Opinions on GC's
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The majority of members here think that GC's are scum. I do not share that opinion.
This sounds like an opportunity for ongoing business. If it's reasonably profitable and the guy pays his bills promptly, I don't care if he has three heads and two rectums. Being in business means that you take calculated risks. I would chase the business and then try him on for size for a couple of jobs
This sounds like an opportunity for ongoing business. If it's reasonably profitable and the guy pays his bills promptly, I don't care if he has three heads and two rectums. Being in business means that you take calculated risks. I would chase the business and then try him on for size for a couple of jobs
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12,135 Posts
Since you are going to extend him credit, ask him for references. Second option would be to have him pay a retainer as you go (I doubt that will fly).
If you get push back too hard on the references, you might have just saved yourself a lot of problems.
GC's are like all humans, there are good ones and bad ones. You want to work just for the good ones and it's up to you to discover (before the job) which is which.
If you get push back too hard on the references, you might have just saved yourself a lot of problems.
GC's are like all humans, there are good ones and bad ones. You want to work just for the good ones and it's up to you to discover (before the job) which is which.
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20,221 Posts
I use to hate GCs but now my best customer is a GC. I never thought I would get into that again but, they are good at collecting money from clients.
I know I might get screwed but the secrete is not to give them enough rope to hang you with.
I would say that if you are doing enough work to file a notice to owner, then maybe you should seriously consider it.
I know I might get screwed but the secrete is not to give them enough rope to hang you with.
I would say that if you are doing enough work to file a notice to owner, then maybe you should seriously consider it.
What he said...:thumbsup:
Also, if it were me, which it would never be, but if it were I would have him/her fill out a credit application. On the credit application are numerous fields for her to fill in creditors that she does business with. I would be very diligent in checking them out. I'd do a complete credit check.
If they check out I would be very clear about the payment schedule. I do not wish to be a partner waiting for the GC to get paid before I get paid. That don't fly in my world.
I don't like taking risks with my money. That's why I run an almost 100% COD company. Which pretty much precludes us from this type of work and that's ok with me. We do offer consumer financing through GE and take credit cards, but we get paid. Let someone else wait for the money. That's the business their in, I'm not.
By the way, if you don't have any money behind you to carry you through the project then you are risking someone else's money. Which in my view is irresponsible and unethical. Don't do it. :no:
...but that's just me.
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39,616 Posts
I hail from a small pond, so if one 'GC's' , one's validity in doing so is often apparent quickly.
More often than not in this economy, their choice of client is what becomes their downfall
For instance, i've now been privy to three clients who've been whisked away into incarceration.
~CS~
More often than not in this economy, their choice of client is what becomes their downfall
For instance, i've now been privy to three clients who've been whisked away into incarceration.
~CS~
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809 Posts
I worked with one for the last 4 years. It was 2 partners, the one who actually had experience in the field and was decent for the most part, then there was his partner, he thought since he was a builder he knew construction, he would pull us off jobs for projects on his house and expect us to charge his customers for it, he was the scummiest of scum. All was busy for 4 years until i got tired of their games. Once that happens theres no turning back and now i know not to let myself get to deep into a job before i start asking for money. Just watch your back cuz they are almost always more scammer then gc.
You worked with one and now they are almost all scammers?
What would you say to someone who called you a scammer because he once got ripped off by an electrician?
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9 Posts
GC's are like any other customer, in that you can develop great working relationships with them, or you can rue the day you ever heard their name.
The only difference is the scale of the work, the process/timeline of payment, and the requisite interaction with their other major subtrades.
Good ones are great to work with. Bad ones will drive your accountant nuts!
That's a legitimate question. More often than not, it is the result of poor workmanship, late completions and and sometimes just plain old personality clashes. If he is an established GC, he has a good idea as to what a good electrician will cost him.
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39,532 Posts
Because he did not pay the last one,,,,:no:
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1,577 Posts
theres nothing wrong with working for gcs, personally i prefer it far more than dealing with some of the nut job customers ive had.
bank jobs on the other hand are the worst..payment takes forever and the inspectors are both idiots and pricks. i just had a go round with one last week, he tried to hold payment and say the job wasnt up to code because i didnt put a gfi in an old bathroom, it wasnt in my scope and no work at all othrr than painting was done in that room so no requirement to add a new circuit & gfi.. that one really pi$sed me off.
ive faked receptacles and stuff just like that for them too.. gotta unless you want to finish the job before you get the first draw
bank jobs on the other hand are the worst..payment takes forever and the inspectors are both idiots and pricks. i just had a go round with one last week, he tried to hold payment and say the job wasnt up to code because i didnt put a gfi in an old bathroom, it wasnt in my scope and no work at all othrr than painting was done in that room so no requirement to add a new circuit & gfi.. that one really pi$sed me off.
ive faked receptacles and stuff just like that for them too.. gotta unless you want to finish the job before you get the first draw
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7,022 Posts
I like working for GC's, just be sure to watch your money. Dont get too far ahead with the work you do, and dont get too far behind with the payments you are owed.
They are a lot like women. Some you will stay with for a while, others you just run around with for a short bit. Some will dump you for the next cheapskate bum, others will want to hold on to a guy that can get the job done for a decent price. Dont believe a word they say about the 'next job' and dont get mad if they use someone else from time to time. Its just business. As long as you are smart about how you deal with them, you can make some good money.
Oh yeah, and cheap low-ball handy men who dont pull permits on any of their jobs, ARE NOT GC's.
They are a lot like women. Some you will stay with for a while, others you just run around with for a short bit. Some will dump you for the next cheapskate bum, others will want to hold on to a guy that can get the job done for a decent price. Dont believe a word they say about the 'next job' and dont get mad if they use someone else from time to time. Its just business. As long as you are smart about how you deal with them, you can make some good money.
Oh yeah, and cheap low-ball handy men who dont pull permits on any of their jobs, ARE NOT GC's.
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