ROCKSTARPLUMBER

whoa, maybe my last post came out wrong. It was more a of a description than an aqusation. I hate the franchises. it is my goal to help put them *******s out of business. Im with you dude.

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stillaround

Thanks.

HALO3

Rockstar, not sleeping with the enemy. Been to alot of continuing education classes and PHCC meetings. Talked with many people associated with a franchise. Stillaround, I think you need to be open minded from a business standpoint. A two truck plumbing outfit does not have the same overhead that a large franchise has. Stillaround, not image extras, but obligations. If members are disingenious, they will be held accountable. Value added services can justify higher price, along with several other variables.

stillaround

Thanks for the clarification. Was a PSI member for about 6 years. Had my mind opened. Time to close it. I wear booties, have a red carpet, label the electrical panel when necessary. The sense of proportion is the issue. They wont be held accountable for charging what they are told. The wrong assumption here is that the Franchise is inherently good. And it would be or could be if it had a soul.

para1

There lies the key to the whole problem. When will we learn that an organization can get too large?

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www.paradiseplumbinganddrains.com


ft. worth plumber . plumber dallas . keller plumber . plumber benbrook. plumber arlington

HALO3

Stillaround no need to become cynical. We all talk to different people, working for different companies. No need to knock PHCC, or any other comments i made. I take a little information from all business owners and affiliates. Fortunately it has helped me in these tough economic times. I'm not saying I always agree with the way they do business, very parochial at times.

Plumber Jim

I have found that a good number of these large outfits which do all those white shirts, carpets and the tags etc. etc. don't even send out licensed people they send out salesmen that are clueless about the trade they are working in. I wear booties put down clean tarps clean up behind me. no tags as of yet but I know what I am doing I hold a License. They need to first make sure they have people that can do the work correctly then do those extras.. I would never get involved with a franchise. Know your breakeven and charge what you need to. Don't charge more just because you can.

user823

I refuse to wear a white shirt to work!

stillaround

Please take no offense. It is commendable that you attend these groups and Im rebounding off this original pricing issue in the early posts and the defense in some minds over it. Ive learned a lot rubbing shoulders with other plumbers at seminars etc. And Ive been impressed with BF as a growing organization and their numbers coupled with One Hour AC. But you sacrifice a piece of your humanity if you swallow their bait. I think Jim Abrams is brilliant as a planner, Tab Hunter (pres. of BF) is a very nice guy and paid his dues as a plumber.
Its frustrating to see misconceptions over business value downplay a very gross overpricing. Mike Diamond does not use the 10 step Straightforward pricing and has a built in $35 off for 2nd task.
If you ever go to one of the Clockwork functions and see Lon Cassel--hes a straight shooter. I dont know what else to say. Some people dont charge enough and need the pitch to pull them out.
I understand value and options and I also understand adapting to your marketplace.

Herk

I used to swear that I would never wear the 'ice cream suit.' But now I wear one. Never say never.

If just getting a haircut could add 10% to your income, would you do it?

If yes, the question then becomes: how many things would you do if it turned out that they can provably make more money or close more sales? You can always think of your own original things that will get and keep customers, too.

Of course, you can simply choose to continue whatever you're doing and if you're doing fine, more power to you. Personally, I want to know what works and I want to be better than the other guy. Competition is only going to get more fierce. BTW - the 'ice cream suit' is the one with the blue striped uniform shirt, not the white one. It's blue that sells. Having clothing that shows every smudge doesn't seem practical to me.