I'm Fuming & Mad as Hell!

[icehouse]

Had a customer all set for a new Ice Macine purchase, instead he calls me and asks how much to install new machine he just bought? What happen, and where did you get the machine? His answer "Costco" they are now selling equipment and supplies. Machine was $750 less through them.

[git-r-dun]

One of those guys... Brings his own steak to a resteraunt

[budro]

same price!

[oogene]

cost to install should be $750 more than it would have been had he bought it from you !!!

[MadeinUSA]

These manufactures on all sides of the trade are about to turn all contractors into day labors unless everyone gets together to fight it.

[sigma]

Originally posted by oogene
cost to install should be $750 more than it would have been had he bought it from you !!!

I agree, but this would be in perfect world. In a real world he will find someone who does it for $200.
Was he an Italian or Asian restaurant owner?

[git-r-dun]

Yeah it would be nice if we can all get together and do something. I'm sure you've all seen some lady or old man buying something from our "wholesalers only" supply stores

[condenseddave]

I don't sell it, I don't install it, and I sure as hell won't work on it in warranty.

[TB]

Originally posted by madeinusa
These manufactures on all sides of the trade are about to turn all contractors into day labors unless everyone gets together to fight it.

maybe we should send the manufacturers a letter stateing that any brand sold thrugh a retail outfit can have the exclusive right to be serviced, installed, and carried by that same retail outfit.


I don't get it. They go through a lot of trouble to make sure we know their equipment, how to install it, and service it properly, to maintain Gov't seer ratings they spend lots of money achieving, so they don't suffer lost confidence in their product, then invite anyone to goof up their reputation.

[icemeister]

Originally posted by icehouse
Had a customer all set for a new Ice Macine purchase, instead he calls me and asks how much to install new machine he just bought? What happen, and where did you get the machine? His answer "Costco" they are now selling equipment and supplies. Machine was $750 less through them.

So what size Manitowoc did he buy?

I have been able to save a few sales of machines from going to the like of Superior Products, US Foods and others.........by explaining to the customer that he has to pay by credit card or COD, pay the freight charges unload it himself, check for freight damage himself (and file a damage claim if necessary), call and coordinate the electrician, plumber and refrigeration guy himself to come and install it, pay the refrigeration guy to come back because the electrician didn't show up, etc, etc.

[Diceman]

I have run into that myself, not from Costco or them guys but from local restaurant suppliers.
Thing is, rest owners can buy coolers and such from them as they deliver, all ya need to do is move it around and find a plug, I never tried selling self contained refrigs cause I knew there was no dough in it, plus if something is wrong, they are all over your ass to fix it thinking you made a lot of money on it.
But ice makers were one of the things I could sell, for the reasons Ice mentioned, installation and yada, yada.
Anyway, it sucks, but don't cut off your nose to spite your face, tell him it's like $675 for the install if plumbing and elec are nearby, unless it is a split, they are much more, you can make good money off that can't you. Then walk away. As far as warranty, well they all have their own programs with set up contractors anyway.
It still sucks......really sucks........

[R12rules]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TB
[B]

Originally posted by madeinusa
I don't get it. They go through a lot of trouble to make sure we know their equipment, how to install it, and service it properly, to maintain Gov't seer ratings they spend lots of money achieving, so they don't suffer lost confidence in their product, then invite anyone to goof up their reputation.

I disagree with you. I dont see any of the manufacturers spending much at all, save for phone tech support ... and even some of that isnt worth the powder to blown themselves up with .... they simply do not go out of their way to help us best service and maintain their equipment!
They often times withhold info from us.
Thye often go around a dealer and sell direct to the end user.
They often over price the in house training just so the contractor wont send his service mechanics in for up dated training.
And those three hour evening meal sessions are only an appetiser, compared to what a four day live hands on session will do for a person's carreer.

Frankly, the mfgs are only postulating.... flatulating ... & blowing smoke!


And in my own opinion, the only way we are going to have an affect at changin gthe way we are treated is for us to organise. Not into a union, but something else.

And then WE will set the boundries for the mfgrs to work around and measure up to.

Right now, we are treated like mushrooms. And nobody is doing jack about it!!!
Address this issue before we can move forward.



(Dave, ya noticed I didnt even bring up the other subject?)

[budro]

So What do you suggest we do to group together? I'm with you. If we dont do something about our industry as a whole we will all be competing on price and a low one at that. I think the prices from mfgs need to go up, so they can provide better training, better equipment, support etc. In turn we can make more profit pay techs better and the hack will be revealed for what he is.