This is topic Starting my own service co. Any suggestions? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 06-24-2007, 07:27 PM:
After recieving a decent inheritance from my beloved Grandmother I decided to go buy a scope RTA, Spotmeter, tools, and everything else you could think of. I got a parts dealer who gives me a substantial discount and will ship parts through my DHL acct so it looks like I have a huge wearhouse. I got a 3 million dollar liability policy, Federal and state tax ids, bank accts etc... Im a DBA right now but I should be a corporation in a few days. I am also working out a contract with another service co to provide back-up emergency service if I am busy or need time off. I have very low overhead as I have a meilbox and a car, all my parts I dont store on hand (except critical tech stock) I feel I can offer better service at a much much lower price than the big guys. My service contracts are 50 a screen a month and includes emergency service, pm's, follow up labor, and 1 free "upgrade labor" per year. Also where others will charge for going out on a call just to change a xenon lamp I include that. I dont want to take over the world I just want to pick up 100-150 screens. My only overhead is my car, cellphone, insurance, and paying for my back-up contract. Anyone have any advice or suggestions? Im not looking to steal accounts from people but to pick up the theatres that cannot afford a service contract with the big guys. I offer the first month free and a discount for chains with 5 or more locations. I offer 4 pm visits a year and unlimited EM and follow-up labor. I am just not out to grab every demand dollar I can get I include things like B chains and stuff I think almost anything should be cpvered under contract. Also, I dont plan on using an answering service I plan on having a live tech answer the phone at all times. So again anyone have any suggestions? And again I am not out to steal accts from anyone I just want to offer theatres that cant afford the other guys a chance to get good service cheap! I dont even plan to mark up parts unless I absolutely have too. I just want to live comfortably and do the work I love.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-24-2007, 10:28 PM:
quote: Sean McKinnon
My only overhead is my car, cellphone, insurance, and paying for my back-up contract.
There is alot more hidden overhead in running a buisness than what you've got listed there and it'll take several years for you to get a grip on everything thats involved. The first thing you need is a good accounting program and you need to know all the ins and outs of it. You also need an accountant that knows the program you decide on inside and out... in case you get audited and to be sure that all your taxes are paid on time. There are many other "hidden costs" in running a buisness that will find you sooner or later especially if you incorporate. A car rarely suffices for doing any serious service work! Weather conditions in your area in winter might dictate a different type of vehicle all together... customers have to keep the show on the screen! I didn't incorporate until I started doing really large jobs! If you're just doing service work incorporation probably isn't absolutely necessary if you have good insurance... and not all insurance is good, be careful there. If you burn down someones theater because you hook up something wrong they will still also come after you anyway.
Don't give your services away! Instead offer some services that the other dealers in your area don't/can't offer... be unique and do the best work around. Word will spread and that will get you unlimited customers and the best ones to have!
quote: Sean McKinnon
I offer 4 pm visits a year and unlimited EM and follow-up labor.
I just don't see that much profit in that much work offered for that amount of $$ per screen unless everyopne is in a 20 mile radius. If we offered unlimited EM visits we'd go out of buisness in short order. Also 4 PM visits is for many theaters too much. After the second visit you won't be finding much to tweek or out of adjustment. Most of our customers do two PM's a year and some only do one... some only run on weekends! Although there is one largish chain we service that needs to see three visits a year. You will also find other situations that drag down the profits as well... inexperienced manager/operators is one good example. You might be calling some of those your home away from home!
Mark
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-24-2007, 10:51 PM:
quote: Sean McKinnon
I dont even plan to mark up parts unless I absolutely have too.
Sean - this is a terrible idea. Why should you go to the trouble of ordering, stocking, packing and shipping parts when you make no money on them?
No decent businessperson will deny you a fair profit. But unscrupulous ones WILL take advantage of you if you offer a deal that's too good to be true.
You must remember, you're selling stuff that the theatre can't go and buy at the Wal-mart. Just don't gouge...that'll put you out of business just as fast as no-profit will.
