Building Trades Association
- Thread starter Benton
- Start date
- Status
mkgrady
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts
They sent me a membership form and invoice numerous times over the last few years. I have no idea what they do for a business. I accidently joined when I left their invoice near a pile of real bills to pay. My wife sent them a check.
After I "joined" I received a phone call welcoming me to the association. I told them I wasn't a member and they corrected me by indicating they had my check. I think it cost about $100.
Now that I am a member I have no idea what they can or will do for me so I am anxious to hear other responses. I have a feeling I threw away $100. I hope I am wrong.
i am quite sure there are some out there who see value in belonging to such groups...i am not one of them...usually these groups are nothing more than a select few at the top who organize a club whose actions seem to mostly benefit a select few...as a former dues paying member of a similar organization it seemed to me that all i would get from them was the opportunity to purchase tickets to an awards dinner set to honor one of their own with there own
"made up" award...
fisherelectric
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern Va
Don't they offer some kind of cheaper "group insurance" rates?
Sounds like the other scammer that sends out unsolicited invoices for their organization.
The NFPA
renosteinke
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Arkansas
I've heard a number of successful contractors state that all the trade association did was cash their check.
That said, the association CAN be an asset. They can point you to insurers, lawyers, and accountants who are familiar with contracting issues. They often get grants that allow them to provide you with low-cost seminars to get your people certified in everything from OSHA to 'green' building. They can be the 'point man' on certain union or city hall concerns. Finally, they can provide access to a labor pool.
Just like contractors, not all trade associations are alike.
That said, the association CAN be an asset. They can point you to insurers, lawyers, and accountants who are familiar with contracting issues. They often get grants that allow them to provide you with low-cost seminars to get your people certified in everything from OSHA to 'green' building. They can be the 'point man' on certain union or city hall concerns. Finally, they can provide access to a labor pool.
Just like contractors, not all trade associations are alike.
mkgrady
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts
Yes I agree. Thanks fellows.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Have you tried asking them?
mkgrady
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts
No. But after I'm done being mad that I spent the money I'll think about it.
I have been wathching this thread to see if anybody else is a member and to see if they get anything out of it.
The funny thing is all thru the tough times all the EC's that were with the trade associations are still in business including us
A a group we were able to hang in there and work together to grow our business, 40 plus years and the help we get from them is priceless from code classes to discounts on all our business expenses and lobby for our trade issues
A little of a lot is better then a lot of nothing
mkgrady
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts
But are you a member of the Building Trades Association mentioned in the OP?
- Status