General Contractors Don't Know There Head From There.... - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

icntdrv · 04-07-2009, 01:32 PM

Just kidding!!!!!!!!

I wanted your attention.

I am struglilng to make contacts with contractors in this economy. I have been in business 4 years. I offer basic electrical services, and then some. I have a good reputation with my customers, I just don't have enough of them. I work with a few contractors, but they are slow. I need to get on the minds of other contractors. I have joined builders association, and chamber of commerce, and have been a member of both for more than a year, and I am active. I just notice many local contractors that are working do not attend these orginizations.

My question is:

What is a good way to approch new contractors to build a relationship with? cold calls, fax information, mailings, knock on there door, show up at there house.... How do you want new subs to approch you, or how do you find new subs?

What do you expect from this type of sub? more services, chepiest price, highest quality, integrity... be specific please on what you want and what type of work you focus on

480sparky · 04-07-2009, 01:37 PM

Join the local HBA.

Hand any builder you see a business card.

kevjob · 04-07-2009, 02:40 PM

get together your company info, refs just a couple, and mail a hello package and maybe follow up in a couple weeks, I have hired a couple subs that way.

icntdrv · 04-07-2009, 03:07 PM

Something like this?

Hello

I would like to introduce you to my Electrical Contracting business, Cornelius Electrical Contractors Inc. I am always looking for opportunities to work with reputable business, and would like you to think of us the next time you need an electrician. I am committed to installing quality systems that will meet or exceed you and your clients expectations. The core business is Residential and Commercial, New Construction, Renovations and Service. In the past year I have been expanding the services I can provide by including Lighting Control Systems, Motorized Shades and Drapes, Multi-room Audio/Video and Central Vacuum Systems to name a few. I have found that these systems and products match well with a core electrical back ground. This also creates a good opportunity for property owners and contractors, to have more services included with a key contractor, without the concerns of coordination with other sub-contractors for systems commissioning, and warranty issues should they arise. One stop shopping for these types of systems will ease conflicts and communication so the finished product is what the customer expected.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you,

**joasis** · 04-07-2009, 07:38 PM

This topic pops up from time to time, and the answer just doesn't change. Getting a GC to consider you/ask you to bid almost demands to "be there at the right time with the right price"...and that is tough. I use the same subs when possible, and don't shop around...however...I do keep cards on file.

As a professional courtesy to other subs, do not try to solicit work on the GC's job site, unless invited to.....if you see a builder that you want to get in touch with, try figuring out where he eats lunch, or coffee in the morning, and then introduce yourself and don't give him the "hard sell". Networking is where you make contacts....

rbsremodeling · 04-07-2009, 07:49 PM

Here is a different spin.

You don't want to work for GC's the pay is mostly slow and drawn out over a long period of time. If you aren't established with a few guys working for you and credit working for the average GC can suck.

You need to market to homeowners and Remodelers, preferably established kitchen and bath guys with faster turn around on your pay and smaller projects.

Homeowners will take a higher pricing and usually quicker payments. Remodelers have small jobs that won't stretch you out with quicker and better pay than a GC.

Now send RBS $20 dollars. I am trying to turn my lights back on

DBBII · 04-09-2009, 08:30 AM

As a GC who does a lot of different size and types of projects, here's my general position.

If I have to bid the job (example being a public job) the key issue is always price, especially today. If I don't have the low price to the Owner, I don't get the job. Sorry, but that's the way it is today. If I have to bid the job, I want every sub price that's out there.

I have to be smart enough to be able to analysis a sub bid in minutes, so I have to have an idea of what's in the job. Example -- who supplies a self contained bath fan? It may be shown on the HVAC plans, with a note on the electrical showing the power to it. I can make arguements either way as to who should have. The key is to make sure BOTH trades don't have it.

If the job is more of a negotiated type (hey, can you build me a ?????) then I would typically call a sub I have worked with before. Yes, price is still a consideration, but now I can make sure I have the right price as opposed to the low price. On a negotiated deal, I really don't want to have to go back to the Owner unless there is a big problem.

When I get info from a sub, they get added to my database. If I'm bidding something, I usually try to notify them.

If your "stuff" is more than two pages, it usually gets trashed. I don't need copies of your license and insurance unless you actually do work for me. All I really want to know is what you do and how to get in contact with you.