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-24-2007, 11:25 PM:
Never mind that you will also be fronting the cost of the parts to the end user...that is...they won't be paying quite as fast as you will HAVE to pay if you want to still have access to those parts.
You show me a dealer for parts and I'll show you a dealer that has a receivables column on the ledger that doesn't have all the money in the bank from those sales...and the taxes...they are due on what you should have received, not what you have received. Then their is the cost of freight...your time to process the order...the screwed up shipments (even if it wasn't your fault). The dealer always ends up eating it.
You are planning to become what we call in the industry a "trunk slammer." That is your office. While your intentions are honorable...you will find yourself taken advantage of and will lower the standard of living for most everyone else in doing so.
There are not that many techs or companies doing phenominally well with the more established rates that are notably higher than the ones you are stating. It is also unrealistic to think that you will be able to keep up with 100-150 screens at that rate with unlimited EMs...after all it may be an emergency to the theatre when their own personel don't know what they are doing....you become a free partner...after all it is included.
While I encourage you improve the quality of service for the industry, I don't think you have fully thought it out or have seen just what it takes to perform the services you are planning on offering.
Steve
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-24-2007, 11:25 PM:
quote:
I offer...unlimited EM
This will come back to bite you. Trust me, if you go in with this, they will have you coming out to fix out-of-frame splices or change work lights.
Posted by Ron Curran (Member # 3631) on 06-25-2007, 01:54 AM:
I agree 100% with Mike. We don't mind paying good people good money. That's probably why our cinemas can get good service promptly. Conversely, we don't want to be ripped off. Fortunately, that is rare.
The only way to put in parts without a mark-up is to get the cinema to purchase them. Then they can have the fun of returnng them for the right part.
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-25-2007, 08:59 AM:
Good advice above. I will add only one thing: in your zeal to please and do a good job at a low price, you will attract more than your share of bottom feeders who will pay late or not-at-all. I know, I started just as you in 1974. Later I sent half of my customers away since they only called for trouble, never paying 100%. Louis
Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 06-25-2007, 01:19 PM:
Louis hit the nail on the head. There are cinema owners who are amazingly adept at not paying bills. When a supplier cuts them off, they just look for the next sucker. We have several customers who have to meet us at the door with cash - no checks - before the toolbag opens.
Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 06-25-2007, 01:30 PM:
Sean, stop and take a deep breath. What you really need to do if not already, is find a competant service man you trust to spend a month or two working with him as a helper (for free if need be) to get a feel for what your going to be doing.
And as others have said, by all means put a fair markup on the parts you sell.
Your probably not big enough to even worry about becoming a Corp. If you don't consistantly act like a corp to the T, and get sued, they'll come after you personally anyway.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-25-2007, 05:36 PM:
I agree with Brad! Leave the corp thing til later when you start doing 14 screen designs and installs. My book keeping never got complicated until I incorporated. If you seriously screw up you will be personally sued either way. I was working on three films a year and doing designs/installs and service work. I had a really good insurance company(Cincinatti) that covered both my buisness policy AND my vehicle insurance and my premium cost was dictated by how many years I'd been in the buisness. My driving record which was good anyway did not matter on the vehicle premium. I could speed to my customers and get all the tickets in the world but my policy premium would not increase. I can only remember getting one ticket back then on my motorcycle. I can only say good things about Cincinatti... they even covered electric motors that were stolen off of a pair of DP-70's that I had purchased but had not yet removed from the closed down theater's premises. Once I was hit broadside by a deer up near Baraboo WI and the truck was fixed no questions asked... although the adjuster that come out had no questions he remarked that he could tell that the deer hit me and that I didn't hit the deer. First time he'd seen that. If Cincinatti handles insurance in your area I highly reccomend them. They don't in Utaw or I'd still be with them.
Mark
Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 06-25-2007, 08:11 PM:
During the 27 years I serviced office machines there were always a couple guys working out of their cars trying to get business based on very low service rates, too inclusive service contracts, etc. None survived more than a year or two. Most just cut their own financial throats by working too cheap. Larger companies know what it costs to operate a business and are suspect of quotes that are too low and will ask to see your facilities and the parts inventory that you claim to have and the trunk of your car with the promise of fast delivery of parts from somewhere else won't cut it. Everybody big and small pays slow.
