Re: How Many Years Have You Been in the Industry?

[Robert L Bass <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> We've been doing this for  years. Much more profit
> than with security except there's no RMR.

We took a different approach.  One of my techs had been designing
and building high end, custom speaker systems for years as a
sideline to installing security systems.  He's also an
accomplished musician.  I also worked on FOH sound systems in
various venues over the years so I had a working knowledge of
audio system design, a basic understanding of acoustics, etc.

I started installing whole house audio when a few wealthy clients
asked me to wire their homes for entertainment  systems during
construction.  There was a decent margin to be made on parts and
labor.  We would suggest to the client several respected brands
and models of receivers, projectors, etc.  I would supply the
speakers, cabling, volume controls, etc.  Most of those early
systems were single zone -- the same music would play in every
room.

After a while we were also asked to do some home theater
installations.  I established relationships with Vidikron,
Draper, Stewart Filmscreen and a few other manufacturers.  Most
clients bought their own RPTV's or projectors but we would supply
as much as they wanted us to.

If the client didn't have his own builders we would hire a local
builder and a cabinet maker to customize the space as desired.
Mark on their materials and labor was 10-12% (about what some
GC's were netting at the time).

I built a fairly nice HT system and installed a multi-zone audio
system in my own home and used them as a demo when we weren't
enjoying them ourselves.  Entertainment systems were a small, but
profitable part of my business for about 7 or 8 years until the
stock market went sour, all but killing sales of optional, big
ticket items.

When I built my first online store I decided to offer some whole
house A/V systems as well as security, fire, access control,
intercom and CCTV systems.  That has always been and continues to
be a fair portion of our online sales.  We don't try to compete
with big box stores for sales of source equipment, receivers,
etc.  Instead, I concentrate on multi-zone audio and video
systems, in-wall and in-ceiling speaker systems, impedance
matching volume controls and accessories.

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Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com

--

Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large
groups.