CE Pro Community

do you work on marine??

2009-01-13T11:46:44-06:00

We are close to an area that has a lot of boats,yachts and are interested in getting in there.
Do any of you work on marine?? if so how did you get your foot in the door?

Thanks.

Proposal Software

2009-01-28T21:10:03-06:00

Who is using what? I own a small business that is starting to get some large jobs and I am looking for a faster way to create bids. I know of Dtools (too expensive at this point), BidMagic ( Heard good and bad), and QuoteWerks (Not impressive looking props) any and all guidance is appreciated.

Initial Consultation Preparation

2009-03-28T21:33:21-06:00

When you are going on your initial client consultation, what tools, materials, literature, etc. do you usually bring with you and into the home?

What items would you never go to a consultation without?

Have you ever happened to bring along something out of the ordinary to a consultation which later proved to be invaluable?

What is the single best piece of marketing you’ve done for your business?

2008-08-08T15:44:48-06:00

I think the title says it all, but as a manufacturer we always feel we know the best ways to help our dealers sell. Of course that’s not realistic even if only because there are so many different businesses in so many different areas making it impossible to create the marketing ‘silver bullet’.

Having said that, I’m personally interested to know what works for you. It could be running some sort of ad or maybe having an event. It could be as simple as doing a great job and asking customers to refer freiends to you.

One caveat is that VUDU may well steal the good ideas and put our resources into helping dealers do more of whatever it is.

Is someone interesting in using thin client (small computer) to do home automation project?

2008-07-14T11:12:43-06:00

I wonder why most people use DELL disktop to do home-automation control.It cost more money and space. Why no one consider use thin client (small computer) it is cheaper, small, and green.Espically for energy-saving control project.One of my client already coorporated with energy provider to using thin client as a energy-saving controller for new home builder.

Will Financing Home Theaters Work?

2008-11-17T13:32:13-06:00

I have been thinking about how the industry can possibly spur sales during this economic slowdown. It came to me recently when a manufacturer was sharing with me a story about sitting in an orthodontist’s office. Every parent in the waiting room is on the same payment plan for their straightening their kids’ teeth. Everyone. The insurance company pays $1,000, and then the parents pay $1,000 down and $200 per month for the next three years. Total = $5,600. The orthodontist touts it as “interest free,” but in reality, if you pay the bill upfront, it’s only $5,000 total.

Here’s a radical idea: Integrators should start subsidizing/financing cookie-cutter systems - just like orthodontists. For a $12,000 installation, for example, have the homeowner put down $5,000 and then finance the remaining $7,000 over a three-year period for $200 per month.

It has worked well for nearly 30 years in the alarm business, ever since Brink’s first introduced the mass-marketed, subsidized installation in the mid 1980s. Brink’s did it for the monthly monitoring; its breakeven point was reportedly around 20 months, if I recall.

I know it sounds sleazy. And for many dealers on the high end, it surely is not a realm in which you want to play.

Also, it’s not conducive to positive cash flow when you first start out. You need to be well capitalized to do this. If you have a strong recurring revenue stream from monitoring or service contracts, this leasing concept is much more attractive.

I can see some big entity, like an ADT or Brink’s, doing this in the home entertainment business. Tell me I am crazy.

Installation Contracts

2009-02-25T21:17:00-06:00

Hello,

I just completed one of the largest jobs in my history (relatively new company) and am having problems already with “extras” that are added to my work. For example the front, and back porches have speakers on them, and the installer who put the tounge and groove ceiling on the porches, did not pull the wires through. Amongst other things, i am seeing alot of extras that were not included in the final bid. The contracter is on a tight budged, because it’s his son’s personal home, and i know i am going to receive crap about the extras. Does anyone have a contract that i can view, or borrow to cover these things on the next job that i do? I bidded this job very close just to get my foot in the door to the larger markets, and when finished will be a beautiful job. I just need to know how to cover may butt the next time this comes around…

Thank You,

David Williams
A/V Solutions
djwilliams at nc dot rr dot com

DirecTV Dealer Program

2009-01-30T17:11:34-06:00

Hello to all!
We are a small company based in Indiana. Our background comes from a production home systems. We are trying to fit ourselves into Mid and High End System market. We are trying to get advantage of almost every business opportunity. A year ago we started offering Alarm Monitoring Services. For a very long time we are considering of becoming a DirecTV dealer as well. Recently we have put more efforts in this direction. The solution we currently have is by offering this service through a third party. We have been told (a DirecTV Dealer) that in order to become a direct authorized dealer there is a requirement of selling a certain amount of contracts monthly. Unfortunately our main goal is not to do a satellite business, but rather being able to offer this service to our customers and therefore selling only when is needed. At the moment we are doing everything from selling to installing the service but still we are making half of the possible revenue. My point is: Can we become a Direct Authorized DirectTV Dealer without the constrains I described above? Has anyone experienced the problem we have or our research in this direction has not been sufficient enough?

Thank you All in advance!

what will you do to create new growth in 2009?

2008-12-20T14:59:12-06:00

what will you add or take away to make 2009 a better year?

Home Theater Research

2009-01-12T08:54:50-06:00

Does anyone no of any research available (free or for purchase) that would indicate the importance of having a home theater in the home? Any help would be appreciated.