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-25-2007, 09:57 PM:
Better to do top quality work and charge properly for it. THAT's something your competition cannot do!!!! Louis
Posted by Michael Moore (Member # 3867) on 06-25-2007, 10:14 PM:
After reading his post I think all he wants to do is live decent and do what he likes: service and even if he makes no money. Maybe the inheritance is so big he can live off of interest and do what he wants with out real income. I have no clue what he wants, but if I had a choice to live off an inheritances and do what I like i would do it and not care about making much more money. but that's just me.
Mike
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 06-26-2007, 01:44 AM:
Thanks for all the great replies especially Mark and Steve. Its too late I already incorporated, got a 3 million dollar lliability policy, am getting a toll free number and I bought the domain name. Bye no overhead I mean office or stocking parts I have a vender who gives me a good price and ships with my DHL acct so it appears to have came from me I only carry the crucial shit. I am just saying thst I will only sell part at 5-10% over what I pay. I know 4 pms is a lot but I plan to spend one focusing on sound, then picture, then lamphous/power supply, then platter and also do thier trouble list well im there. I worked for the former National Cinema Service and they offered 3pms and unlimited ems and follow up. for around 75-100 a screen so I want to give the guys that cant afford NCS (Strong) a chance to have a service contract instead of just letting everything go unsligned and unmaintained. I am very good with Microsoft money and have a great bank. I have a friend whoes a good accountant. I just want to live comfortably and do the work I love without bieng run by a corporation. I want to be able to do the best for the customer not what will raise the stock price 0.01.
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-26-2007, 11:59 AM:
quote:
I worked for the former National Cinema Service and they offered <snip> unlimited ems
All the major service companies have done that... but only for certain accounts; who either pay extra for it, or are large enough to make it worth the company's while financially. It's not free. An individual will get pulled under with that. And if you're going out to change bulbs, too, you'll be on the run a lot. That $50 a month will soon go into the red and quickly take your cash from the other screens with it. On fuel alone.
Plus, you live in Mass., where taxes and the cost of living are very high.
Maybe you're seeing something I'm not, and I sure wish you luck, but I don't understand how you're going to be able to turn a profit.
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 06-26-2007, 12:52 PM:
You probably need to state in your contract what you are responsible for on emergency calls and what the theatre is responsible for. In other words in the contract it should state that the theatre should change the bulb to verify that the bulb was the cause of the problem or not. Check all breakers, power buttons etc. Normal bulb changes are the responsibility of the theatre. etc. This will help you some on that.
Also make sure there is a clause that states that if you arrive on scene and none of the theatre responsibilities were done an additional charge will be added to the emergency visit.
Example: They call you and say that they could not get power to the console or sound. You talk them through everything and the problem can not be fixed. You drive 3 hours to get to the site. You walk into the booth. Now in the phone conversation you asked them to check the breakers or make sure all the power buttons have been turned on. They told you they did and the problem was still there. You go over to the breaker panel and find a breaker tripped or go over to the sound rack and find the exciter power supply turned off. You flip the breaker or turn the power button back on. Wow! problem solved. You should be able to hand them a bill that says payment of x amount of dollars for unneeded emergency call.
Believe me this has happened in the field before.
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-26-2007, 02:46 PM:
Our system is that if we can help on the phone that is free.
If we go on a special trip or if tools are involved that is billable.
Weekends/nights are, of course, extra. That way you can have a social life and/or stay married.
Unlimited emergency calls....gas must be quite a bit cheaper there than here. I have never charged a gas surcharge, but it is very close. Louis
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 06-26-2007, 08:56 PM:
you guys all have good points. I got lucky with the phone co today 1 (866) 920 NECS was available! Can anyone help me with a service contract template? I would rather pay a film techer for a sample of thiers than pay a lawyer to do my own.
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-26-2007, 09:03 PM:
quote: Darryl Spicer
You should be able to hand them a bill that says payment of x amount of dollars for unneeded emergency call.
