Quoting Jobs - Powerflush/Service

[rodders]

Hi,

I'm just setting up so got loads of questions.

Lets say I get a call for a powerflush, would you go round and take a look or just send out a quote? Same with a service?

By going to look at least you have got an idea of the system etc, but would seem a waste of time to go look at a system just to go back and powerflush it?

What do you guys do?

Thanks

 

[Roger Welton]

I always like to go out and have a look, just in case there are any gremlins lurking, or the customer has misdiagnosed the problem.

 

[rodders]

I always like to go out and have a look, just in case there are any gremlins lurking, or the customer has misdiagnosed the problem.

Ok thanks, lets say for instance you go to quote for a service on the boiler but you see something like black staining around the fire (at the quoting stage), what would you do? By metioning it you could be seen to be asking for more work (and money) by saying the fire also needs a service and if it doesn't pass a spillage test will be capped off.

 

[Roger Welton]

Sorry servicing is fixed cost for me, as always duty of care checks required on other appliances. Any additional work is obviously at extra cost (oh it just stopped working this morning!)

Always go to quote for powerflush, or any other work.

 

[benfisher]

Sorry servicing is fixed cost for me, as always duty of care checks required on other appliances. Any additional work is obviously at extra cost (oh it just stopped working this morning!)

Always go to quote for powerflush, or any other work.

I'm with roger on this, just make sure when you tell them your fixed price for servicing that the price is for a the service only and any parts required will be an extra charge on top of the service cost. As for the powerflushing always go have a look especially if BG have recommended it

 

[aggis]

You need to survey a powerflush, as the pipework could be the cause & needs sorting, seen lots of old dhw gravity systems changed to fully pumped with the open vent & cold feed left on the F & R on the cylinder!!
If the client doesn't want it altering, makesure you put your recommendation in writing to cover yourself.
I service appliances on a fixed cost, plus parts, but if it's a new customer when quoting the price I state 'it's for a straight forward service' as lots of newbies have a problem as well, & if they get the repair done at the sametime it's not fair to the regular servicing customers.
If the newbies do have a problem I visit them asap repair it & then arrange a service visit, or if it makes sense as your doing the repair, service it but charge extra.
What ever you do makesure you contact them in 12 months time for the next service, you'll get alot of loyal customers this way & find out which ones are worth rushing to.

 

[mfgs]

Half the time people call me up and ask for a powerflush, it isnt needed. Last time I got a call, BG had been there previously and said it needed a flush due to banging/vibrating. Turns out the TRV's were single direction and on the wrong way round.

You cant go and look at a service before doing it, its not a cost effective way of spending your time. A service will be a set price and you will soon learn which boilers will often need gasket kits, other bits and pieces etc etc. Just make sure you state your price you say if it needs any gaskets etc there will be an additional charge,

 

[hammers4spanner]

I think the bigger question is are you doing a service or a safety check???Most gas companies now just do a safety check but blagg it as a service or some i know lift the cover off blow the cobwebs off re-instate cover and charge a service !!

 

[Roger Welton]

I think the bigger question is are you doing a service or a safety check???Most gas companies now just do a safety check but blagg it as a service or some i know lift the cover off blow the cobwebs off re-instate cover and charge a service !!

Judging by the state of most boilers I see this happens all too often!

 

[rodders]

I think the bigger question is are you doing a service or a safety check???Most gas companies now just do a safety check but blagg it as a service or some i know lift the cover off blow the cobwebs off re-instate cover and charge a service !!

I know a company that does this safety check but calls it a "service". Not saying anymore though.

When I do a service it will be a proper service, no cutting corners. If it needs striping and cleaning thats what I'll do.

 

[dancinplumba]

I know a company that does this safety check but calls it a "service". Not saying anymore though.

When I do a service it will be a proper service, no cutting corners. If it needs striping and cleaning thats what I'll do.

does it have a G in it's name ?

 

[gas frank]

Hi guys, just a quick one on the servicing, would you get the gasket for a boiler before you go to the job, or do you keep them as van stock.

 

[Roger Welton]

I keep Worcester, Vaillant, Remeha and Keston on the van

 

[rodders]

Hi guys, just a quick one on the servicing, would you get the gasket for a boiler before you go to the job, or do you keep them as van stock.

To start with I will get them as I need them but then start to keep as stock as soon as work picks up a bit for me.

 

[aggis]

I keep all the gaskets that are common to our area, baxi, wb, remeha, gw & vaillent

 

[TerryWaite]

Ok thanks, lets say for instance you go to quote for a service on the boiler but you see something like black staining around the fire (at the quoting stage), what would you do? By metioning it you could be seen to be asking for more work (and money) by saying the fire also needs a service and if it doesn't pass a spillage test will be capped off.

Say nowt about the black staining around the fire, let the buggers die, just make sure the cheque clears for servicing the boiler

 

[bennygas]

either way you look at it, that's one less call you're gonna have to do next year....no way to run a business...

 

[bennygas]

that's one less call you're gonna have to do next year....no way to run a business... there is a recession on you know....