FenceWeek Question of the Week

Adapting to the Economy

2009-03-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

There was an interesting article in today's FenceWeek about a landscape contractor embracing the do-it-yourself er. They will come out, dig the holes and set the posts - and then let the homeowner finish the Fence. It's an interesting idea. But it does lead to some questions:

Do you offer any guarantee that the post will keep straight? How do you price it? Do you sell them the materials too? If so, how do offer a guarantee on that?

I wrote a while back about letting homeowners help with the job.
http://fenceweekquestionoftheweek.blogspot.com/2006/03/customers-helping.html

The consensus was this was a bad idea to let the homeowner help. I admit this is different, there are many building contractors that will frame a house and then leave it to the home owner to do the finish work. This is more like that than having the owner help.

I'm just wondering if anyone is doing this post setting idea, or any other new ideas that you're trying in this economy? Let us know.

"Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative " HG Wells

Presidential Vote?

2008-11-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

A very un-scientific poll.

Who did you, (or will) vote for today for president?

Just curious as to whom the fencing industy wants as president.

Credit Crunch

2008-09-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Looking at the headlines, it's pretty obvious we're in the midst of a serious credit crunch. There are many articles mentioning the affect on small businesses, Small-biz advocates worry about access to credit , and Credit squeeze tightens for area small business to highlight just two out of thousands of articles. There are many things that will affect us all now and in the future. Obviously, if homeowners can't finance their home improvement projects that will have some serious consequences to all contractors.

But what's happening right now? How is the current credit crunch affecting your day-to-day running of your business? How much credit do you depend on?

Let us know.

Green Selling

2008-06-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

Green is red hot!

There was a release last week from SecureUSA about green pollution free anti terrorist vehicle barriers. Another story today about US Fence winning an award for waste reduction. Being green, besides just being the right thing to do, has some obvious public relations benefits.

Consumers are obviously looking more and more to environmentally friendly products, in many areas. Some have obvious paybacks, being more fuel efficient has a payoff in the wallet. But unlike other areas, a "green fence" doesn't have the obvious immediate payback.

Our question is; Is it coming up with your dealings with your customers? Are people asking about how "green" your various selections are? Are you selling "green"?

Let us know.

Stolen Fences

2008-05-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

There are a couple stories this week about fence material being stolen and sold for scrap. It begs the question, if a fence is meant to secure something, how do secure the fence?

I know this is a serious issue, with the price of scrap metal at all times high. Have you been a victim of theft of materials? What type of preventive measures have you taken?

Let us know.

Gas Prices

2008-05-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Gas prices are rising to new levels, (no kidding). I was just wondering how or if you are changing the way you do business because of it? Do you plan your day a little different now? Do you charge for estimates now? Are you looking for more fuel effecient trucks? Any ways you have changed due to the high cost of fuel?

Let us know.

Delgard Fencing

2008-03-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

There is a story appearing in the Philadelphia Inquirer today about the parent company of Delgard fencing filing for bankruptcy protection.

They actually have a large investor already to get them through this patch. As the story said, "Chief executive officer Stephen Grabell said "it's 'business as usual' for workers and customers during the reorganization." (Company Press Release 3/19/08)

With this news coming on the heals of all the news from Wall Street, I want to open this up for feedback. Are you worried? Last week there was a story (Fence, Deck & Rail Market Recovers Slowly From Double-Digit Decline in 2007) on how things are poised for recovery.

What do you think this year has in store for you and the industry?

Invisible Fencing - turns 35

2008-03-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

Invisible Fencing is celebrating their 35th anniversary today. I always looked at Invisible Fencing as a competitor to the fence contractor, but I'll be honest, I never asked.

What do contractors think of these pet containment products. There are pros and cons, personally, as an owner of two dogs I have found many arguments against.

But what do you think as a professional? Competition or an opportunity? There was a homeowner who was working with a fence contractor who actually incorporated the invisible fence into a traditional fence. See post here. Do any of you offer this? Do you find yourself selling against Invisible Fencing? Let us know.

FenceTech Influenza (Flu)

2008-02-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

I was talking to Rick at L&C Enterprises today. He came down with a nasty case of the Flu while he was out in Vegas. Apparently, so did a lot of people.

