Introducing Myself W/ Question

joesauers

Hi guys, I came across the site while looking for some other info and after reading for a few hours I had to register. My name is Joe and I operate in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I am 25 years old and started the business when I was in high school. My company started as landscaping but in the past 3 years we have been doing lots of residential asphalt paving and even some smaller commercial lots. We employ approx. 15 employees during the summer. Our equipment includes 2 tri-axles, 2 backhoes, 1 skidsteer, and numerous other smaller sized trucks.

My question is, are most of you registered and pre-qualified to work for organizations in your area.

I'm looking into registering with local transportation authorities, state agencies, and other general contractors so I can be pre-qualified to bid on their projects. From the research I have done, it appears to be the only way to go.

What kind of luck do you guys have working for these customers, and do you feel it is very cut-throat?

denick

Joes,

Welcome to E & SW!

There isn't much in our area to prequalify for. Some of the bigger contractors like guys to get on their lists but we have found that they only use this to see if they can get someone who will work cheaper than they can. One of CT's largest contractor's owns a lot of trucks that sit quite a bit because they can hire out cheaper.

In all situations that I know of for prequalifying they also set what they are willing to pay.

__________________
Nick

"Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving" Albert Einstein

mdshunk

In PA, you need to "prequalify" with the state to bid on their work. It's basically paperwork. Time well spent, if you intend to bid on this stuff. Very competitive, by the way (which for me, translates into low profit). You might want to evaluate whether or not you really need this work. Much of it is Bacon-Davis style work anyhow, which might or might not be okay with you. Prequalifying with a contractor basically give them the information they need to nose into your business to figure out exactly how much they can jew you down.

POOLMANinCT

chew ya down....

i once acused one of "chewing me down" he misheard me and flipped hes become a good customer & we laugh about it still

joesauers

Thanks for the info guys. Currently I am getting setup with the city of philadelphia, penn dot, and the mass transportation authority. I understand that it is probabaly lower profit work. I'm just looking to open some more opportunities for my growing business. There is a ton of info on the organization's websites about bids coming out and the past bids awarded amounts, which is interesting to read over. Well thanks again, and I'll keep you posted on how I make out. I'll also continue to read over the posts and offer any assistance I can. Take care, Joe.