“There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man’s lawful prey.”
John Ruskin wrote this back in the 1800’s and I do believe he was speaking to plumbers. Excellent plumbers don’t give their work away. Quality comes with a price!
In today’s economy most of us have been given a false sense of quality. Let’s face it, most of everything is produced overseas. The raw materials are cheap, they don’t pay very much for labor, there is no regulation, and their government is manipulating the money. It creates a false since of the economy. For example, an item that should cost $1,000 can be purchased for $300. It all looks the same, but is it?
The public now relates that experience with what you charge as a plumber. There is “Buck in the Truck” as we used to call him. All he is attempting to do is put food on the table and there is no harm in taking care of his family. But, he has no office, no employees, no other overhead, possibly no insurance and maybe not even a plumbing license. He is not running a business. He is generally here today and gone tomorrow. And, if it is a cash repair, he never reports it on his taxes!
Plumbers, you not only have to provide quality workmanship and quality materials, but you also have to make the customer feel good about what you have done for them. Remember, the customer is buying your knowledge, not just what you do with your hands. Plumbers are still protecting the health and safety of the nation. Don’t forget that. But, you should be able to make a good living providing this essential service as well as a good living for your employees. Quality workmanship is not cheap! That was even know in the 1800’s.
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