What ever happen to "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" I guess it doen't apply to the influenza virus.

Did you come down with the FenceTech Flu? Let us know, (but keep your distance).

OOOOPS!

2008-01-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

There's a story in today's FenceWeek about a crew hitting the main oxygen line to a hosipital. It goes without saying that you should always call before you dig. But, do you have any of your own "ooops!". Not just digging mistakes but any jobs you wish you did differently. Remember you can answer anonymously

A New Year - 2008

2008-01-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

2007 was an interesting year. With the slow down in the housing market all the trades felt the pain. What do think 2008 has in store? Are you optimistic? Let us know what you think. Take are poll at the right.

Controversial Fencing Projects

2007-10-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

There is a story today about a privacy fence going up at a Planned Parenthood clinic in California. The fence company putting up the fence is now the subject of a boycott.

The politics aside, the question is do you, as a fence company worry about such repercussions on fencing jobs? Have you ever had to endure a backlash from a job you did?

Guaranteed Against Rottweiler Escape?

2007-04-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

There is a story about a dog that escaped and attacked a child. The parents of the child are not only suing the owners of the dog but also the fence company who installed the fence to keep the dog in. Obviously the case is still pending, but it does raise some interesting questions.

Anybody can sue anyone for anything, so there really is no way to prevent a suit. Obviously, if the lawsuit is successful is the real story.

Without knowing any more about the case then what is in the story, I'm left to speculate as to what really happened. But for the sake of this discussion let's assume the fence was properly installed, the contractor was paid for a completed fence job and moved on.

Later on the dog dug under the fence, escaped and attacked a child. I would assume the case would have no merit since the homeowner was satisfied with the work. But is there anyway to guarantee the fence is going to do what the customer wants it to? Would anybody install a fence to keep a dog in if they're liable if the dog escapes? How about a swimming pool? prison?

Let me know what you think. Anything similiar happen to you or someone you know?

Let us know.

Gene

What are you seeing?

2006-11-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

There is a story about how Home Depot had a bad quarter due to the softening housing market, their words "...weakening in the housing market and broader economy...". There has been much talk about the bubble having burst in the housing market.

How is it affecting you? What are you seeing? Be sure to tell us where you are in the country.

Whom do you sell to?

2006-09-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

There was a survey recently in the Wall Street Journal finding that women are involved in 61% of major home improvement projects.

It's certainly not a surprise, but I'm wondering if it's true in the fencing industry too. Who are the decision makers when you're selling a fence?

Do you sell the fence differently depending on who will make the decision?

Let us know what's going on.

Just click on the comment link below

Hot Metal

2006-08-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

There is a story today on the increasing prices for scrap metal. In the fence industry that has all sort of ramifications.
The article today was concerned about people stealing metal and selling it for scrap.

The question is what's happening with you? Have you had any thefts of material? Are you changing your own security practices?

Let us know.

What's Hot!

2006-07-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

" (Vinyl) ...It's nine out of 10 fences that we install. It's red hot..."

Vinyl is a hot seller in Montana, how about where you are? What else is hot?

Click on the comment icon below and let us know what's hot where you are. (Let us know where you are)

White Vinyl Only Please

2006-07-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

There is a story about a Utah town that has an ordinance that only white vinyl fences can be installed. We obviously know there are many ordinances pertaining to height, but dictating the color and material?

Have you run into any "color" ordinances? Or even some strange aesthetics only ordinances?

Just click on the comment section below, let us know.

- Gene

How do spec a walrus fence?

2006-06-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

There is a story today about a "suicide" fence for walruses. It occured to us that probably is a relatively infrequent request.

I can imagine the call. "You want to keep what from doing what?" Is there a way to make a fence secure from tusks?

Anyway, we're asking that you share some of your strange requests.

Just hit the comment link below.

Thanks,

- Gene

Over the Top Fence Projects

2006-06-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

There is a story in today's FenceWeek about a $150,000 deck. It got us thinking. What about a fence?

What is the most outragous fence project you have done? (Obviously large commercial jobs don't count). we're talking about the fences of the rich and famous.

