installer's list [RE-wrenches]

[Jonathan Hill]

<x-flowed>>Hi Bobbo, Don et al:

As an"installing dealer " for 20 years, (and the one who started this 
debate a month ago), I feel the need to comment.  While I used to do 
all my local installations, I've stopped doing my own installations a 
while back because I don't have a licence and don't get enough local 
install business to justify getting one. Besides, the demands of 
running a mid-sized RE biz with national catalog don't really allow 
me the time to get out in the field very often. Instead, what works 
for us has been to form a strategic alliance with a local electrician 
who now does all our local installs.  This way, we cover our butt 
liability-wise and make sure the customer gets a well-designed and 
well-installed system.  We design and sell quality RE systems around 
the US, often in areas where there are no competent local dealers. 
When this happens, we try to find someone locally or at least within 
driving distance to do the install.  They need not be a dealer, only 
have some knowlege about doing a good install.  That's why I 
originally put the word out that we were looking for people to do 
installs in places out of our local area.  A installer's list would 
serve both the customer as well as dealers selling out of their own 
area.  I agree that some low-ball fly-by-night internet dealers are a 
blight on our industry.  But remember that there are many top-quality 
dealers also, who while the may not install, still offer a well 
designed system to their customers.  Same thing with installers- some 
are great, and some you just gotta wonder!  Takes all kinds I guess. 
Anyhow, my vote is a list of everyone involved, with a description of 
what services they offer.  It would really help us all.
Jon Hill, Sierra Solar Systems


>In a message dated 09/24/2000 8:39:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
>cvsolar at aol.com writes:
>
><< Bob-o,
>     I think the point you are making is one of who is responsible for the job
>  and ultimately for the customer satisfaction.  With separate sellers and
>  installers it looks like both may say it is the other persons
>responsiblility
>  if there is a problem and consequently the customer may be up the proverbial
>  creek and RE gets another black eye.  It is harder to be both seller and
>  installer but I think the customer has a better chance of getting what they
>  want and are more likely to be satisfied.  I look at the challenge of being
>  both as part of the price of being a professional wrench.  It contributes to
>  our expertise by being involved in the whole process. Definitely the
>wrenches
>  list has to be only installers. >>
>
>
>Hi John,  I agree and would add one follow up comment. It has got to be our
>job to get this message out to the customer before they buy. So flagrant self
>promotion of ourselves with the understanding that we best serve the
>customer!! Lets make sure we do so in our print and other forms of
>advertising.
>
>Best, Don
>
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-----------------

Sierra Solar Systems
109-N Argall Way
Nevada City, CA 95959
tech info and foreign orders:  (530) 265-8441
order line: (800) 51-SOLAR (US only)   FAX:  (530) 265-6151
e-mail:  <mailto:solarjon at sierrasolar.com>
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To send a message:
 RE-wrenches at topica.com

The archive of previous messages: 
 http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

To unsubscribe send a message to: 
 RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

To check out the other RE-Wrench participants:
 www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine: 
 www.homepower.com

For info contact list moderator by email:
 michael.welch at homepower.com
___________________________________________________________
T O P I C A  The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
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