Re: Devcon Buys Out Coastal Security, Adelphia, & Guardian

["mikey" <loismustdie@xxxxxxxx>]

I think what might be saving your ass is that electronic stuff is so
reliable these days. I've had a similar pleasant surprise in that
transmitter batteries (which I replace) are lasting much longer than I'd
budgeted for, trouble is, I don't use the extra free time constructively :-)

I'm reluctant to be so forward with my numbers but I think my model works
pretty good, I just think we're worth more :-)


"R.H.Campbell" <rh.campbell@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:Z7WdnXxOqrNw9BPeRVn-uw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> And I assure you Mike that I meant no disrespect when I asked those
> questions. I truly wonder how you do it sometimes. I do consider you a
> personal friend in the business. I was a bit concerned that I might have
> across a bit too "heavy" in my post to someone I respect.
>
> I know it often seems strange that I can offer free service and 100%
> warranty, but in actual fact, it is built in to my rate...$2 a month per
> customer for service, and $1 a month for warranty. The original rate model
I
> used at startup suggested these rates and it was some years before I was
> comfortable with them. However, detailed records I have kept tell me I'm
far
> ahead of the game. I pay myself (sort of) $1700 a month to service my 850
> accounts and pay myself (again sort of) $850 a month to warranty all my
> systems. I have few trouble calls besides batteries and customers changing
> doors or windows. Last year was my biggest year's worth of expenses when I
> had five panels destroyed by lightning strike. This year so far, nothing
of
> the sort. And the real benefit is that I can offer my clients a truly
worry
> free alarm system, without them having to worry about the usual
limitations
> and fine print clauses !! My profit margins are more than high enough for
> me, and most of what I would get if I raised my rates would simply go to
> Revenue Canada.
>
> I actually welcome service calls because I get a rare chance to schmooze
> with my customers. And frankly, with my son doing most of the heavy duty
> stuff now, I still want to stay involved on the installation side. I know
> you've met David, and he is turning out to be a valuable asset to the
> company. He's one of the best installers I've ever seen, and he is
fabulous
> with people. He's even starting to show me better ways to do certain
things,
> and that's always a good sign when the student is starting to show the
> teacher new tricks. I think I will have no difficulty turning over my
> company to him knowing it's in good hands.
>
> Hope to see you again in person sometime soon....perhaps the Xmas party at
> the station.  Hope all is working out OK on your side
>
> All the best
>
> RHC
>
> "mikey" <loismustdie@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:m5idnRzHM88txxPenZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Many a truth is said in jest. I've seen feuds flare up over
> > nothing in here and I'd regret us taking that route so I like
> > to soften my stance with humour. But I really can see you on
> > that horse.
> >
> > I would like to be making more money, Bob and if I could,
> > I'd charge more. I charge what I think the market will bear. It's
> > pretty much a given you could charge more, I can't.
> > Hence the jibes. I can't sit here and
> > listen to you jump all over the "free" systems when you provide
> > "free" service. To me, free service and cheap monitoring over
> > a 10 year period is a very similar business model.
> >
> > And yes, my attrition is horrible... I've had units in for less than 2
> > months!
>
>
>
> I choose Polesoft Lockspam to fight spam, and you?
> http://www.polesoft.com/refer.html
>
>