Too bad there isn't a "bonehead fee." (I'd have had to pay one, more than once, for some of those "Do'h!" situations!)
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-26-2007, 09:33 PM:
quote: Sean McKinnon
I want to give the guys that cant afford NCS (Strong)
How much do they charge?
Re: Emergency!
You've really got to drop that unlimited emergency call thingy. That alone WILL kill you unless "Emergency" is extremely well defined in your service contract to a tee. No one can afford to drive repeatedly hundreds of miles at the drop of a hat. Some of our customers are up to 900 miles away! Stop and calculate that drive time and mileage... it will kill you and you HAVE to take that into consideration when running a buisness. We charge extra on all the service conracts we have going for either one or two emergency calls a year depending on what they feel they need. In fact most of our customers do not want any EC's nor do they have the sort of emergencys that shut them down, we do after all maintain them properly.. most twice yearly. Many are just too far away to even think about giving free calls or even charging extra on the contract for emergency calls. We have customers that are up to 900 miles out!
My feeling of defining an emergency is off the screen or some legitimate distracting thing that is annoying customers to the point of complaining or walking out. Beyond that it should be billable time or covered by a "next day visit" under the service contract.
Mark
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 06-27-2007, 03:46 PM:
I only plan to pick up accounts in New England which would mean maybe 180 miles away at most. I think I can offer the free labor but maybe charge mileage everytime I have to go out. Strong offers the unlimited Em's so to be competitive I feel I have too. The way I worked my numbers I need 100-150 screens to turn a decent profit. Hopefully someday I may pick up enough accts to add another tech. I have an agreement with another co. to back me up on emergency calls if im busy or need time off. I field all calls directly through my cell my toll free number goes there if I want a day off I have a compitent friend who will field calls for me and call the other co. to send out a tech if a theatre is down.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-27-2007, 10:53 PM:
quote: Sean McKinnon
Strong offers the unlimited Em's so to be competitive I feel I have too.
Yea... but you have brains they don't!
Mark
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-27-2007, 11:16 PM:
quote:
That alone WILL kill you unless "Emergency" is extremely well defined in your service contract to a "T". No one can afford to drive repeatedly hundreds of miles at the drop of a hat.
Yes, if you want to do this, get ready to be called more a professional "babysitter" than an actual service "tekkie".
If you planning on "babysitting" more that actual servicing, I'd get the antie price up there pretty high to compensate your "babysitting" time.
Bottom line: you're in control of your business, not them. If you let your guard down one iota, you're a goner for sure.
Posted by Tristan Lane (Member # 1169) on 06-28-2007, 01:41 AM:
quote:
Yea... but you have brains they don't!
Let's not start brand-bashing the service organization. (Although I know the main intention of the statement was to encourage Sean) I know of a some very competent technicians that are working for Strong Tech. Svcs, and generalizing they "they" don't have brains may result in some unsavory feelings.
I only say this because I've had similar experiences in the past. I've been on the receiving end of those comments before, and not only did it make me feel like the people were judging my own skills, but that they were ragging on the skills of my peers. It always leaves a bad taste, and can further affect the attitudes of others in regards to a certain organization's service.
I agree with most of the advice given here, and would like to encourage Sean to do his best to be successful and remain competitive, without sacrificing quality of service. Do what it takes to keep your customers happy, without letting them walk all over you with the "customer is always right" mentality. I've seen that idea taken for granted numerous times by the customer.
Start developing connections with major D-cinema players and gain as much experience there as possible so that you can better advise and service your customers when the time comes.
