Is this wrong business tactic

[NoahsArc]

I would discuss this with individual customers, sure. I think a lot of contractors just instantly start badmouthing anyone else's work, it's not out of line, and in the case that it's legitimate it's fine. I personally avoid being negative with customers (often they're the "other contractor" so it's not always smart). But if another contractor shows up and does crap work, I'll say so politely. I work in an area with dozens of contractors, and I think you're a more tight-knit community, so it's probably different for you.

I wouldn't call anyone out on social media, ever. Not professional. You can do a PSA without naming and shaming, and that sort of content is quite good for business, makes you look responsible and informed and concerned. Don't be negative with it. Let people know they can call you with any questions.

As to pricing, I don't think your pricing sounds high or low from what you've said in other threads. Some contractors do gouge and just rely on getting a few high margin jobs from naive types who won't get a second quote, rather than actually competing at market rates and at market quality. That said, if half your competitors are charging that much, maybe raise prices at that point. Personally, I'm a lot more peeved at the guys who charge half than the guys who charge double.

 

[kwired]

I suggest calling out his work to the AHJ, and do be specific with names and dangerous work addresses.

The mentioned pool install had code violations. What was mentioned in OP didn't necessarily have code violations involved, only use of fear factor into getting potential clients to upgrade something that maybe didn't really have any problems. Many trades and industries do that all the time, and many consumers are too ignorant to not know any better.

 

[NoahsArc]

The mentioned pool install had code violations. What was mentioned in OP didn't necessarily have code violations involved, only use of fear factor into getting potential clients to upgrade something that maybe didn't really have any problems. Many trades and industries do that all the time, and many consumers are too ignorant to not know any better.

I hear a lot of stories from customers of other ECs that came by and almost universally say "you need to replace your panel". These are not pushmatic/stablok panels...

 

[kwired]

I hear a lot of stories from customers of other ECs that came by and almost universally say "you need to replace your panel". These are not pushmatic/stablok panels...

You can tell many of them lots of things that likely are not truly up to current codes. Doesn't necessarily mean it absolutely is going to burn the house down or electrocute somebody. I generally only tell people about things that actually are of a higher concern to become a soon to be hazard, in my opinion. There is a lot of stuff that has been there for decades and wasn't right when installed yet isn't really much of a risk.

I don't like doing home inspections and turn most requests for them down. I don't like the idea of telling people things are ok, or even giving a list of things I did find but yet there is so much that is concealed and isn't able to be inspected that you can only guess what condition it is in or whether is properly installed. And then there is the fact that AFCI or GFCI wasn't required when something was installed but today it would be. That is sort of like telling someone their 57 chevy needs to be updated to today's safety and emissions standards.

 

[AC\DC]

Well, another call from a client…. Told them no need the guys trying to just rip you off… I can do it for this much but you good if you do xxxxx.
Guys starting to make me mad

 

[AC\DC]

Bussiness is not just about making money it’s forming a relationship with community were they trust and relay on you not screw them and fear mongers them..
I am giving bussiness to my kids-

 

[LarryFine]

That's why I suggest the AHJ or other official authority.

Contacting customers one-by-one is too little too late.

 

[AC\DC]

That's why I suggest the AHJ or other official authority.

Contacting customers one-by-one is too little too late.

But I don’t quite see what you mean… it’s technically not illegal?
The pool was a while ago and another ec out of town has remodeled it—- what he is doing now is just shady

 

[LarryFine]

The pool was a while ago and another ec out of town has remodeled it—- what he is doing now is just shady

Are you sure?

 

[AC\DC]

Are you sure?

I saw a pool contractor there! Put no have not seen with my eyes

 

[AC\DC]

Are you sure?

We don’t have that annual pool inspection either

 

[LarryFine]

I mean more recent work. Is he getting permits and inspections for work that should have them?

 

[AC\DC]

I mean more recent work. Is he getting permits and inspections for work that should have them?

if it’s safety, yes if it’s just the bureaucracy of getting a permit I’m not gonna go down that road. Now days you need a permit to wipe your butt

 

[kwired]

Telling this customer they need a panel changeout is not illegal. Nothing to tell the AHJ until someday later if you happen to see what they actually did had something wrong, not just some little petty mistake but more of a blatant cutting corners situation and not filing permits because they knew it wouldn't pass inspection.

 

[NoahsArc]

What is an AHJ supposed to do about an EC recommending work that isn't against code?

I'm not sure there's anything proactive you can do here.

And while you're complaining, this other EC is effectively stirring up leads for you, so.... thank him?

 

[jim dungar]

What is an AHJ supposed to do about an EC recommending work that isn't against code?

Absolutely nothing.

 

[AC\DC]

What is an AHJ supposed to do about an EC recommending work that isn't against code?

I'm not sure there's anything proactive you can do here.

And while you're complaining, this other EC is effectively stirring up leads for you, so.... thank him?

Yes, you’re correct on that but at the same time I’m telling the people yes it’s gonna cost this much to get it done but you’re good for another 10 to 15 years but if it does does, if you do want to change, I’m this much I wanna be honest with the people I’m gonna be here forever



This guy is a snake too. I have a buddy that I came after

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

I am amazed at some of the contractors in my area who keep getting calls, and some of the stories I hear about sloppy work and bad customer service.

However, I think it’s more advantageous to focus myself on providing top quality work, excellent customer service, good communication, a clean and well organized job site, and an on time project, delivered without surprise change orders.

Over time, the cream rises to the top, and the sediment falls to the bottom.

 

[AC\DC]

I am amazed at some of the contractors in my area who keep getting calls, and some of the stories I hear about sloppy work and bad customer service.

However, I think it’s more advantageous to focus myself on providing top quality work, excellent customer service, good communication, a clean and well organized job site, and an on time project, delivered without surprise change orders.

Over time, the cream rises to the top, and the sediment falls to the bottom.

That’s my approach- I hope lol. I get what you mean by shady contractors. There is a GC in town. He’s been bankrupt 10 times gotten sued left and right and yet still in business and he gets all the new people that come into town because he’s well-connected.
We parted ways once I told him to pay me before the customer pays him since that’s why he marks my estimates up. He didn’t like that he ended up getting the guy that I’m complaining about him so birds feather flock together.

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

As a GC, I have never, and will never, do “pay-when-paid” contracts with my subs. The customer contracts with me, and I contract with the sub. I feel it’s unethical to treat subs like that.