installation Install Only Company

[Bkohtz 2]

Hey everyone,

                Thought I would gather your thoughts on weather or not one can be successful in offering install and service only.  I have been doing it for a few years in colorful Colorado, on my own and have seen modest success but I'm trying to find some growth opportunities, call it a 5 year plan, and wondering if a business plan based on install only can be a successful long term plan.  

 

Thanks in advance,

                Brian

[Signworksinc 35]

On 2017-06-12 at 3:52 PM, Bkohtz said:

Hey everyone,

                Thought I would gather your thoughts on weather or not one can be successful in offering install and service only.  I have been doing it for a few years in colorful Colorado, on my own and have seen modest success but I'm trying to find some growth opportunities, call it a 5 year plan, and wondering if a business plan based on install only can be a successful long term plan.  

 

Thanks in advance,

                Brian

You bet you can

[wizzy00 3]

Hey Brian

I operated a sign and service installation company for 36 yrs. I did very well, but had excellent accounts. I had a couple of National Sign Companies, who we had an agreement that I got paid in 30 days with the 45 being the max. In return they got my instant attention and a better rate.

 What I have learned, You need a line of credit large enough to sustain your business. Many companies will hold off your payment until they collect from their customer. Just remember you are not a bank, you need your money too.

Normally I made it clear that its 30 days, 45 days I'm on your A**. 

 I have been told , by my clients when I want  payment,  that they will not use me again and that is fine with me.

 I lost one major retrofit account with a National here in Canada, because I would not install any more of their signs until I got paid, of course I had a lot of their product in my yard. They owed me 50K for over 90 going to 120 days.

 I do need clients like these.

 I am proud to say one of the large banks here in Canada, (The Royal Bank) has asked me to mentor other businesses.

  Just remember, watch your accounts receivable, preferably COD or with a good deposit. Sign companies who hire you to do the install, receive a deposit before manufacturing, You must be part of the deposit also.

  You have a skill that is in great demand and should  be able to make a decent living off of it.

Dave

[Eddie Larsen 4]

You might begin by learning how to spell "whether"

[Bkohtz 2]

Thanks for all the responses!  Even you Eddie, your contribution is priceless...    Dave, that is great to hear that you are in a position to give back to your community by passing on your knowledge!  I hope some day to be knowledgeable enough and experienced enough to mentor others.   My biggest struggle is finding new customers.  I have some great return customers both local and nationally but in order to see the growth I would like I need to find how to reach a very select customer, national sign companies doing installs in Colorado.  I did not have any prior experience in sign sales prior to starting my install company and have done well finding my way but am eager to see more growth soon. 

[Mad Scientist 46]

Curious how you pull your permits.  Are you licensed sign erectors to do installations only at some point?

[Bkohtz 2]

There are two situations we run into, one the national accounts work with GC on the build and the permit is pulled through them or we can pull the permit as we are a licensed sign installer in several cities here in Colorado.