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 06-28-2007, 06:36 AM:
Thanks again guys! I wasnt expecting such helpful and encouraging posts this sure is the greatest forum on the web. I worked with some of the smartest people I have ever met when I worked for NCS. It saddens me that some of them are rightfully upset with me because due to health reasons I had to leave without any notice ruining people vacations and weekends off. I wont name people but the tech in Western mass is the smartest person I have ever met and he tought me so much when I started with them I didnt even know how to do an A-Chain after spending a year with those guys and thier confidence in me to send me on calls even though it may have cost the company more money because it would take me longer to troubleshoot really helped me learn and understand things better. This tech has a major scientific masters degree and could be doing other things but he has stayed with NCS from RCA To Charlie Achea and now to Strong because he loves his job and he is the most professional competent meticulous tech I have ever worked with, I learned from him not to think you solved a problem and dont really know how you know it may have just started working and walk out the door because you'll be back, I remember calling him up bieng so excited to troubleshooting the simplest every day kind of things but to me it was all new and the techs from Maine, Mass/NH, Rhode Island, and the VP always treated me like a pear and spent a lot of cell phone limits talking me through troubleshooting when they could have just told me what it was they took the time for me to troubleshoot it and learn and gain confidence. I really hated leaving and would have handled my health problem differently if I could go back in time. The VP of the co is also a great guy he offered me a second chance because he thought I was a good tech and did my job well. I went from just bieng a "PM Guy" making 12.50 an hour to bieng a technician and running my own territory in less than a year because those guys were so willing to teach me and help me. I rember one tech driving 2.5 hours from home at midnight because I screwed up a motor and he drove down there to bring me another motor when it wasnt his responsibility at all he had no reason to do it but to bail me out, I really miss those guys and would like the chance to make ammends because there were really great. I also got to do 4 installs travel to North Carolina and San Fransisco to go to "Dolby School: which was awesome, even though I had been doind A chains for 8 months at the time it was still a great course taught by a former NCS tech, it was a real confidence boost when the instructor asked me to around and help some of the greener guys! Basically what im trying to say is thank you Film-Tech, Thank you NCS and the Techs I worked with and I also want to say I am not out to steal accounts from Strong, and if I was approached I would give the courtesy of calling them and seeing if they maybe have too much work and dont mind or if they can call the customer and offer to make them happy, I wouldnt just steal them. The last thing I want is for anyone to lose thier job and thats why I would turn down a large acct if it meant Strong had to let go a tech. maybe not smart business but I dont want anyone to lose thier job. I actually hope to work with Strong as an independent contractor here and there and having them go on 'DOWN HOUSE" calls for me if I cant make it! I would still love to see someones service agreement which I would pay for because I dont like lawyers and would rather pay a Film=Techer! Anyways thanks guys I have these grand ideas in my head about getting big and having more techs and how I would make everything automatic and efficient but I gotta rein myself in and pick up more than the 3 screens I have now. I figured id carrt Simplex and Century intermittents, vertical shafts, main drive assemblies, belts and a motor. If I pick up an account with christies or ballantynes then id carry those too! I love bieng able to just slap a new vertical shaft assembly in and rebuild the old one in my shop instead of rebuilding it at the theatre, Customer gets back on screen faster, I get to take my time in a well lit shop to rebuild it right! I know im rambling but that reminded me of rebuilding Ballantyne Framing Couplers at home in my bed room! Saved that customer a lot of money!
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-28-2007, 08:29 AM:
quote: Tristan Lane
Let's not start brand-bashing the service organization.
No... it was a total set up joke for Tim! Now yous guys ruined it... ![[Mad]](mad.gif)
.
Mark
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-28-2007, 10:18 AM:
Mark! It went over my head. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
I figured you were knocking corporations in general. I just knew you weren't referring to me! quote: Mike Blakesley
Too bad there isn't a "bonehead fee."
My brother-in-law runs an HVAC company here in the valley. He refers to those as "nuisance calls," and they DO get billed.
Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 06-28-2007, 10:45 AM:
I hate to ask what may be a stupid question, but as a single person company, what happens when you have more than one emergency call at the same time in different areas making timely response to one (or more) impossible? No theatre owner will be happy with the thought that you have more important customers than him.
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-28-2007, 12:25 PM:
Another clause for the contract: emergency calls taken in order received, I can only be in one place at a time, drive times, propagation delay, whatever, etc., etc.... ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Also make sure you have a clause stating you are not responsible for maintaining OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT. You can only perform so many miracles. When there are no longer parts available for a particular piece of equipment, some people just can't comprehend why you can't make it work.
