Here are a few facts.
1. Almost everyone shops around and the internet makes shopping really
easy.
2. Almost every installer wants to sell parts and labor (or select
the right parts for his customer).
3. Many PV installers make money selling parts by mail-order (now internet-order).
That said, a referral system will work. Why? Although mail-order seems like a loss of income, loss of control problem for local installers, it is not a problem. The nature of a problem is that a problem has a solution. If there is no solution, then it is not a problem. It is a condition. So live with it.
This is reality and not a rationalization for my mail-order business. I challenge any of you who do not know me off-line to match the hours and dollars I spend answering questions from people who buy parts from other vendors. So let's move on to something more productive like an international referral network.
It may be hard to resist selling parts to every inquiry, but here's how I separate installation jobs and parts sales.
1. When I get a general inquiry (not specifically for parts), I ask
if he or she wants an installer or do they plan to install the system themselves.
2. If they want an installer, I ask where they live. If I know a good
installer nearby, I tell them to call the installer.
3. If they say that want to install the system themselves or have their
own electrician install the system, I ask if they have the skills and experience.
If I judge yes, then I ask them what they want. If I judge no, then I tell
them that they need an installer or a licensed electrician with large house
or commercial experience. (And yes - I am qualified to judge who is capable
of doing PV. So are almost all of you.)
4. If they insist on buying parts, then I quote them prices and tell
them to check with their local installer or electrician to make sure they
are getting the right parts. I also tell them to check with their local
building inspection office.
5. If they call back and say that they can not find an installer, or
an installer they like, I ask if they have a licensed electrician they
like who can install a PV system. If yes, then I offer to sell them parts
and to advise them and their electrician. If no, then I tell them to learn
more about PV before installing their system.
6. If they call and say they bought parts from me or someone else and
have questions, I answer their questions completely and honestly.
Yes, I know some naughty vendors do not support their own customers let alone someone else's, but I'm not the kind of guy who can not drive by a person in trouble without offering a helping hand and I am not the kind of teacher who is too busy to teach one-on-one. We owe much to the good people who have selflessly helped and taught us and should continue their good work now that they are gone.
It's time to move on and stop bitching about mail-order companies that do not give customer support or accurate information. It's time to stop being a mother hen protecting her PV babies from the fox. The PV industry has grown up and will soon become a generic "parts from Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Pep Boys that you or your local handyman can install."
A network of "PV Mr. Good Wrenches" who help customers with good information and good referrals will have a competitive advantage over plain vanilla. Let Home Depot and mail-order box pushers sell to the generic customers. Truthfully, they can have them.
So keep sending in your names and territories to be added to the referral
list. Remind me in a month and I will post the list.
cpae1@aol.com wrote:
Solar Raycing Spring/Summer 2001, info at www.formulasun.org. --------------------------------------------------In a message dated 4/26/2001 7:36:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
toddcory@jps.net writes:
Joel Davidson wrote:> Ok, but I get very few inquiries from your territory. Mostly California
inquiries for installers. Any more installers want referrals?Joel,
Any leads in the Butte County area of CA. would be appreciated here.SUNcerely,
Frank Fowler
Crystal Pines Alternative Energy
4408 Pine Cluster Ln.
Yankee Hill, CA. 95965-9754
Tel. 530-532-1972
Fax. 530-532-1359
We are located in the Sierra foothills
just 30 miles southeast of Chico, CA.
"Living off the grid with the products we market, install and service"
www.solarenergy-alt.com
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