Howdy Podners! [RE-wrenches]

[Bob-O Schultze]

<x-flowed>>Hiya Jason,

It's a constant problem. I generally charge a fee ranging from 
$100-250 (depending on travel time, etc)
for the site survey and system design. If they buy the system from 
EC, then I'll rebate half of that towards the purchase price. If they 
don't, at least I'm not burned for my time and effort.  I DO NOT even 
try to compete if someone wants to shop around. I make it clear that 
they are buying ME for tech help and support along with the gear. 
It's either worth it to them or it ain't. I also rarely install 
systems purchased elsewhere. That sounds cold, but one extra service 
call and that's a money loser.
Good Luck, Bob-0
 

>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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Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection
PO Box 203, Hornbrook, CA 96044
800.945.7587 fax 530-475-3401
www.electronconnection.com

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Hosted by Home Power magazine: <http://www.homepower.com>

for info contact: <michael.welch at homepower.com>

_____________________________________________________________
Who will win the Oscars? Spout off on our Entertainment list!
http://www.topica.com/lists/showbiztalk
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