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 06-28-2007, 12:45 PM:
I am in the process of getting a contract with another company to provide back-up service.
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-28-2007, 01:20 PM:
quote: Sean McKinnon
I am not out to steal accounts from Strong, and if I was approached I would give the courtesy of calling them and seeing if they maybe have too much work and dont mind or if they can call the customer and offer to make them happy, I wouldnt just steal them.
Sean - Given this, plus your reluctance to mark up parts, plus your low rates, plus unlimited emergency calls and so forth...maybe you are too nice a guy to be in business for yourself! ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-28-2007, 07:13 PM:
quote:
Mark! It went over my head. I figured you were knocking corporations in general. I just knew you weren't referring to me!
No, I had a complete set up I was going to pull on you... will save it for a more opportune time though since those toher guys spoiled it. I'm glad you finally chimed in on this thread... you've been doing this a long time too!
quote:
Sean - Given this, plus your reluctance to mark up parts, plus your low rates, plus unlimited emergency calls and so forth...maybe you are too nice a guy to be in business for yourself!
I definately agree with what Mike says. You also NEED to be agressive in searching out customers... Don't feel guilty or bad about going after other dealers customers. If you can offer another dealers or service entitys customers a legitimate better deal then by all means do so! After all buisness is buisness and you are there to be in buisness!
Mark
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-28-2007, 07:30 PM:
quote: Mark
I'm glad you finally chimed in on this thread... you've been doing this a long time too!
Huh? quote: Tim Reed
This will come back to bite you. Trust me, if you go in with this, they will have you coming out to fix out-of-frame splices or change work lights.
quote: Tim Reed
All the major service companies have done that... but only for certain accounts; who either pay extra for it, or are large enough to make it worth the company's while financially. It's not free.
quote: Tim Reed
Also make sure you have a clause stating you are not responsible for maintaining OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT.
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-28-2007, 08:01 PM:
Tim; the OBSOLETE equipment is a real trap. Suppose, while repairing or cleaning, you fracture the unobtainable part?
My system is that I will work on anything; but if the manufacturer does not support the item, it is at "customer's risk,"
FYI: most parts of X60's are unavailable. Louis
Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 06-28-2007, 09:05 PM:
Absolutely go after all the former customers you can think of and especially those you had a good personal rapport with.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-28-2007, 10:50 PM:
quote: Tim Reed
Huh?
Huuuhhh????
Tim, I think your quote key is stuck. One more quote and you'd have had a gallon!
Mark
Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 06-28-2007, 11:16 PM:
quote: Louis Bornwasser
Tim; the OBSOLETE equipment is a real trap. Suppose, while repairing or cleaning, you fracture the unobtainable part?
Saying "I won't maintain obsolete junk" is different from fixing obsolete junk you broke on accident.
Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-29-2007, 05:17 AM:
quote: Mike Blakesley
some of those "Do'h!" situations
Isn't that spelled "Duh!"? Just wondering.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-29-2007, 06:53 AM:
Michael,
Its obvious you have not been to Montana yet..... ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
.
Mark
Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 06-29-2007, 09:27 AM:
Homer Simpson lives in Montana ![[scream]](graemlins/scream.gif)
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-29-2007, 10:04 AM:
Actually I think it's "D'oh!"
"D'oh" is Homer Simpson..."Duh" is any other generic dumb guy.
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-29-2007, 12:03 PM:
In fact they have completely different meanings too. "Duh" is an expression of not knowing. "D'oh!" is an expression of knowing you did something wrong.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-29-2007, 04:19 PM:
Huuuuhhhhhh?????
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-29-2007, 08:47 PM:
quote: Louis Bornwasser
Suppose, while repairing or cleaning, you fracture the unobtainable part?
What Chris said. That would probably fall under liability. Maintaining is another story.
Incidentally, Sean, here's another one for your contract (seen on the back of an electrician's van):
What constitutes an emergency to you, does not necessarily constitute an emergency to me.
Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-29-2007, 09:14 PM:
I thought "Duh!" means something should have been obvious, if somebody asks you a dumb question. Like when I cross the border, they always look at my work visa and ask me "so who are you working for?", and in that situation the correct reply would be "Dude, it says there who I am working for! Duh!". Or not?
