Flat Rate

ricks_plumbing

I have been reading several of your threads and posts comparing T&M and Flat Rate, as a new business I have encountered problems with T&M. Obviously, I am speeking of residential service only. It seems to me everyone wins with flate rate. While making it a hell of a lot easier on me to quote and invoice jobs no more preparing to defend my price when I present the bill. I havent begun using it yet but its making sense to me any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Does anyone know of a good flate rate pakage???

__________________
Rick McCarthy
Ricks Plumbing
OakRidge TN

mdshunk

Rick.... if you'd care to PM me with your address, I have a plumbing flat rate system CD that I'd be pleased to mail to you.

ricks_plumbing

Thanks your help is greatly appreciated

__________________
Rick McCarthy
Ricks Plumbing
OakRidge TN

Bob Kovacs

MD-

I'm curious- what flat rate package did you have?

Bob

Song Dog

I just caught wind to this forum from looking up flat rate information and I regeistered.
I am too VERY interested in flat rate. I was trying to make something up my self, and found some stuff of the internet(which was WAY higher than mine). I allowed for the worst case and then some.
I looked up Frank Blau from WI. Hopefully they will send info. I feel this is something I have to do.
Any comment and suggestions from experience would be great.

God Bless,

Song Dog

ricks_plumbing

hey song I can copy the disc md sends me and pass it along if youd like

__________________
Rick McCarthy
Ricks Plumbing
OakRidge TN

Song Dog

That would be awesome. Let me know and I can get you my information.

God Bless,

Song Dog

Song Dog

Rick, Are you going to be at the Pumper and Cleaner Conv. in Nashville? I will be there with a couple. Maybe we can meet each other if you are there.

God Bless,

Song Dog

COLDICE

Hey Guys,

I am new to this site. I came across this posting through a search on flat rate pricing. If possible I would like to obtain a copy of the flat rate cd if possible. Thanks for any help in advance.

mahlere

song dog...doesn't clockwork provide you with one?

KillerToiletSpider

How do you guys using flat rate justify your pricing to a customer that asks why another contractor will install the same faucet for half what you want to charge?

__________________
A flush is better than a full house.

PARA1

www.upfront price. com Best place to start. Registration free , give some of your buis cost info,location and you will get sample books free , you customize them to your situation (and did I mention it's FREE?) www.upfrontprice.com

__________________
YESTER DAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY http://paradiseplumbinganddrains.com...bers-dallas-tx

PARA1

You sell them with quality of service not price.

__________________
YESTER DAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY http://paradiseplumbinganddrains.com...bers-dallas-tx

KillerToiletSpider

That was not my point, when I did service work, years ago, we would often get calls from customers saying they were quoted x amount to replace a kitchen sink faucet, we were always lower because we were T&M, it was the same for pump replacements. Keep in mind, we were union, and by far cheaper than outfits using flat rate, so what reason did you give the customer for the difference in cost?

__________________
A flush is better than a full house.

mahlere

killer...there is a whole industry on how to overcome sales objections...price is really one of the easiest.

you simply redirect their focus from price to service or something else.

it's not really difficult, but it's not something that can really be spelled out here...

if you want to know more, read the editorialist's in P&M magazine or check out Matt Smith, he is awesome at selling this stuff...

but the basic premise is to get away from price. Learn how to do that, and you can make money.

PARA1

I wish I had time to explain some finer points of marketing, but all I can say is UNDER PROMISE AND OVER DELIVER. In most cases price is irrelevent and who wants to work on the clock anyway?

__________________
YESTER DAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY http://paradiseplumbinganddrains.com...bers-dallas-tx

KillerToiletSpider

My question was curiosity only, the company I work for does not do service work at all. Are you actually offering better service than companies doing the same work T&M, or are you justifying charging more for it?

__________________
A flush is better than a full house.

dee

i am using flat rate pricing in my plumbing & hvac business. have been for about 3 years. works great on hvac service & repair, but we are still struggling & uncertain on plg side. the more common a service or item the less expensive it can be marketed easily on flat rate. we fought flat rate, but found most customers wanted some type of definite answer concerning pricing, not be told it would be time and material. with flat rate , you explain there is a diagnostic fee of x amt of $$$ and after the problem is diagnosed they would be given upfront pricing on the needed repair, at which time the homeowner would approve or deny the repair. in my area in indiana near indianapolis, a good many service & retrofit companys are using flat rate, which also does cut down on the amount of free estimates. most comapnys in this area, that are on flat rate will not even quote guesstimates for any type of repair by phone. they explain a qualified tech will arrive, for x amt of $$$ & when problem is found will give customer repair cost info. this is a lengthy subject. am anxious to read others findings on falt rate.

dee

by the way sorry, i realized i had a type error after reply sent.

Song Dog

Mahlere, I became a Ben Franchise long after that post I made. Since then I changed my signature under my name.
Yes, we have a Straight Forward Price Guide. I love it and customers do also.
Do you know about the Mr.Sparky, it is growing leaps and bounds.

In Christ,

Song Dog