[rewire]

Thought I would get some opinions. When you install a generator and it has a malfunction do you call someone who provides warranty service or do you try and fix it yourself?
Would you be more likely to call someone if they were not a competing electrical contractor?

 

[Wirenuting]

We look at them first and then call for outside help only if it's beyond our ability to make repairs in what ever the time frame may be. Some of our systems have zero down time allowed and they get repaired before we leave, no matter what.
For the hand offs, we call a local Catapiller shop no matter what the brand is, they respond quickly when called.

I would think you could look at it from a business stand point.
Is it worth your time to repair or is it more cost effective to quickly hand it off.

 

[brian john]

We try to fix it ourselves, call manufacture or another contractor, I do not worry about competition for the most part and the customer always comes first.

 

[120/208]

If possible, try to fix it yourself. It will create some goodwill with the customer. If you can't fix it, find someone who can. Customers appreciate your honesty and that goes a long way.

 

[480sparky]

My installs come with a maintenance contract as part of the package.

 

[Mt Otools]

Generator repairs

I have installed 50 natural gas stand by gens and if the issue is my work, I fix it. If it's the unit, I always call an approved company. Saves time and it's usually a factory problem, no cost to you or customer.

 

[bobelectric]

I get a call, see what I can do , then next step is call Penn-Deisel.They are good.

 

[rewire]

My installs come with a maintenance contract as part of the package.

I am not talking about oil changes but repair work. If it is a new unit do you try and fix it or contact a warranty service company.

 

[480sparky]

I am not talking about oil changes but repair work. If it is a new unit do you try and fix it or contact a warranty service company.

Same thing from my end....... repairs or maintenance, it's part of the service contract.

Once the genny is commissioned, I collect check and I'm done.

 

[rewire]

Same thing from my end....... repairs or maintenance, it's part of the service contract.

Once the genny is commissioned, I collect check and I'm done.

Do you have free parts in your maintenance contract?

 

[jza]

............................

 

[480sparky]

Do you have free parts in your maintenance contract?

If it's under warranty, yes.

 

[rewire]

If it's under warranty, yes.

Our service agreement covers service items spelled out in the agreement. Repairs and parts are charged separately . Before we were certified to do warranty work we called another EC. Never was comfortable sending a competitor to a client. I would like to promote our gen service to other EC s but not sure the best way. So

 

[macmikeman]

I push the hell out of one and two day tenant remodels in commercial stalls and stay away from generators. No go backs and same speed in collections- on completion.

 

[nrp3]

A lot of the guys got out of the repair end of things. The supply house sells them and hands off the repair referrals to me. The repair end of things leads to other work too. Went to what was thought to be a generator problem, turned into all day rodent chewed wiring repair on overtime.

Go to some of the local sales gatherings that Generac puts on from time to time. Speak to the other guys who just do sales only. Networking.

I got into the service side because I didn't like sending work to others either. Thing is, you are either in or out. Takes a financial commitment to be in it, classes, parts kits. Need to be doing it regularly to keep the skills sharp and to make some of that money back. Some guys just want the installs, that's fine too. I do more service than installs.

 

[chicken steve]

Thing is, you are either in or out. Takes a financial commitment to be in it, classes, parts kits. Need to be doing it regularly to keep the skills sharp and to make some of that money back. .

This is the entire crux of it nrp3

There are a number of entities in my area that only do genny's , genny installs, genny maintenance, anything 'genny'

They got it all sewn up.

~CS~

 

[nrp3]

Don't let it keep you from doing installs if you are comfortable doing them.

 

[rewire]

Are their other electricians in your area doing what you do?

 

[nrp3]

There a few. I have my little pool of people I work with. The bigger threat will come from the all in one companies that seem to be growing, ie plumbing/heating/electrical. Some guys advertise service, but don't really do anything more than oil changes. I got to know the guys at the counter and help them with their own stuff, parts, portables etc. They deliver my units or the ones I buy from them. They pass my name out to folks who need service. I could buy all my units right from the factory, but I'd have to sell a bunch to see the savings. I'd rather keep the good relationship at the supply house that I have. I also sell parts to guys who want to tackle out of warranty stuff or their own personal units.