Bad Loadcenter

[ElectricianJeff]

The recent thread "Can I save this main panel" got me thinking about a situation I ran into about a month and half ago that has been bothering me ever since.

I was taught that the last man in a panel owned it. The words "You open it, you own it!" were used quite often.

While adding a GFI to an already existing bathroom circut I discovered a really horrible looking 200 amp loadcenter in the basement. The people had owned the home for only 6 months. It was very apparent to me that that this unfinished basement had been completly flooded at some time. The signs were: new furnace, new HWH, recent professional waterproofing, everything (and I mean everything) was recently painted. Unfortunatlly, the panel had not been changed out, signs of rust and corrosion was everywhere on the outside.

After I finished the job and gave the HO the bill and told him I wanted to show him something in the basement. I showed what I had discovered telling him I really didn't want to take the cover off. I said that by the looks of the outside you can only imagine what the inside looks like. We talked about corrosion, increased resistance, heat, etc. I asked them if they had a home inspection done when they purchased the property and they said they had. He also said the inspector noted no problems with the panel.

Normally, I would pull the cover but really didn't want to on this one at the time because of its condition. I really thought that I could close the sale without doing it. I gave him a price and he told me he would let me know.

I have thought about this and I now regret not pulling the cover. I think I might want to review this "You open it, you own it!" polcy that I was taught. I'm curious as to the way others handle this type of situation.

Jeff

 

[growler]

I think in a situation like this I would show the exterior of the panel to the homeowner and let him know that from the condition of the exterior I suspect things are not going to look very good on the inside. Then I would ask if he wanted an inspection (free) of the panel. Take a couple pictures of the outside and then open it up. Document whatever you find.

If the homeowner is not interested in a panel inspection I would just let it go. Make a note on the invoice ( bill ) that the homeowener was aware that he may have problems but declined the offer of a free inspection.

 

[ElectricianJeff]

Make a note on the invoice ( bill ) that the homeowener was aware that he may have problems but declined the offer of a free inspection.

I forgot to add that I did note the bill that a panel replacement was recommended.

Thanks for the quick response, I like your idea of a "free" panel inspection and will use that in the future.

Jeff

 

[76nemo]

I think in a situation like this I would show the exterior of the panel to the homeowner and let him know that from the condition of the exterior I suspect things are not going to look very good on the inside. Then I would ask if he wanted an inspection (free) of the panel. Take a couple pictures of the outside and then open it up. Document whatever you find.

If the homeowner is not interested in a panel inspection I would just let it go. Make a note on the invoice ( bill ) that the homeowener was aware that he may have problems but declined the offer of a free inspection.

Agree growler. I don't know about the free inspection though. Why?......

For most HO's, if you were to offer a free inspection, they may think you are just fishing for faults looking for more work, more money, and not truly take the risks they run by the faults you find to heart. I am no psychic, but I would have to say that would be the case for many o' customers, maybe majority:-?

That's just a different angle to it. We all know what different angles are like, right?:grin: :roll: :smile:

 

[growler]

Agree growler. I don't know about the free inspection though. Why?......

For most HO's, if you were to offer a free inspection, they may think you are just fishing for faults looking for more work, more money, and not truly take the risks they run by the faults you find to heart. I am no psychic, but I would have to say that would be the case for many o' customers, maybe majority.

You think that a customer is more likely to pay for an inspection than to accept one they think is free. That goes agains't all advertising concepts.

Customers fall for the idea of a free item or something that is at a greatly reduced price all the time. Rats have been going for the cheese as long as there have been mouse traps.

There are four steps to making any sort of sale. Cold call residential.

1. Get your foot in the door. You accomplish this when they call for service.
2. Establish credibility. You do this by the performance of the service that was requested. ( neat and professional manner )
3. Create a demand. A demand is created by appealing to a basic human need, food , shelter, prestige or safety. In this case a safety concern must be established. Easiest way is with a simple free inspection report. Let the customer actually look inside the panel.
4. Satisfy the demand. New panel with good warranty.

If you can accomplish these four steps then you can sell an ice cube to an Eskimo. It's not as easy as it sounds but if you fail then you don't make a sale.

 

[76nemo]

You think that a customer is more likely to pay for an inspection than to accept one they think is free. That goes agains't all advertising concepts.

Customers fall for the idea of a free item or something that is at a greatly reduced price all the time. Rats have been going for the cheese as long as there have been mouse traps.

There are four steps to making any sort of sale. Cold call residential.

1. Get your foot in the door. You accomplish this when they call for service.
2. Establish credibility. You do this by the performance of the service that was requested. ( neat and professional manner )
3. Create a demand. A demand is created by appealing to a basic human need, food , shelter, prestige or safety. In this case a safety concern must be established. Easiest way is with a simple free inspection report. Let the customer actually look inside the panel.
4. Satisfy the demand. New panel with good warranty.

If you can accomplish these four steps then you can sell an ice cube to an Eskimo. It's not as easy as it sounds but if you fail then you don't make a sale.

Agree again growler.

Resi:
#1. I get my foot in the door by word of mouth, (mostly).
#2. Shoes off at the door, now they may look past the long hair, and long beard.
#3. "Sir/Maam" at the door, followed by, "Please", and "Thank you".

A customer may choose for a free interpretation. Why not, it's free anyways?

Tell me you have never showed a customer who took your advice for granted??????????

"It's worked for years this way." Fine, I didn't put my hands on it. That's why I bid high and don't do construction mostly. I will do it right from the get go, or they have somebody else do it. No skin off of my back.

The customers and my/yourselves may have a very different relation.

edit:spelling

 

[mdshunk]

I forgot to add that I did note the bill that a panel replacement was recommended.

Good. That's the best you can do. Talk to the customer about reasons why it should be replaced, ask for the sale, and document it on the invoice as a CYA move if they don't want it replaced. Sleep well.

 

[cadpoint]

I just want to ask about the Touching of the CAN! They don't want to be responsible about it as an owner, well horse to water, we all know that well enough here!
The owner will be the owner it after one services it!

This is a folk lure thing, ok maybe a bases of Tort Law, Reform!

Yes responsible for one's work, and its on their ticket.
Is it not any different than any other service or product we might buy or use.

 

[quogueelectric]

I would have just taken the cover off to see how much damage had occured. The panel covers are designed to be taken off and there is no reason that I can think of that I cant I take the cover off without causing a problem. If they have faulty equipment and it causes a problem it is not my fault. Just take lots of pics to back up your story.

 

[Tiger Electrical]

I almost always want to see the condition of the service. If there's a problem, I show it to my client. It's their choice what to do from there.

Get with the sales program. If you can sell it, some clients will buy it. If you don't try to sell it, they never will. You may be the only electrician that checks the system for ten years. A good client trusts you to point out any problems with the system.

My own sales percentages drop dramatically after the invoice is written. Show them the other problems after you've finished the task & before you invoice. The top line in accounting is gross sales. More is better. After that good pricing will show on the bottom line.

Dave