Let us know, send pictures if you have them

- Gene

Border Fence

2006-05-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

The border fence between the USA and Mexico has been covered quite a bit in this newsletter recently.
There is a story today about how the big defence contractors will reap millions of dollars from this.

Keeping partison politics out of this, it, and not taking sides on whether or not it is a good idea, here are some "Questions of the Week":

Do you think you, the fencing industry, will benefit from the construction of such a fence?
Is there likely to be work for the small fence contractor?

Let us know what you think.

- Gene

Selling to DIYs

2006-05-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

There is a story today about someone being fined for not having the proper fence around his inflatable pool. In the past we talked about the potential public relations opportunity with these kind of pools. A chance to talk about the importance of a good fence around all pools etc.

But it got us thinking. Obviously no one will spend thousands of dollars to protect their $200 pool. But they might spend $100.

So the question is, do you sell to do-it- yourselfers? Is it an important part of your business? Do you give advice?

Let us know?

Government Licensing

2006-05-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of stories today about governments getting involved… one on a push that would require all pools to have fences and other safety devices. Obviously this would be a big boon to fence contractors. Another story is about a fence contractor in Massachusetts whose customers are compiling a series of complaints against him. Apparently fencing contractors in Massachusetts do not have to be licensed. The story reads:

... isn't the only problem here. Our investigation has found that fence contractors do not have to be licensed in Massachusetts. "It's a grey area, I would say," said Rob Anderson, of the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards.….”

Stories like this hurt all contractors; it makes consumers cautious and look for reassurance. Obviously, getting licenced is a pain, but there are benefits in the eye of the consumer. So here is the question of the week.

Does your state require fencing contractors to get licenced? Would you rather there was no requirement for a license? Don’t forget to say which state your in.

Just click on the comments section below and let us know what your thinking.

Spite Fences

2006-04-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

There is a story today about someone who placed a line of old toilet commodes, brushes, etc. where a proposed fence would have been, to protest the township's decision not to allow him a variance to build a privacy fence. There were no zoning rules about toilets.

It occured to me that being a fence contractor is one of the likeliest professions to be put in the middle of some nasty disputes... with the neighbors, with the town boards...

A spite fence, for example, is a fence built just to spite someone.

The question(s) is: Have you ever been asked to build a "spite fence"? How do you keep yourself from being drawn into a neighbor battle? Do you have any stories on this subject?

Just click on the little pencil below to add you comments.

Gas Prices

2006-04-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Gas Prices are expected to keep rising. Are you changing anything in the way you do business? Are you adjusting your bids?

Just hit the comment section below. Let us know what your doing.

What's in your Truck?

2006-03-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

What is the one tool you can't do with out? An auger? pliers? cell phone? shovel?

just hit the comment section below.

Customers Helping

2006-03-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

I remember being in an auto repair garage once. On the wall they had a sign, stating their hourly rates. The sign had written on it:

$55/hour

$65/hour if you watch

$75/hour if you help

Installing fences on residential properties must be ripe for customer involvement. “How much if I dig the holes?” “What will it cost if I mix the concrete?” “What if I clear the brush?” etc.

There are endless opportunities for customers to either help, or get in the way.

So…

The question is. Do you have a policy for customer participation? What is it? Do you have any stories of customers trying to help, good or bad?

Just click on the comment tag below, let us know.

Concrete Prices

2006-03-07T06:02:00.000-08:00

There are various stories on how due to Katrina and the Chinese building boom are driving up the cost of building materials, particularly steel and concrete.

3 Questions:

How much are you paying for an 80 pound bag of concrete?

Where are you located?

Are you absorbing the increase costs or are you passing the costs on?

Post below in the comment section.

- Thanks, Gene

Customer Disputes

2006-03-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

Last week there was a story about a homeowner who told a contractor where the he wanted the fence. The only problem was that the fence was 20 feet off. The contractor and the customer agreed on a settlement before it got too nasty.

It occurred to me, that this might be a good forum to discuss your opinion about the situation.

So... the question of the week is: How do you handle disputes with customers? Do you have a policy in place? What are some examples of customers behaving badly?