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Roof Cleaning Wilmington NC (910) 622-7942 wrote:

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Roof Cleaning Raleigh NC wrote:

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I think it is ridiculous for someone to have a hissy fit just because someone did a job in their area. We aren't a franchise! If Art came up here from Wilmington and did a job, I wouldn't care or give it another thought. I think it is a weak minded insecure individual that would let it bother them.

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 What David says is true.  I was contacted to do a job in Clinton, NC which is a little more than an hour from where I reside, but it's not super far from his residence either.  When I posted pics he didn't say anything negative. 

However, I try to look to the future, so today I went north to the VA/NC border and south to the NC/SC border and then west to the city limits of Benson, NC.  You guessed it, I peed on every single borderline to mark my territory.  Then I bought some more ammo to defend my borders.  (I already had plenty, but as a man your options are limited when it comes to shopping so I went for it!) 

Seriously though, we should decide AS A GROUP, perhaps on a particular Talkshoe how to handle this.  It's only going to become more congested, so let's all adopt a policy TOGETHER. 

Pertinent Quotes:"I am a uniter, not a divider."  "Can't we all just get along?" 

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In a  perfect world that might work Art. Not everyone out there doing roofs, siding, decks, etc. are here at RCIA. Locally I have two companies and a few who "do it" on the side so if I make a deal/pact with everyone here then what happens with the other local guys I'm competing with?

Maybe an easy way to be fair/honest and to even price it right is to send a PM, email or even make a phone call when it might be getting close to stepping on someone's toes.

I don't think that will happen to you Mike since you have mentioned the problem of the low baller going so far.

I did remodeling for 34 years. There are no lines/limits. I've bid against as many as 7 (once only). Painters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC... they all make it, cross lines and some even get along.

As one of our astute members here says: At the end of the day, it's only business.

It's a very good topic and post, Phil.

I do not see it necessary to have firm boundaries among members.  In this sense, I liken our profession to that of realtors:  There are many homes to sell;  go sell them.  Likewise, there are many roofs on those homes; go clean them.

HOWEVER, I believe that among guild members who live in an area where there are relatively few members in a given area, courtesy and Golden Rule can be observed.

Case in point:  I have many areas I can cultivate.  I shouldn't find it necessary to put my yard sign on a property several houses up from another RCIA member's home, or at a home near the entrance to his small subdivision.  Some might even do a job like that pro-bono -- as a lead-in for other business in that community.  However, I strongly disagree with it. 

To me it doesn't matter if another non-RCIA cleaner goes in and does that several doors up from that members home, but I believe we can afford each other better courtesy if the area isn't densely saturated with guild-member cleaners.  If it is, common sense prevails.

In situations like this, I apply the "How would most people feel?" rule.

If that guild member's DIRECT neighbor calls me, and I feel compelled to take the job, I still believe I can afford the courtesy of asking the guild member first.  Then, if it is agreed, have the courtesy not to place a yard sign.  Otherwise, I believe it is this type of activity that can lead to signs disappearing, covert SH dumps we've read about here, etc.  A less attracive side to "competition."

A mindset more of "alliance" and "partnership" and less "competitor" gets it done for both sides, IMHO.

Problems can arise from strictly enforced territories:  If a customer is referred, due to your hard work for a relative of theirs, should you not be able to provide them with the same level of service their relative trusts?

In my opinion, you should be perfectly able to do that, but apply the Golden Rule to the situation, as mentioned above.

That you asked the question speaks to your integrity, Phil.

I'm glad you brought it up.

Is ECS still cleaning roofs, or is it end of season?

I did one yesterday - it was a little windy, but temps were good.  I met with them last month and knew the gutters were full.  They called over the weekend, so I wanted to get that for them before winter.  It was a big job that took the afternoon, but the owners were two of the nicest people you could meet, so it was worth it.

I had already winterized the pump and lines because of the freezing nights, but no biggie to pump it out and get back into action.

Bob discussed RV-line solution for lines.  WM has it for $3.97.  Good stuff.

I have an easy one this afternoon.  I'm waiting for a call; then I'll head over there.  It's supposed to turn cold again starting with the rain later today, so it won't be long before I hang it up.