Re. legitimate arrangements with non-certified dealers:
The way we handle this is, if for example a consultant has a client who wants a phone system, they bring us in as a subcontractor. I don't see anything wrong with that, though if Panasonic told us it was improper, we'd stop doing it. We also have relationships with consultants who pass these gigs through to us for a commission, and the client's primary relationship for the PBX is with us thereafter.
Also I don't have a problem if an out of area dealer wants me to batch-program a machine for them or provide remote support. Though, we won't do it for ScrewMe.com operations, and frankly the latter wouldn't want to pay our rates (even our subcontract rates).
I also think arrangements of this type are legit.: Dealer "A" has its own techs do the physical layer including punch down all the tailcords and put screws in the wall in the proper formation, then has Dealer "B" (with which there is an ongoing relationship) come in, hang the units on the wall and program them and install the sets. Chances are that "A" can do its part for the client at a lower hourly rate than "B," and this arrangement makes economical use of both parties' time, and gives the client a lower overall price than if dealer "B" did the whole gig end-to-end.
We have a similar arrangement with a cable & facilities contractor in our area. They do the cable, we do the switch. Saves clients about a decent chunk vs. if we were doing cable.
Okay, 'nuf listmail for me today, I have two more sites to get to this afternoon...
-George 510-843-2667 extn 205
On 19 Jan, 2005, at 10:43 AM, Bob Ivey wrote:
Don,
I would agree with you that there are many out there just like you who are qualified to install the product, there are still
to many out there who are not. I have been teaching myself different products in many of the low voltage disciplines for
many years. How many of us have had to deal with the "engineer, doctor, or other professional" who thinks that they can
do everything that we have spent years to learn. When I dig into a manual for a phone system or an alarm system or
many other products that I install, I know that without a working knowledge of just what all of the nomenclature means, I
would be lost. I remember when I started with alarms, that they were just basically switches, batteries, and timers. Now
they are mini computers and most are programmed via laptops. I am sure that there are ways that the truly qualified
technicians such as yourself, can hookup with another dealer for some form of joint venture situation. We as professionals
must all work together for the betterment of the industry. There has to be a solution that will benefit all of us, as well as
protect the customer. As an industry group, we must all work together to find a workable solution.
Bob Ivey
At 10:01 AM 1/19/2005, you wrote:
BOB,
I tend to agree with you, BUT !!
As a "non certified" ( in ANYTHING anymore ) telephone interconnect,
After nearly 40 years in this business, I defy you, or anybody, to tell ME I can't install ANYTHING (with a little support from my friends)!
The "people" I buy from know ME, and know what I can do.
I think you are being just a little "hard-nosed" about the entire subject.
Don Ritchie Century Communications Euclid, Ohio
Bob Ivey wrote:
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