Subcontractor Tips

Island Mike

Any pricing methods and rules of engagement appreciated for working as a subcontractor with landscapers.

Presently, I can get a lot of work from a guy that wants me to use a specific line from a specific manufacturer (from his boss's distributor). I have a plan on how to deal with this, but any previous experiences would be helpful. His boss let's him do high-end plant installs as a side job, and he does not want to be bothered with the lighting. His boss simply wants a piece of the action, and is asking for the right to purchase the materials lights (this would be an easy way for him to track the work and manage his commision).

Thanks,

Mike

NightScenes

I believe that a relationship like this would cause you to have to compromise your designs because there is no single manufacture that makes every fixture that you would need. Personally, I wouldn't go for a relationship like this unless your name was not involved in any way and the actual contractor supplied the warranty.

When I work with a landscaper, they allow me to work directly with the home owner and I just compensate them for the referral. This way I can do as I see fit, it's my name on the line and the landscaper makes some change as well.

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Paul R Gosselin, CLVLT 0632
NightScenes Corporation www.night-scenes.com
President, AOLP
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Island Mike

Yeah, that's makes sense, Paul.

I'm going to offer a choice of: a referral as flat rate or percentage, or a per fixture/per transformer commision at flat rates for each.

I need the right to meet with the customer for design and I need to make my own coices for exact fixtures.

It's hard for me to be pushy, especially since they like what I do and want to use me as I'm just getting things moving along. I'll present the idea professionally as a consideration.

Island Mike

Okay Paul, my bad--no more asking similar questions on multiple forums. I'm getting forum nausia, too.

I have three reasons for this guy to give me my independence: he saves his own time letting me do the consultation without him, I can be held resposible for the work and accountable for the warrantees, and the customer has my direct number for servicing/maintaining.

aWorkaHolic

Mike, as a GC, the only thing that I request from my sub's is that they preform the work under contract. I don't know about the other GC's that you work for but with my company, since I also insure a sub's work I have them sign a none-compete document.

What happens allot of time is that if you get to friendly with the client, the GC will feel like you are trying to steal future work away from them.

For a GC to make you use a particular manufacturer, to me he is very closed minded. After all, you are the professional that he hires on to make the project happen.Work with the GC and his client together if you have a different view point on scope. (Other manufacturers). You'll be a hero.

As long as you do not compete against what he has ultimately sold to his client, you will have instilled a good relations with that GC.

Island Mike

Great view from the general contractor's point of view, thanks!

These are things I always wondered, too. I imagine building homes must get pretty wild.

Mike

aWorkaHolic

Your welcome!

Pretty Wild is an understatement but ya, we all have to work together to get it done.

Billy-Integrity

Its tough mike but if you have the chance to work with a GC this early make sure you get the job done per thier requests. You can offer up your input but if you disapoint them I doubt you will work for them again. On a direct refferal you should be taking good care of the guy who reffered you. 10% of the ticket isnt a bad way. No per fixture bs and no flat fees. If they give you a tiny job that flat fee may bite ya and if they give you a monster job they may look at it as an insult. Also offer them a special deal if they would like you to perform your magic on thier own home.

GC's are not stupid. They are generally well seasoned (at least the good ones) at being both technically educated as well as being able to run numbers in many ways you never thought of. Dont forget also that many will want to see or have on file a copy of your tax numbers... liability insurance etc.

I am dealing with a GC and landscape architecht now. The LA and myself have slightly different opinions. Soft and understated is the plan but we came to an excellent solution especially since the homeowner is an interior designer. We will prewire all the 10ga runs and then demo each section above ground before performing the final installation. This will eliminate any doubt as to what exactly the client would like to see. Unfortunatly it also does not allow me to provide a detailed proposal before starting the project.

Dont be shy about signing the none compete tho as well. This GC will no doubt ask me to sign one and I have no problem with them protecting thier business.

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Billy
www.IntegrityOutdoorLighting.com
Simply Breathtaking....Night after Night