anyone read "the price is right. or is it?" in dec 09 pumper magazine

[txshriner]

fortunately i have been busy enough that i just got to take a look at the december issue of the pumper magazine. on page 62 there is an article on pricing that would benefit anyone in the business to read from the rookie to the guy thats been in business for years but somehow hasnt made any money yet. very good article.:cool:

[COLE_Jeff]

Here is a link to the article: http://www.pumper.com/editorial/2202/2009/12

[Trent]

Thanks Jeff.

That's a great article. I wish my competitors would read it! My price is near the top or at the top for my services. We give excelent service and provide a free reminder service and track thier system info and what we've done on the job in the past. We hand out the EPA brochures and leave a magnet with the next service date written on it.

We're considering service contracts as a way to keep a steady cash flow even when business is slow in other areas.

[txshriner]

Thanks Jeff.

That's a great article. I wish my competitors would read it! My price is near the top or at the top for my services. We give excelent service and provide a free reminder service and track thier system info and what we've done on the job in the past. We hand out the EPA brochures and leave a magnet with the next service date written on it.

We're considering service contracts as a way to keep a steady cash flow even when business is slow in other areas.

you are on the right track. doing the maint. contracts is an excellent way to develope a good rapport with your customers, so that they will know that they can count on you to take care of the pumping.

[Trent]

I was thinking of setting the price structure so you could make a sight visit once a year to lift the lid and "sludge judge" the solids. This could prevent future problems and gets your face in front of them at least once a year. You become their go-to guy.

What kind of "inflation" or "COLA" increase would you figure in for a 3 year contract? I'm sure there is some magical percentage that would cover the average increases.

[Blower_Tech]

Great article, thanks for reposting the link.

Pricing is such a sticky issue nowadays and giving great customers a break is wonderful, but no one can afford to lose either.

Hoping the industry as a whole moves out of this downturn and undercutting very soon.

Best to all!

[POOMAN]

Contracts can be good and bad. Homeowners here are required to have service contracts on atu's and they are always upset when you charge them to fix a problem. It doesn't matter how many times you tell them or how big the print is in the contract, They still think repairs are covered. In my opinion reminders and follow up calls are a better way to go. The best way is a law requiring them to pump every 3 yrs. Those boys in Wisconsin have it made.