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-29-2007, 09:34 PM:
quote: Louis Bornwasser
Suppose, while repairing or cleaning, you fracture the unobtainable part?
You simply step into your machine shop and make a new part. Its something we do pretty frequently. Not sure if there should be a Duh... or a D'oh at the end of this one... but sometimes its definately both!
Mark
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-29-2007, 09:48 PM:
quote: Louis Bornwasser
Suppose, while repairing or cleaning, you fracture the unobtainable part?
D'oh! (Don't know why I didn't think of this earlier.) If it's obsolete... it shouldn't be touched to begin with, per the hypothetical contract.
Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-29-2007, 10:14 PM:
quote:
but sometimes its definately both!
Mark, it's spelled "definitely". Duh!
Posted by Ken McFall (Member # 845) on 06-30-2007, 03:23 PM:
I have two cinemas that rely on me for support and service. I have always been more than willing to be on the end of a phone to give support, advice and talk thru problems.
As I don't do this for a living it's not really a problem. However I do get tired of call's that go like this....
The rewinders not working.... could it be the fuse!
It gets to the point that you are there to wipe their ar... do I need to say more.
By all means provide a willing and available service. But remember your time costs you.
At the end of the day they may not buy parts or your time but they will eat into your life..... Visit any 'eat as much as you like' resturant and you will see what I mean.
It becomes so easy just to pick up the phone. So what you were asleep or in the middle of a meeting. You don't cost anything so whats the problem.
People don't have long memory's of how you've helped them out in the past, dropped everything and gone to their site to get them back on screen. The first time you're not available is all that matters to them. Then you're shit!
However if they pay for your sevices, even a minimal fee, they will respect your time and experience.
As for working with old defunck equipment.... I am happy to help if I can. I make it clear that I may not be able to resolve the problem and they trust me totally. I don't exploit that and as a result I have their total confidance.... something I will not abuse.
The larger companies tend not to try and repair or patch up older equipment, in my experience. So there is a market for someone who will pull out all the stops to keep them going. You sound like that is the market you are aiming for.
Do your best and ALWAYS be honest and you will always have work. I wish you the very best.
Regards.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-30-2007, 05:01 PM:
quote:
Mark, it's spelled "definitely". Duh!
Michael... Are you absolutly Shure?
Mark
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-30-2007, 08:43 PM:
quote: Ken McFall
People don't have long memory's of how you've helped them out in the past
Ken, that's absolutely right. Forget that you've even solved a tough boat load of long-standing problems - which no one else has been able to fix for 10 or 20 years -- service is very much a "what have you done for me lately" proposition!
Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 07-01-2007, 12:03 AM:
quote: Mark Gulbrandsen
Michael... Are you absolutly Shure?
Yes, I looked it up! BTW, it's absolutely, not absolutly. Duh!
I don't get the Shure thing. Probably a joke, but I don't get it.
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 07-01-2007, 12:23 AM:
quote: Michael Schaffer
Mark, it's spelled "definitely".
No, it's spelled "it." Definitely is spelled "definitely."
(sorry)
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 07-01-2007, 07:00 AM:
quote: Michael Schaffer
I don't get the Shure thing. Probably a joke, but I don't get it.
quote: Mike Blakesley
No, it's spelled "it." Definitely is spelled "definitely."
D'oh! Both you guys fell for that trap!
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 07-01-2007, 07:27 AM:
Not me....I saw that bait laid out and now taken. Michael...look into microphone manufacturers.
Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 07-01-2007, 08:05 AM:
I know what Shure is, but I still don't get the joke.
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 07-01-2007, 11:42 AM:
Remember "You can be Westinghouse if it's Shure." Louis
Posted by Ken McFall (Member # 845) on 07-04-2007, 07:42 PM:
Hi Sean
how have your plans poregressed. It seems you have been taking time to take in all the neagtive, and some positive comments about your proposed venture.
You are entitled to be feeling very excited and can't wait to get your hands on someons equipment ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
It would be nice for you to have a number of minor issues to build your confidence.... and get some money coming into the bussinese.
