Howdy Podners! [RE-wrenches]

[Jason Fisher]

Hi wrenches,

My two cents about the design fee: (sometimes that's about what I made!)

Rarely, do I get a prospective client who has not seen Home Power (way
to go Richard!) and subsequently, has not read a number of adds for "the
lowest price" equipment, "Plug and Play" installation and "personalized"
design (thanks Richard! (joke)).  As you all well know, obtaining all
these things for a client takes allot of work!  I haven't figured out
the formula for success at this but one point I thought I'd make is that
I've found that sometimes its in my best interest to allow the client to
order and pay for the solar equipment themselves.  Usually I'll do the
visit, interview, and design, then give them the equipment list once
we've formed a contract for installation and I've received a deposit.
This I have found has some benefits to me.  It allows the customer to
rest assured that they've found the "cheapest price", I'm not explaining
why a company is backordered on a crucial piece, I'm not floating the
funds or paying the transportation costs, and they get to see how
"customer oriented" and "knowledgeable" some of the discount companies
are that are out there.  The other big benefit I've found, is that when
it breaks, there is no question who will have to pay for the service
charges (so long as the installation is bulletproof).
Of course, I try to get the terms of our relationship set up front,
namely that the equipment purchased must be agreed to by me (the
designer, installer) and work will not begin unless all the materials
have arrived.  I only end up doing this with certain clients,
particularly when they want to be involved in the process.  So far it
works when its needed.  Of course another approach is T&M.

Anybody else have comments?
--
Jason Fisher
Aurora Energy
86 Conduit St.
Annapolis, MD 21401
USA

Voice/ Fax: 410-268-3088




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