How to offer installation services

Story at a Glance

Installation service allows slore to sell bolh material and labor .more customers want some. one else to do the work. ..idea catching on at chains. calling the store and telling his neighbors about the kind of workman recommended.

One way to get around this problem is to put up a bulletin board on which contractors and craftsmen can post their cards. A small disclaimer can relieve the store of responsibility for the type of work provided. While this approach will save time and headaches, it won't bring in extra dollars or build customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The second approach of acting as a general contractor requires careful planning and management. It is necessary to establish a stable of contractors who will agree to be available for your customers. In addition, you must be able to guarantee their reliability. This is best done by requiring that they have proper insurance, licensing, permits and, if necessary, bonding. The store is responsible for seeing that the job is done correctly. When this type of service is provided, the store generally charges the customer an installed price and pays the contractor. Selling of the service by salespeople, instore signing and advertising are necessary if this type of installed service is to succeed. It's also a good idea to check with your lawyer before offering this service.

INSTALLAT]0N service offered bv the store helps capture the buy-it-y'ourself customer's business. Slores must screen installers carefullv.

bonded and trained craftsmen to do the needed work. All the store has to do is set up the appointment. Usually these firms will do all types of installation work ranging from garage door openers to skylights.

Selling installation service can be a large market. It is natural for a homeowner to turn to the homecenter/ building materials dealer for advice on whom to call to do a job, whether it is installing insulation, a new hot water heater or gutting and redoing a kitchen.

D00RS arc popular home improvement proiects, but many homeowners don't want to do the work themselves. Professional installation service available lrom a home center otten sells

The third method of turning installation work over to a contract service eliminates most of the work while retaining sorne of the profit. These companies offer licensed, insured,

By offering installation service, the retailer can proflrt from both the material and labor. Scotty's, Angels, Builders Emporium, Cashways, O'Malleys and The Home Depot are among the chains offering such a service.