jimjj

I offer TYPE "F"... C: People who truly NEED a solution. They don't have the time/ money to play around, and recognize the value of getting professional help. D: (DIYers)... They love to play with technology, don't mind making mistakes. They have the time/ funds to make mistakes E: The person who calls the professional and USES that experience to "hawk" info on systems and equipment in order to purchase and install...they ALWAYS ask for technical info and/or equipment model info. I've even had current clients call and ask in this poor economy inorder to save. F: The person who calls the professional and USES that experience to "hawk" info on systems and equipment in order to SET UP THEIR OWN BUSINESS...they ALWAYS ask for technical info and/or equipment model info. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Interesting inside take on your perspective of the client...so true when you think of it. Anyway here is a little bit about me and my take on the discussion: In the future I will be needing a very custom (CCTV?) setup for a construction site and rural residential home. That is why I am here. I am a type "D" and type "C". In my case, I need a solution that is beyond my DIY capabilities. I am an average IT pro (MCSA) and I have an inherant need to understand what I am buying and how it works....but I have no time to do the level of research I would like. So here is your delema as a Security Professional... Scenario: I call you and request a quote for a very complicated, elaborate and expensive setup...we meet, look over the project..I really don't know what solutions are best for me. All I know is IP cameras are good, HD is good, CCTV is what I think I need, realtime/recording is a must. This gives you an idea about me and my capabilities. (Actually describes me). Of course I am not going to get one quote, I am a savvy consumer and want not only a fair price but someone I can trust to do all that I ask AND give me good cutomer service during and afterwards....Oh!...and I am going to try to get a better price than the one you quote me right?...You bet! We all do it...even you do. I know...I know...YOU ALWAYS PAY THE PRO what he asks because he is a PRO and knows what he is talking about and has years of experiance....really? really? You never try to get a better deal?...You never question whether they are over priced or giving you the best deal they can? I realize as was stated "my experience is worth money....you spend lots of money on testing demo stuff"....and that, in my case is part of what I am buying (or will be buying) from you. I also realize you have to make money for every thing you do for me, and that is fair. I also realize you don't work for minimum wage and have expenses just like any other business. So how do you, as a professonal, cross between good customer service and smart customer service when I, as a customer, need to compare apples to apples?...when you say...."just don't tell them how to do it or give too many details"... Well...I need to know how you are going to do it (to a degree) and I need details to compare apples to apples. Remember, I am shopping around. Not necessarily for the best price and certainly not for the cheapest price. I am shopping around for CS and highly skilled and knowlegable people to do my job. Last thing I want is for some nignog to show up after I sign on the line and start on his education in my back yard. You say "Most like that aren't DIYers though; they're gathering info to play the pros against each other and get bargain-basement quotes." "I don't and won't give out that info. When I began I did it by mistake but I've learned along the way; my experience is worth money....you spend lots of money on testing demo stuff.... "Some get a quote with the intent to use that quote as a blueprint for a DIY install. That's like doing free consulting work..." "Judging character isn't fool proof... I've wasted endless hours quoting/ designing when as soon as they get what they need, they fall off the face of the planet and leave me high and dry. It's forced me to be a little more vague in quotes... " "There's a place for all of them... I'll always try to help if I can, but it needs to make business sense too" So one solution offered is: "Can you offer two quote levels? A simple quote with cam positions and generic specs is free, whereas a quote with specific hardware, lens settings and detail that took time to prepare would cost $100 (credited against the job if they go forward)" Two quotes...not a bad idea to offer two quotes. If you do offer a detailed quote for $, and I were you, I would leave out some of HOW to do it and details like any settings, connections. I myself would pay for a detailed quote but many won't. Then again, if I want to do my due dilligence and get 3 or 4 quotes this could cost me more than I would like. Especially in the light of so many inexperienced installers around - like this forum has brought to my attention. Another idea would be to be honest about it....even if the customer is not. Tell them you cannot give them too much info....it's a lot of work to prepare for free...then they could just get their Bro to do the job. Gage their reaction. If they don't see it your way...walk away. If you have a really good raport with a prospective customer, and they just want too much info, suggest a very detailed outline for the project (depending on size) for 3-500 bucks..time is money. I myself would pay $500 for a detailed report for this project if I felt confident enough to hire you but was still on the fence. That money would be well spent to get an exact idea of your capabilities. Talk is cheap, mistakes are not. So, to sum it up, don't just automatically think the customer is TYPE E. In my case I need info (lots of it) to compare apples to apples and make sure the person I hire knows his business. I feel for ya...can you feel for me?...who can you trust? This forum has proved to be invaluable to me. So much good information...many really knowlegable people. If you want an honest answer (from a type "D" and type "C") to any of your questions ask away. Disclaimer: I am not yet in the process of looking for quotes so please don't ask any questions about the project I will be doing. And I will definatley not be doing the job myself but I will be gathering as much info as possible in the mean time.