Correct Deck Vs CX

aardvark

I'm bidding on a 650 sq. ft deck. The lumberyard is no longer going to stock Correct deck. He's offering the original channeled boards 20' for 35.25. A great deal.

The customer is concerned that the original isn't as good as say Trex accents and how much better is the CX. What would you recommend to the customer?

Thanks

RobertCDF

CX hands down. Its the only thing I recomend.

__________________
Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm

I have used correct deck on a few projects and I like it. You are getting half off!! If the customer does not want it, you should build one for yourself!!!

__________________
Norman Sharp
http://www.sharpimprovements.com

aardvark

My cost $29.55 more per board $3368.00 for the job more for the CX. How do you justify the difference. How long have you been using CX?
The fact is, the customer is considering price (who doesn't.) $3368.00 Is a lot of $$$. If the original is garbage that's another thing. The next step would be the Trex Accents at $1755 more.

RobertCDF

First of all if MY supplier called and told me that he would give me decking 1/2 price I would not lower my price to a customer. That is extra profit for me. Well maybe I would drop $250-$500 off it. If I lower my price and he tells his neighbor how much he paid after getting a full price estimate from me then his neighbor thinks I am trying to scam him.


CX is well worth the extra price normally $2.60 for reg CD $2.88 for CX it is a much better product. It will hold up better in the long run and look better longer.

__________________
Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

BuiltByMAC

CX is an all plastic board, Correct Deck reg. is a composite of plastic and wood. What that means and why CX is worth the extra cash is:
1. No wood fibers in the board means the company can control the final product better - all your boards will be exactly the same, same width , same density, same color.
2. CX is much more resistant to staining, fading, scratching and mold - your customer's deck will last much longer with CX than with reg. Correct Deck and look better the whole time.
3. I don't know if the reg. line comes grooved but their CX line is grooved to accept their hidden fastening system, which installs as fast or faster than top screwing, another upsell.

Do a little research online - Check out their website at correctdeck.com - they'll have plenty of talking points for you...

Mac

Home Serve

I second this, if you guys don't want the decking let me know. I need a deck at 1/2 price correct deck.
Dave

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Missouri Remodeling Company with services for Replacement Windows Vinyl Siding and Entry Doors

lgoode

Aardvark,
One way I sometimes put this is, CorrectDeck CX is the best material available for stain, fade, and mold resistance. [It is the best choice for the 'maintenance procrastinator' - someone who wants to do absolutely as little maintenance as possible. Even the PVC foam products do not have the same dimensional stability or Microban antimicrobial. Almost all stains wipe right off, and because there's no exposed wood fiber, color fade is very slight.] However, if you want to spend a little less and don't mind doing a little more upkeep, CorrectDeck offers the same great hidden fastener system and strong, durable, safe wood composite material.
In case the question is asked, we are very committed to long term support of the CorrectDeck product, in addition to CorrectDeck CX. We continue to invest in it and support it.
Marty

aardvark

That makes sense if you use that pricing model. I find I generate more referrals with an open book pricing. I provide the receipts and add a from-inventory line item and mark all material and subs up a percentage. This way the customers control the price. I do a lot more than just decks so there is no way for me to come up with a rule of thumb price model that you can with your extensive experience. Small projects sure, but large ones no.

You can’t imagine how much trust I create when I have a detailed quote with each line item (prices for materials are budgets) compared to a quote from another contractor that reads in total “finish basement $50,000.00.”

I’m sure even you list materials you will use.

RobertCDF

Yes, my estimates are detailed enough that the customer knows what they are getting and they are also provided with a 3-d render of thier job (of course they only get the printoff after signing a contract) But my labor costs and my profit are no bodys business.

The only problem I see with your estimate is that it might take some time to put all of that together right? I would hate to spend 2 hours on an estimate and then not get the job. If I prepare a 3-d drawing and spend the time on a design and someone does not use me... I will try to sell it to another. But estimates take me about 10 minutes to put together.

__________________
Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

aardvark

There is no question that it takes a long time to do an estimate. I qualify the customer first. If I don't feel the customer is serious or has the $$$ I give them a rough estimate there. If they balk I walk.

I had one yesterday. This woman called to have a piece of fascia nailed up and some caulking done. We got there and the whole house needed (wood siding) was rotten or bowing out, the gutters were falling off. The deck railing was so rotten that I wouldn't touch it. And of course a $4-5K paint job was needed. I won't do a quote without a deposit from her. If she couldn't see her house could be condemmed than she can't see spending $10K min to fix it.

It's interesting I have only lost a few jobs after spending hours on drawings and quotes. But I do charge as part of the contract. I have a $1000. min charge for drawings and obtaining permits and the more changes the customer makes the more they pay.

Again, the trust I instill and the fact that all my jobs are referrals allows me to get about 90% of what I bid on. Like I said, I won't bid if the customer is hinky.

mawe54180

I sold one old style Correct Deck deck. Never again. That was about three years ago. My supplier has been trying to get me to sell the new CX, but I have such a bad taste in my mouth from the first one, I am having a hard time even considering selling their product again.
Mark

RobertCDF

Care to go into a little detail? What was so horrible? and since you had such a hard time with one of the top products out there I would like to know what product you use that is so great?

__________________
Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

mawe54180

The deck was the original Correct Deck. It has faded terribly. Not just faded (I know they all fade), but faded unevenly. The surface has become rough, small pits. Also, I am not a fan of the plastic clips. The good thing is the customer insisted on the Correct Deck, so I don't look so bad.
I my opinion the best decking on the market right now is Pro-Cell, aka Azek Deck. I haven't had any problems or complaints about their product. The decking I sell the most of is TimberTech. Very few problems, but when I had a insue, they took care of me. I am excited about the new TimberTech XLM, I just hope people don't think it looks to plasticy.
Mark

BreyerConstruct

If they like Prozak, they'll like XLM. Oops.. that's Azek decking with Procell technology... my bad.

I agree about the plastic-y look concerns, but when there's a bunch of it in the right environment, it can look pretty cool.

It was a cold day, and I'm afraid my brain is still frozen.
Chat later,
~Matt

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Custom Deck Builder Deck Designer Lancaster Deck Builder Berks Deck Cleaning
Breyer Construction & Landscape, LLC Facebook Page
www.BreyerConstruction.com

lgoode

Mark,
Why not have your customer call us at 877-DECK-877? Maybe there's something we can do to help. Just ask for customer service.
Marty

mawe54180

Thanks Igoode,
but the customer has not complained; to me anyway. He picked it himself. He is an engineer of some sort, and of course knows better that a guy who sells decking for a living. (Sorry to any engineers out there.) I didn't recomend the decking, and don't want to stir something up. It has been about 4 years now. I cringe everytime I am in that area. The contractor who built the deck has done 3 other decks in that area. None of which are correct deck.
Am I right to assume that you work for Corect Deck?
Mark