http://www.electriciantalk.com The business of contracting discussed here. Everything from starting up a new business to expanding a successful one. en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:45:29 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.electriciantalk.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.electriciantalk.com http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/coinstar-redbox-16338/ Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:22:54 GMT Anyone sub for Coinstar/Redbox? How's it been working out for you? How'd you first get the work? ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales MDShunk http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/coinstar-redbox-16338/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/most-considerate-gc-16302/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:14:55 GMT A GC took some pictures of an open industrial space with 30' ceilings and vertical beams that needed four 20A circuits and four quad outlets. He was kind enough to include his bid for the work while asking for my bid.



Total circuits: 4 - 20A (service panel is Cutler-Hammer)
Total pipe: 390'

Our budget tightened up considerably against heavy competition, so your best numbers are important at this point. Here are my calculations for the revised layout:

3 man-days at journeyman: $900
3 man-days at apprentice: $750
Materials: $900
Profit $685
30' Scissor Lift Furnished
Total $3235

Work needs to be completed by Friday 09-10-2010

Please let me know by noon tomorrow what your revised bid is and thank you for your prompt attention. ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales Tiger http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/most-considerate-gc-16302/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/electric-space-heaters-16298/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:55:47 GMT What size branch conductors take to feed 3 space heaters. The heaters combine have 5500w on 220v circuit. We think we can run the number 10 gauge... What size branch conductors take to feed 3 space heaters. The heaters combine have 5500w on 220v circuit. We think we can run the number 10 gauge wire. But my journeyman thinks we should up size to a 8 gauge wire for the run to the first electric heater and have 10 gauge on the next two loads. I just wanted to know what some you will do. ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales bigboz566 http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/electric-space-heaters-16298/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/employment-email-16269/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:20:41 GMT I got an email from a guy wanting a job. He is qualified and has a 2 year degree in something not related to electrical. He listed around 15years... I got an email from a guy wanting a job. He is qualified and has a 2 year degree in something not related to electrical. He listed around 15years worth of employment history in the electrical field. Might even be more qualified than I am:eek:. Then I saw Journeyman Level Electrician. I asked if that meant he didn't have his card. He said no my experience is usually enough. I then said to him as a possible emloyer I look for guys who are serious about a career in electrical. (I couldn't wait till I was able to take my Jmans test to be a real journeyman.) To me that means taking the time to spend 4 hours or less to take the test. My point was if I had to choose betewwn two guys one with a license and one without. All things being equal I'm hiring the guy who did what it takes to get his card. (or I could low ball him and pay him helper wages.....I am a rat shop owner after all:jester:)
He acted like the license was no big deal. Granted we don't have to have a jman on jobs so I can see why he would think no big deal. Then again if he had his license he may have already been hired somewhere. Any thoughts? ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales jwjrw http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/employment-email-16269/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/threader-stand-16260/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:21:16 GMT Hi all, need to know where to buy a good used hand threader, R-11 maybe what I need, with stand. Is there a place to go for good used equipment or... Hi all, need to know where to buy a good used hand threader, R-11 maybe what I need, with stand. Is there a place to go for good used equipment or just google for what I need on ebay? In fact there are several things I am interested in purchasing but am holding off until I see a need for them, such as a hydraulic hole punch. I have a hand hole punch presently. Thank you for reading my posting. ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales Wiring2010 http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/threader-stand-16260/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/contract-writing-software-16249/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:39:26 GMT I bought one of the books offered by this site, and i'm interested in this Proposal software. I found the link for the site on ETC so i'm wondering if anybody has any input, there are no reviews on it. Seems like a good price, and writing contracts is not one of my strong points.
This is not a spam.

http://www.markupandprofit.com/contract-software.html
:boat: ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales Triple Nickel http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/contract-writing-software-16249/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/health-insurance-16222/ Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:57:34 GMT This is for all you one man show, and small shops......how do you afford health insurance coverage?!?!?!?? I have been toying with the idea of... This is for all you one man show, and small shops......how do you afford health insurance coverage?!?!?!??

