More power to you, William. There is no question in my mind that this is one
reason you are successful. Your comments should be required reading.
Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
314 631 1094
"If the client does not understand the ethics involved, or is not ethical, I'd
just as soon not work for them.
"My approach in similar situations is to remain calm, present the dilemma and
supporting documentation in writing and let the customer decide: Does he want
the job done properly with your services or improperly without your services.
I have observed a few structural engineers and other professionals that exhibit
a very professional demeanor and I have used them as role models. These are
the men/women that earn good money and are above reproach. This is the
reputation I want to cultivate.
Respectfully,
William Miller"
----- Original Message -----
From: William Miller
To: RE-wrenches
Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2009 2:24 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Professional conduct
Colleagues:
Of course, this dilemma has probably existed since the Romans bid on the
first chariot. You need to present a design to the client to prove you have a
plan in order to sell the job, but you can not prevent the client from using
your design to shop contractors. There is not a lot you can do about this. I
let these clients go without much regret. If the client does not understand
the ethics involved, or is not ethical, I'd just as soon not work for them.
It is a fine line on what documentation you present to the client. We try to
be generic during bidding and vert specific during contracting. Once the
client is ready to sign a contract, we want it made clear exactly where the
modules will be installed and specify any exclusions.
This discussion got me thinking about the cast iron pipe top-of-pole mount
problem discussed here recently. Someone suggested smashing the customer's
pipe and someone else wanted to tell the customer off. I don't believe either
idea is productive or professional. My approach in similar situations is to
remain calm, present the dilemma and supporting documentation in writing and
let the customer decide: Does he want the job done properly with your services
or improperly without your services. I have observed a few structural
engineers and other professionals that exhibit a very professional demeanor and
I have used them as role models. These are the men/women that earn good money
and are above reproach. This is the reputation I want to cultivate.
Respectfully,
William Miller
>You guessed
> it, they showed our detailed proposal to the other firm who then proposed
> the exact same system we proposed, item for item, except they lowered
> their price about 1/2%. Yes, we lost the job.
>
> No, its not only not a good idea to give out this cost information, but
> its also not a good idea to give out a detailed parts list breakout. If
> the client wants another bid, then go for it, only let the competition
> have to go to the same trouble you did to figure out what parts and sizes
> of equipment will be needed.
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