Here are more reader letters, both defending the work of the properly trained builder, all fully insured, who is trying to compete with the man in the van.
Letter Number One
“Many contractors may have been in business over 30 years and are doubtless skilled, but unless they can demonstrate it that does not define them from the unqualified. There is far too little interest in training and qualification in our industries. In shading we had grandfather rights for CSCS cards but despite BBSA, our trade association, extensively informing the industry many did not apply and are now complaining that they must spend £1.8k on a NVQ or they cannot get on some sites. There are free training videos and webinars for members but for 90% of the industry the average subscription cost of just over £1 a day is too high a price to pay. How do you expect the consumer to be able to define between qualified and unqualified and how do you promote it as a key selling point if you are not. More to the point if something goes wrong “I’ve been doing it for 30 years governor” will not impress a judge. The bigger issue we believe is that there is an increase in frivolous “consumer rights” complaints and the best counter to that is that the installation was to industry standards by qualified installers. There will always be consumers that want the cheapest job and they are best ignored but most actually want good value for money. It may sound simplistic but training and qualification are investments that should impact in your marketing to define the value difference and that will lead subsequently to orders.”
Letter Number Two
“I read with interest your article with regard to cowboy builders.
I am the owner of a bespoke glazing company. We do not fit upvc window frames as I cannot compete with
the one man band who calls himself a window expert who can undercut me tremendously. I do however replace
double glazed units and give an insurance backed 5 year guarantee.
As with all cowboys the after sales is non existant. They use inferior quality handles/mechhanisams etc that soon fail.
I as a company deal with many customers who then come to me to solve there issues. You will obviously know that new windows
have to comply with various regs, even replacement D.G.Units have to comply. They very rarely do from the cowboys.
As the building industry, the glazing industry is in a similar situation.
A good article and point.”
As always enjoy this edition!
