What do you guys do? Do you do it? Id imagine that like me most of you that are on the forums care about the job etc, and as such do re-invest etc I do various courses, am a total tool collector (not a total tool btw!) lol always read up on new products & tools etc, esp for prep As a fitter i dont think id be a good businessman as i always look at things from a fitters point of view is this the best material, is this the best way of doing it etc A lot of subbys just get told 'get er down' by the guys that look at the financial bottom line so they always gonna care more about saving money than doing the best job with best materials. So what do you guys do re: investing if any?
TBH, I want to do a decent job, at a reasonable price, without any comebacks or hassle.I like people as a rule, and get on well with the majority of my clients. All I try and do is treat them as I would want to be treated, simples. I would love to go on some courses, (would like to start doing LVT's,) just not sure how I could find the time without losing business. I have no particular desire to expand, although having just started employing my son I have had to increase turnover to cover his wages.
Ive done a few courses and training days, im alwsys buying new tools to try and make my life easier while giving the customer a better finish, hopefully a couple of years ill be reinvesting with a trainee on courses
I was brought up around the flooring world by my Dad & always wanted to stay well clear of it when I left school especially when my mam divorced him for being a floorlays widow. But still here I am doing the same as him (but better) & the most important thing to me is job satisfaction & customer satisfaction ! I've now stole most of my dads tools & have also required his lack of business sense & the moto.. This time next year Rodney.... We'll be millionaires..... Lol
I make sure all my ads are up to scratch, same with my work clothes (had to change them all since I started doing blinds). I'm not really much of a tool freak, there's only so many gadgets needed to fit carpets and vinyls, a lot of the tools I see in the catalogues are just usually rather poor attempts at re-inventing the wheel (Speedcatt, Crain Stair Stretcher etc). One of the first things I bought when I went on my own was a hoover, customers appreciate that kind of thing and tend to tell their friends.
I do similar as you know, taken on a Apprentise too now. Great keeping up to date with products and training. Problem is the bigger you get thee more you work or employ people who aren't up to scratch as I've found out the last few years. Then that costs you money. I'm starting to find it very stressful this year. Last November an December I was late in every night. Getting in late not seeing my girls kills me to be honest. I didn't see my dad much as a kid cause he worked late and always said I won't be that dad. But I am. Sometimes I think you are better working for someone else where you go home and chill out.
For me it was about taking over my dads business and trying to make it bigger so eventually I come off my knees, but its been way harder than planned although I've only run it for nearly 2 years. I generally get in 5-6pm but will then do quotes,plan jobs, semd e-mails, gothrough plans,general work stuf and often finish 8-10pm. Been doing weekends aswell but I see light at the end of the tunnel cos if i can grow the business then these knees may go on longer as i can be on them less. thats the plan anyway.someone else said treat every customer as I'd like to be treated. I try to give a quality job at a reasonable price. I want to make money but I don't want any customer thinking I'm really expensive as that's not generally something they would pass on as a recommendation. I've been on more courses in 3 years than my dad or his fitters did in 40 years. I love the courses, knowledge is power. Small things like Being able to explain to customer exactly why I changed his gripper instead of leaving it down makes the customers feel confident that you're professional and know your stuff, details I didn't know until floor skills courses. Tools are great if they make your job easier or to do a better job. Anyway that's enough, I've got to drive 3.5 hours to Exeter tomorrow.
Just booked a holiday to fly from Exeter, about 1.5 hours from me, next June, Eldest son 21, Middle one 18, youngest 16 and finishing school, all next year. So spent a fortune and rented a villa in the algarve for 2 weeks just got to pay for it now
Same as coolevangel for me I probably won't win businessman of the year award coz I'm always buying the best materials eating into me profits sometimes , but customers always happy. Same as daz I've tried to go down apprentice route before but I find it really hard getting a lad with enthusiasm and getting them out of bed in the mornings .plus haven't got the time to sort all the cock ups they do Plus getting home at night not too late is top priority for me ,work to live ,not live to work.
