| Author | Message |
Ray Darrah 
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
|  7/5/2008 12:17:57 PM 
www.FlooringLitigation.com
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Stephen Perrera
Posts: 823
Since: 5/27/2008
| 7/5/2008 1:06:25 PM
Is that for helping installers ward off frivolous claims against them?
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lindalockwood
Posts: 181
Since: 2/25/2008
| 7/5/2008 1:40:44 PM
Yes, and for flooring retailers too!
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
| 7/5/2008 1:47:14 PM
and to move our business into another arena for purposes of increased income.
We're hoping to give other CERTIFIED inspectors the idea of moving into a more professional role and increased income. 80% of failures are installation related leaving the Retailer and Installation Contractor Exposed.
How many Installers are licensed? How many have Contractors license?
How many are properly insured?
Not many and after talking to Darian, I now know why::::::::::::: low rates do not allow them the opportunity to afford insurance.......... so installers "get even" because this puts the burden back onto the retailer.
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lindalockwood
Posts: 181
Since: 2/25/2008
| 7/5/2008 4:15:24 PM
I don't think installers want to "get even", I think they're trying to get by-just like the rest of us.
We all pay the same for gas, but the installer may have to travel 50+ miles to drop in a 12-20yd bedroom- it costs them more to get there then they're earned! Installers don't have the opportunity to charge more when prices go up.
Just as the mills are increasing price due to higher raw material and fuel costs, the retailers should adjust the product and labor cost accordingly.
The flooring industry would be in great deal of trouble without the installers. So why aren't they paid what they're worth? If they can't pay their bills, insurance, helper, van, repairs, new tools...what's the point?
Back to the "get even" statement, I think it's more a matter hurry up, get it done so they can get to the next job; trying to earn a decent day's pay.
I know there are good and bad installers, but if a retailer wants to keep their best men, they better get with it.
BTW- has anyone ever priced the same product, installed at the big box stores and compared those prices to the local retailers? I think you would be surprised to find the material costs are less at the big box, but they really get the consumer on the labor- which they pocket most of.
If the big box stores can get top dollar on labor-why can't the local retailer?
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Stephen Perrera
Posts: 823
Since: 5/27/2008
| 7/5/2008 4:38:37 PM
"If the big box stores can get top dollar on labor-why can't the local retailer?"
I've asked myself and other retailers that question many times Linda. I think they feel the need to undercut the big boxes to get business. Bog boxes give the consumer a false feeling of security for some reason. Plus BB's get product cheaper because they buy more quantity.
As you and I know, we meet many unsatisfied consumers from BB's. Also they are one of the lowest paying retailers to installers in town, yet they charge the consumer more.
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Roger Gerber
Posts: 327
Since: 3/17/2008
| 7/5/2008 5:26:38 PM
Usually it is a typical retailer mentality, make your standard mark on the product, but to get the job we gotta cut the labor price! If I heard it once I heard it a million times, then if it was a COD job I looked at the billing and realized that the only price cutting was on the labor.
It will not stop in our times because the retailers have the installers by the throat, also the installers will not stand together. If all installers raised prices then the retailers would have no choice but to pay. But there are always the uneducated who think that they will get more work by staying the low priced installer.
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lindalockwood
Posts: 181
Since: 2/25/2008
| 7/5/2008 5:37:21 PM
My husband luvs the big box especially the one with the orange aprons...
So, he wanted to replace our roof- tear off and replace. Called the orange aprons- estimate $12,000.00. Called a local contractor who does all the builder work in our area- $5,000. Same shingle, rip off and roof. Guess who we went with?
The orange apron guy wanted to sell us an extended warranty for $1200.00 in addition to the shingles and labor...what a rip!!!!
The little Mom and Pop stores should go under-cover to see what's really going on....Secret Shoppers.
Another good one-
An employee from the orange apron store called my office 8-8:30 PM about 2 months ago. He wanted me to pick up my men...apparently the installation company dropped them off for an install and never picked them up. They were waiting on the front lawn. The consumer put them out of the house and called the store complaining that they were out front and the consumer wanted to go to bed!
How's that for a professional, organized outfit!
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
| 7/5/2008 5:57:03 PM
This is a perfect story to tell at www.legal................... you know the site !!
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Stephen Perrera
Posts: 823
Since: 5/27/2008
| 7/5/2008 8:22:23 PM
I think you guys are stepping over the line with this one.
What are the manufactures going to think when consumers use your site to sue them or even floorreports and their clients (inspectors) inspectors can get sued as well as installers and retailers.
I don't think riding both sides of the saddle is gonna be a good thing.
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lindalockwood
Posts: 181
Since: 2/25/2008
| 7/5/2008 10:21:20 PM
I've never been involved in a legitimate claim where the consumer had to sue the manufacturer.
"or even floorreports", not sure I understand that statement.
How does a site file a lawsuit?
Riding both sides of the saddle? I don't think you understand this business.
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
| 7/5/2008 10:40:40 PM
We'll work for Whomever hires us first.
Simple enough.
One does not accept work when there is a conflict.
I guess Stephen would not know that due to lack of experience in the Inspection, Consulting and Litigation Fields.
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
| 7/5/2008 10:51:50 PM
By the way Linda. Those changes look great at www.flooringlitigation.com.
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Stephen Perrera
Posts: 823
Since: 5/27/2008
| 7/6/2008 12:46:03 PM
Maybe I don't understand. But one of your sebsites provides work, so would you go behind that inspector and if found to be wrong in his assesment testify against your own client?
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lindalockwood
Posts: 181
Since: 2/25/2008
| 7/6/2008 1:17:52 PM
We don't provide work; FloorReports.com is a tool for the inspector to run his/her business.
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lindalockwood
Posts: 181
Since: 2/25/2008
| 7/6/2008 1:19:39 PM
BTW- With or without FloorReports, many of us have been in court on opposite sides. We're testifying for a client, it's not a personal.
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
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