"Highway Robbery?"

[Colette Collier]

I think we all need to recognize that costs are very different in different
parts of the country, and that we all have the right to put our own value on our
services.  It is up to the customer to decide if that value is appropriate.  I
do not charge $400 for installation of a grand system, but I am not that far
away from it, and I know there are many technicians in the country that charge
more than I.

I base my charge on three factors:

1.  I have a right to make an honest profit from materials that I purchase
wholesale for the job.  They weren't sold to me "at cost" -- this is part of our
capitalistic system.

2.  I spend at least one hour custom installing the system, fitting the
humidifier between beams, selecting the location for the humidistat, cutting
cords for a neat appearance, setting up the watering tube for easy access,
instructing the owner on how to maintain the system.

3.  I do a very good job.  I take classes, carry extra parts, communicate with
other technicians, and will bring 18 years experience with me to each job next
year.

I think we have to be very careful about the terms we use on this forum.  I
don't mean censorship, just common sense and good judgement.

Happy Holidays to all!!

Colette Collier, RPT