Please let me clarify why I am posting this instead here. Frank Bleau sent me a invoice sample in 1991-1993 timeframe. At that time he was selling them as a single item,not as a several thousand dollar "system".
The invoice had terms such as requiring a signature to the following before work is started
as remebered)
1. This repair estimate is for the item(s) listed,but due to the normal process used to repair old pipes and fittings, damage to adjacent plumbing is sometimes un-preventable. I agree to pay additional fee for any additional work encountered during the above repair process.
2. I agree to pay the amount of_______ upon completion by_________or to have my credit card ______________ charged the full amount.
3. I agree the dangers of scalding water that have been explained to me by the installer. I have been read the safety section from the manufacturers manual, and will call Blau Plumbing immediatley if the water becomes too hot. I agree to hold Bleau Plumbing blamnless in the event of any scalding injuries occuring as the result of this installation/repair.
4. Whereas drain and sewer stoppages are normally caused by holes in the piping and that replacement of the piping has been recommended as the prefered long term remedy,I agree to allow Bleau Plumbing to attempt to open the clogged piping by an less expensive alternative (cabeling) at the risk of the cable becomming caught inside the damaged piping. I further agree to pay for the damaged cable as well as the cost of retrieval up to including excavation.
As you can see, Frank was thorough in his attempt to reduce the risk factor of the 3 most common fears doing repair work.
1 Getting paid
2 Getting cable caught
3 Getting sued
Thanks for the replies, and to clarify why I used the term in my post stating he was "bigtime", when I called to take him up on his offer -a year or so after I read about his flat rate system, I was treated like a bill collecter and told to "visit" his website. When I got there, I discovered he was offering the "system" only, no invoices or any parts sold seperate. The cost went from 75 bucks for 250 invoices to several thousand dollars for the "package" Phone attempts to reach him were useless.
I believe he was convinced to "sell" instead of share his knowledge and his experience with others, as is done here. This 180 degree reversal of his, and the resulting bait and switch outcome,the callous phone responses and the money grab all remolded his image from a plumber to "bigtime".
In Christ
Motown
