how to patch berber carpet... NOT!

[kylenelson]

ortiz34 said This has to be one of our own pulling our legs

I dunno, setting up a website is going pretty far.

[rgfloor]

In SoCal around LA I can see how it could be a full time business. The population density is there. Would probably work around NYC too.

[Details]

What part of "I don't really care so long as they do a good job and I get paid" means to you that the money is more important than quality of the job?

I hire men that have decades of experience. It's not my job to micro-manage them by telling them which tools to use. How would you like someone telling you which tool to use or how to do your job? My contractors do a good job and the customer's are happy. We back up our work with an unconditional lifetime labor guarantee.

[Details]

rgfloor said In SoCal around LA I can see how it could be a full time business. The population density is there. Would probably work around NYC too.

We network with all the carpet stores and carpet cleaners as well as have ads in the phone books.

[Tandy Reeves]

These contractors you hire, how do you check them out? What kind of document do they provide showing their experience and references?

What type of files do you keep on them and do you 1099 them?

[Details]

Is this a friendly conversation between peers for the sake of support or are you looking for a chink in my armor?

I use an independent contractors agreement that was created especially for my business by an business attorney. 1099 is the law, a law that I follow. If not then I would be liable for their taxes.

I'll keep the rest of my personal business information to myself.

[Jim McClain]

If I were a home owner with no experience with flooring installation and viewed your YouTube videos, I might be convinced to call you.

If I was an installer who knew he had no marketing skills and little understanding of business, I might be convinced to call you. I would see your videos and know, heck, I can do that good.

But as a flooring professional who at least knows where to go to improve my marketing, business and other skills, I would have a much different attitude about your videos. I have not seen one yet that shows more than mediocre skills or professionalism. What I do see is a guy that has more marketing ideas than installation skill. You seem to have come upon an idea to collect money from installers who don't know any better. I haven't seen any seam sealing or proper stretching. What I have seen is guys cutting on top of carpet, pad loosely laid under patches and heavy reliance of straight edges instead of row cutting. And I see some evidence of "fluffing" the yarn to cover an ugly join and other slight-of-hand performances for the camera.

You have a catalog of videos and a good rap. It's sad that this is all it takes to fool some installers.

Jim

[Tandy Reeves]

How about showing us the INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AGREEMENT you use? Also, I ask again how you find these contractors? I don't think that is personal business.

[Details]

I'm feeling ganged up on and don't want to become defensive. Nobody seems to be here to be helpful, lend support or to move me forward in any way.


Enjoy your forum, I do wish you well.

[Tandy Reeves]

I think you are making a smart move. You know the saying that when the heat gets too hot in the kitchen, get out of the kitchen. We will not turn the heat down and accept you at face value. It just don't work that way with this bunch of pros.

I have been in this business probably more years than you are old, and have never heard of an operation like you are describing. Do I doubt your validity? YES! Prove me/us wrong. With the quality of installers we have on the FloorPro, you should be busting a gut to get them.

[Barry Carlton]

I hope we did not chase him away.
I think that the video does what it was designed to do. It was not designed as a tutorial for pros or anyone else for that matter. how to patch berber carpet... NOT!
I think he did mis-title the video though.

As far as the appearance of the patches, I would not post pictures or videos of perfect patches as that may lead to unrealistic expectations from the customers.

As for the business model, some just do not want to mess with the legwork. Look at Handyman Connection. It is the same basic idea just more diversified.

I surly do not fault the guy for finding a niche to fill in this economy.

[Tandy Reeves]

Your not a danged old grouch like me.

[getoverit]

I agree with Barry. He's found a niche and he's filling it. For him it's a business. For most of us I guess it's our way of life. We're proud of what we do and want to do it right. He's making money off other people doing repairs and is laughing all the way to the bank. For me ...I got more satisfaction out of the joy I brought to people by making such a quick and dramatic change in their home and life. Just by changing their floor.
I had jobs that I made $100s of dollar's an hour off of but I got more satisfaction out of many of the small jobs where the custumer could barely afford the flooring and was so happy with what a major change new carpet made in their life and I helped bring about that change.

Different strokes!!!

[Jim McClain]

I'm an old grouch too, sometimes. I watched quite a few videos by this company and am not impressed, no matter who he is marketing them to. I've got nothing against the idea, but I do think there is a real lack of quality workmanship.

The problem appears to be that the business owner doesn't even realize that quality and correct procedures are missing. And since the business model seems to be working, there is no desire to change it. There's been too many excuses for the lack of quality. And a lifetime warranty means nothing if the customer is unlikely to call about a carpet that has already been described as nearly a lost cause anyway.

Plenty of people here have been taken to task for poor quality. I don't think it's our job to be patronizing. If the work is shoddy, then we should be able to say it's shoddy. Me and a number of others have had our work critiqued harshly over the years on this and other forums. Most of us learn by it and are able to take the criticism and turn it around. The overwhelming majority of flooring professionals who participate on forums want to help. Sometimes it can get a little blunt.

I don't want "Details" to leave. I want him to live up to the name he gave himself and pay closer attention to the details. There's a chance he could take more than just fast cash to the bank.

Jim

[ortiz34]

Details said The only thing you see is the difference in wear pattern or difference in fading. The customer is always made well aware beforehand that this will be the case.

that's it? that's all the issues ???
not because it's soiling?
not because it's new vs old?
not because their will be two cross seams?

BTW who the hell is spending money to patch old faded rugs, or burnt, or something spilled
I have WORKED at a retail store for a long time now
patch calls are sporadic AT BEST these days
even restretches
LOL@ having a bunch of retailers who give you patching work.
Psssssssssst....... we're in a recession and most regular installers will take some patches nowadays to make things work.
I know my guys would gladly take it. Meaning, I bet 90% of stores have "Installers" who do service calls. Cause their "installers"
If someone walked into my store giving me cards and a sales pitch on how you "patch carpets for a living" ......I'd smile, ask you a few questions as I am a nice, take your card and probably throw it in a drawer at best
You're a riot, seriously