I have been toying with the idea of going on my own when I return to the states, when I looked into premiums for health insurance my chin hit the floor. :eek:

So what do you guys do, roll the dice w/o coverage or bite the bullet? ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales TheRick http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/health-insurance-16222/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/flat-rate-pricing-16213/ Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:42:29 GMT Has anybody looked into or are using this Flat Rate software. I'm wondering if it is a stand alone program or internet tied. The price book idea would work well on an I-pad. I wonder if you are able to print a specific project with pricing' and send to a questioning cell phone client?
:cool2:


http://www.electricalflatrate.com/pr...t-rate-pricing ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales Triple Nickel http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/flat-rate-pricing-16213/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/plc-training-16195/ Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:45:10 GMT Does anyone know of a good PLC school that teaches the newest version A/B has out and or A/B slick 500 schools as well? The school can be an online... Does anyone know of a good PLC school that teaches the newest version A/B has out and or A/B slick 500 schools as well? The school can be an online school or one you have to travel in order to take the class. I found some just Googleing but I want to get others opinions on what they experienced. ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales Wiring2010 http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/plc-training-16195/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/flat-rate-book-guide-16182/ Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:20:48 GMT Hey Guys,

Where can I find a guide in creating and selling Flat Rate.

I have seen the spreadsheets and software's but the lower end version that seem afordable dont have a manual in how to build a book and sell.

Thanks ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales sparkie2010 http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/flat-rate-book-guide-16182/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/non-compete-clause-employees-16052/ Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:33:48 GMT I am trying to find a non compete clause for my employee to sign I am trying to find a non compete clause for my employee to sign ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales electricguy http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/non-compete-clause-employees-16052/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/liability-insurance-costs-16039/ Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:42:47 GMT I am in the process of compiling quotes for liability insurance. I'm a one-man shop with no prior claims operating as an LLC with a 50/50 mix between residential and commercial. I am looking at 300k per incident/600 aggregate (state min) and up to 1 mil/2mil. What ranges in premiums are you seeing in the market?
What are the triggers that raise rates? Would my copious use of Scotchkote increase my premiums?:thumbsup: ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales Dead eye http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/liability-insurance-costs-16039/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/estimates-16031/ Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:01:09 GMT When I do an estimate I usually email the customer a proposal. I have my company logo and info at the top. It looks very professional and like... When I do an estimate I usually email the customer a proposal. I have my company logo and info at the top. It looks very professional and like something a larger company would do. I love doing the work but I swear I spent 2 hole days last week and half my day today bidding small projects in the 1500k range. That is a good thing but I could not imagine just being an estimator all day everyday. Do any other EC'S on here hate doing the actual bidding of a job at times? ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales jwjrw http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/estimates-16031/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/monmouth-co-cpa-recommendation-16030/ Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:41:51 GMT Does anyone have a CPA or accountant that they can recommend? Monmouth,Middlesex or Ocean County NJ area. A lawyer and insurance agent... Does anyone have a CPA or accountant that they can recommend?

Monmouth,Middlesex or Ocean County NJ area.

A lawyer and insurance agent recommendation would also be helpful.


Thanks ]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales Stardrill http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/monmouth-co-cpa-recommendation-16030/ http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/need-advice-how-get-ec-license-16014/ Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:50:09 GMT I have been doing electrical work wiring outdoor signs, small residential jobs, adding circuits, breakers, plugs, lights, motors for at least 25 ... I have been doing electrical work wiring outdoor signs, small residential jobs, adding circuits, breakers, plugs, lights, motors for at least 25 years (on the side for friends and family). I was in the Air Force for 8 years doing highly technical electronics, data acquisition and high voltage installs (this was 20 years ago). I have been doing scientific data acquisition and computer engineering and some electrical work for the past 25 years. I have a bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering.

With all that said I enjoy doing electrical work part time but since I'm older and hopefully smarter I realize the importance of being totally legal so I can start a legit business.

So now I'm trying to get totally legal and get my license so I can contract for any job I can handle. I've taken many sample tests and will easily pass the exam. The current regulations say that I can count my degree as 3 years of experience towards the requirement of having 4 years experience to get my license. The problem is this extra year. I am not going to quit my day job, but I still want to get this license. What are my options ? Any advice ?
]]> Business, Marketing, and Sales satox http://www.electriciantalk.com/f15/need-advice-how-get-ec-license-16014/