Adapting to the Economy

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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?