail so that they have some pretty pics to look at and be done with it.

More importantly, give them a list of enthusiastic homeowners that will vouch for your time, skill, etc. Also, a series of past install pictures either on a web-site or in hand-out literature will reinforce your position as a quality installer then HO can trust.

When I started out home renovation, I was absolutely amazed how broken many of the systems are. For example, one would think that the BBB would have a pretty good handle on good vs. bad contractors. Not so! Simply close a business, re-open a new one and you re-emerge with a clean slate. There is a real disconnect between the reality (many people having issues with contractors) and the picture put out by the BBB (fewer than 5%).

So, make it graphic. Show HO's what you can do, and what you've had to fix after a DIY or hack had a field day. Just make it part of your "improvements" section in the 3-ring binder, so that people realize that you have to pay only once for a quality install.

Dale

New

I like the "new" spelling. With the backdraft dampers missing from the equation the furnace can be used for the extra beer in the summer and the outdoor unit a warm space for the dogs.