|
Posted by Bubba on June 22, 2008, 6:12 pm
On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:38:32 GMT, "Dr. Hardcrab"
>I've had 2 different customers call and ask how much we would charge to
>install a heat pump system that they purchased. I tell them that if it's a
>simple change out, we charge $1000.00 and when we leave, the system is
>theirs. We will warrant the connections we made against leaks for 60 days,
>but anything else will be their problem. We'll come out and change warranty
>parts (or whatever), but the get charged the going rate.
>
>I try to tell them it's not a good idea to buy stuff off the internet, but
>this one customer showed me the web site below. How in the hell can they
>sell equipment at that price???!!! Some of those systems are almost cheaper
>than MY cost!! I thought maybe they make a killing off S&H, but it's really
>not that bad. (BTW, the customer that showed me the site went with us and
>our equipment)
>
>
>http://www.smarterwayinc.com/res_systems/heat_pump/heatpump1.asp
>
>Half of those I wouldn't install (I have my reasons) but still, I don't see
>how they can sell them so cheap.........
Hey Crabby :-)
As you can see from the posts in here (Especially Stormy's) you have
just put yourself into the same gene pool as Stormy. If you, Stormy
and every other HVAC contractor start installing equipment that was
purchased cheaply over the internet you may soon finding yourself only
selling labor and NOT equipment mark up. Its your choice but I dont
find it a wise one. These internet companies have it made. They sell a
box, dont have to warrant it, and then give the names of companies in
the customers area that will supposedly install it. Sounds like a nice
GIG! Screw em.
Break out of the mold and do things like charging for estimates.
Ive even gone to this scenario:
On a new install I give a 90 DAY LABOR WARRANTY. NO 1 year anymore. I
DO however, offer them a 5 and 10 year parts and labor warranty. I
HIGHLY advise them to purchase it and I make it reasonable in price.
My main decision to go to this is all the shit parts out there that
these manufacturers keep using and expecting us to replace them on our
own dime. IF it continues, I will go to a 30 day warranty.
Bubba
|