outbid again

Supply House Rick

I would support all jobs should be inspected and installed by licensed contractor. Fly-by-nights are devaluing our trade...

mikea23

outbid again

I just got out bid again but this time it was from a qualified contractor that does have pride in his work and get this my bid was about 54K his was 39K. I think we need to promote business training in our industry. We have alot of talented people but very few business men in this field.If we keep the rates as low as they are how can we expect to atract the younger generation and offer health insurance 401k's.

I understand you cant get every bid but if my compitition spent a few hours a week with a calculator it would leval the playing field drasticly.

A few months ago I was very busy my pool needed the filter replaced with no time on hand I called a pool company to replace it. They showed up on time spoke no english did a OK installation and charged me 165 per hour 2 man crew plus 125 service call and 200% makup on materials. This bill pissed me off not from the price but coming to the realization that the pool guy makes more money today than the plumber. Have we all gone nuts.

Mike

tim_36

out bid

IT SEEMES MANY IN OUR LINE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THERE TRUE COST ARE IF YOU TRY TO COMPEAT AT THAT LEVELL YOU CAN WIN THE BID BUT CANT MAKE ANY MONEY I HAVE LOST MANY BIDS TO PEOPLE DOING JOBS FOR LESS THEN MY METERAL COST AND HAVE SEEN MANY OF THEM LOOSE THEIR BUSNESS AND BEN PAID WELL TO FIX OR FINISH SOME OF THEM

TIM

Supply House Rick

Bidding

Bidding is proving value beyond any shadow of a doubt, not just a price. Being the highest bidder, you must show customer why they can't live without your 54K job vs the 39K job.

The individual with the greatest communication (sales)skills decide who wins or loses and it has been that way since the dawn of man...

Rick

DanHolohan

Mike,

how about taking a Find a Professional ad? It helps show your value and brings you better potential customers.

joel_19

rick

Point taken , However what happens when that other contracter is pretty much your equal in every other way but is behind with his suppliers , doesn't have health insurance , doesn't have a retirement program, has no budget to replace tools or trucks etc??? The health insurance alone costs us like a 1000$ a month per guy do the math. Problem is most don't do the math.

My solution is to require a buisness course before someone can apply for a liscence and then make health insurance mandantory to carry just like liability.

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Edward A. (Ed) Carey_3

See the other thread

Mike,

Read the WHAT ARE YOU WORTH thread on this board. A link to it is attached. It says it all.

Ed Carey


http://forums.invision.net/Thread.cfm?CFApp=2&Thread_ID=42210&mc=8

Ragu_5

Joel: you are a wise man...

I agree completely with your post. I additionally told the managers at my 2 main supply houses that there needs to be a quickie business lesson given to each new contractor who applies for credit.

This stuff of learning the hard way is tough on the psyche and tough on the pocketbook.

Dan H. You are correct, also. Thanks Guys!


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