The more technical problems that don't need you to dip into your pocket to buy spares will give a good start settling into what I'm sure will become a very easy going friendly service.
There are going to be problems that do cost you 'Uo front' and these are the things to watch out for. It's a difficult balance between installing the parts and getting them On Screen as soon as possible..... but getting no cash for your efforts. Or coming to some agreement that at least splits the burden to some extent. The cinema must pay at least half at time of installation.
You will have to learn what is the hardest word of all to say when you get a phone call and that is NO! I'm sorry but your account is severely over due. I cannot call until some or all of this balance is settled.
It's hard to turn away from people who have problems..... but when you have problems they will do exactly the same. They are in bussiness themselves after all.
Please Please re think some of your 24X7 availability and consider a billing plan that will more closely match the service you provide.
Phone calls for support $10 ph
Phone calls for advice and support $10 ph
When you're off duty totally and accepting emergency calls ONLY $20ph.
I don't know eaxctly what the rates are locally but you get the idea.
Calls afger a certain time at night will not be attended to until 08:00 the following days etc etc. The cinema has to bear some of the cost of any lost shows. Provide a good flexible service but have controls and limitations to protect you and your family life.
Let us all know when things start moving forward for you and how you are coping.
Wishing you all the very best in this venture.
Regards Ken ![[thumbsup]](graemlins/thumbsup.gif)
[ 07-05-2007, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: Ken McFall ]
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 07-04-2007, 08:43 PM:
I would surely turn off the cell phone ringer/vibrator after 10 pm until 8 am every day. That way you at least start off each day rested. I once did not do this and it almost ruined my health. Cinemas who are "off" show no mercy for you or your family.(20+ calls after 1 am.) Louis
Posted by Bud Shepard (Member # 357) on 07-04-2007, 09:09 PM:
Louis, I wish I had that luxury.
In my title and position I have been on call 24/7/365. I have received calls from our customers at 2am demanding to speak to a tech, but that's when I intercept the call.
In fairness, we do allow our techs (STS) time off everyday from 11pm - 8am (no calls) and all techs have at least one day off (some three) during the week.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 07-04-2007, 09:31 PM:
quote: Bud Shepard
In my title and position I have been on call 24/7/365.
Thats what answering machines/answering services are for... filter out the non-sense calls for first thing in the morning but get the important calls to you withion 15 min. Those should be handled at the customers request no matter what time of the day/night it is. Our techs generally only work on weekends when on the road and they usually do so by choice to get the trip done and get back home. They can if they want take weekends off while on the road too. I do this quite often because of so many interesting and unique places, things, and friends to see on my routes. Weekends are handled on a rotating basis but we rarely get calls on weekends or at night...
Mark
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 07-05-2007, 10:59 AM:
In Kentucky "stand by and subject-to-call hours" are considered to be regular working hours under the state wage-and-hour laws. Therefore, the first 40 hours are straight time; the next 8 hours are 1.5x and all other hours are double time. FYI: There are 720 hours in a 30 day month. Imagine the W-2 form on THAT. Louis
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 07-05-2007, 01:03 PM:
Thats a good point Loius. I'm not sure if its the same way here... We are a right to work state but unions also orevail here in may of the trades. In spite of both states having alot of Coal Mines which is generally why laws like this exist I suspect its not the same as Kentucky since this state is run by a bunch of Cheapskate Mormons. And believe me they're going to get all they can get for free ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
.
Mark
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 07-05-2007, 02:34 PM:
My knowledge dates from my having worked for Altec Service. The wage and hour boys came after me since the company had not paid the state withholding tax on a previous employee. I was asked how many hours I worked per week; how do you define "work." If you are not "free & clear" you are "working" even if at home with the TV on. Louis
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 07-05-2007, 03:06 PM:
quote: Louis Bornwasser
If you are not "free & clear" you are "working" even if at home with the TV on. Louis
Agreed! Anything that ties U to work should certainly be counted as workable hours. That sure could cause some headaches in many places!!
Mark
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