So if I understand this scenario, they train you to do bat work for them. Kind of like a United for bats. They get the check for the

job and then send you your cut, correct? United used to use us exclusively in this area and doesn't use us at all anymore, which is a

good thing. In order for them to get paid and us to get paid, they had to find people that could afford to pay double. They either

went out of business in our area or more likely, found one of our competitors who worked cheaper. Distancing ourselves from United

was a good thing for our business. Not saying this is the way the bat thing is run but just a word to the wise.

I was told after they get a lead, they advertise on craigslist for anyone who can physically inspect a site and submit photo's in some areas where they don't have people.

That seems very risky to me, sending who knows who out to a customers home.

I bid one of those deals lately where they were there first in that manner.

PWC, I agree with your line of thinking. Having someone prowling around your home without any idea of who that someone may be, is not

something that many people want to have happen. If I go out on an emergency job in the middle of the night, I can actually see the

relief on the customer's face that I pulled up in newer vehicle and that I'm a senor citizen. There is something about an old guy

that relaxes people. The next thing I always do is kick off my shoes. They will always say, "Oh, you don't have to take your shoes

off." And I always answer, "Sorry, I'm trained. If I can't wear them in my house I certainly shouldn't in yours!" The rest of the

night is usually downhill from there. ( I do need to make sure I'm wearing decent socks, though )

Paul that is how it works. Of course if you can provide your own training, networking, employees, and that level of marketing you may be better off o, your own.

They are expensive, but not much more than the next big company in my area. Once you have done work, I can bid jobs myself to stay in the price I want. Sure I take a hit from what they take, but i am getting leads and jobs. I can also be apart of commercial jobs without everthing involved as far as hiring, bidding, insuring.

As far as price, I May sell less jobsoverall, But make equal money,so why not.

Its not a deal for everyone, but so far they have been very good to me. Providing work, leads, training, equipment and the network behind me. Like I said, if In A couple days or years I decide I want to compete, there's nothing stopping me.

What a deal...who is stuck with any guarentee? I can imagine guys doing the work....collecting the cash....and sticking that company with the warranty work.... It must not work that way, right??

DaveK, on residential that I do I garauntee the work. On commercial GBO carries the warranty.

If you guarentee the work, you better keep most of the cash....not 60%.

Is that the cut- 60/40?

Something just doesn't sound sustainable. Are customers willing to pay a random beginner...a much higher rate (40% referral fee)? Or, are other referral companies not willing to undercut? Seriously...I'm sure there are people on this site that would send you a California lead for a flat rate $200. I suppose this 60/40 split is probably much more costly than franchise fees of a typical national company too.

Don't get me wrong. I think it is great if the model works long term. Just please make sure to be upfront take care of the customer over the term of the contract.

I'm sure there are plenty of people who will send me cheaper leads Dave, but will those people come train me when I need it? Not just today, but when I am a dozen jobs in and get a hard one? Will they provide the equipment? Will they give me the opportunity to travel to work? Will they provide a crew to work with if I get a request to do a casino or hotel? I dont want to hire a dozen people, I didnt like hiring one.

As far as taking care of the customer, that is one reason GBO bids often come in higher. All work is warrantied and the price has to be worth it if I have to warranty a call 3 hours away.

Its definitely not the solution for everyone. A lot of people will do better going to a training course with NWCOA or WCT, and taking jobs as they come. Some people can market it better than I could.

However, I just didnt have any time or money to go and do a WCT course. Thats a couple days travel, a couple days of class, and thousands of dollars overall.

GBO sent me inspections that I scheduled, then I scheduled the job like I would any other and I got paid to do the job.

I also realize I am new to working with them. My opinion may change, but right now I like working with them, and thats what matters for now. I will give an update in 6 months or so.

Really though, it wouldnt hurt a newer guy to try them. They train you, purchase equipment, and market you. If you dont like it after the first job, walk away, no loyalty. You still made money and got education.

I guess that is my point when I was wondering who was responsible for the warrenty. If you can't afford training....how can you honor any warrenty that you provide? Especially with a 40% haircut. I know...one or two can be manageable...but what if a bunch come up? It can be a financial drain if you end up working for free on a bunch of warrenty work. Many companies have hit this land mine and are no longer here. I'm not trying to be personal because I don't know you. I'm just questioning the model....thinking out loud.

I really like the do it your self book sale idea. That part is a good fit for some customers.

I can see where the warranties could be an issue. But as they walk you through bidding they address that. adding a percent to warranty every job so you will have the money and pricing jobs to be worth it.

I cant afford training because it is travel, time away from the business, and some expensive equipment. Its a lot at once.

If you are already sucsessful and doing plenty of work, it may not be the best choice, but for some I really think it can boost sales, skills, education, and network.

A lot of people would say Dave that if you arent charging where you can honor your warranty its not enough. It may also be what area you are in.

If you are in an area where its hard to sell a job at an already reasonable price, you might not be able to use this model. Some customers dont care if the job is $200 or $2000, they aint buying. Some wouldnt care if it was $2000 or $10,000 as long as the work is done right and looks good and is warrantied. My immediate area is the former, they wont buy no matter the price, but two hours away is the latter.

Hopefully there will be a few other GBO guys at the NWCOA conference, I know many of them are members.

Also, one of the great things about it is assistance. If I just get training and have warranty issues it really lands on me. With GBO, there is someone who can help me. Their name is on it too and they need their techs to sucseed.

Man they have you sold big time. Not saying that's a bad thing but they got you.

So again, what is the split in a job?

What is the average bat job quote?

You say they come out and train you, but who is they? In a year are they going to have you training people?

The average quote is 3-5k with a 60/40 split.

I'm not going,g to argue it, if the deals not for you it's not. If you don't want to see the other side of it then it's ok. I was just stating, I am happy with the resources and the money being made, as well as the people I Have worked with. If the hit is too big, go about it a different way. I am still greatful t to have the opportunity and it is helping business, so yes, I am sold. But, if it doesn't work out, I will walk away and owe them nothing.

They is a senior tech. In time yes, I could do the training, if I get the right experience.

I don't want to be a salesman, I just had several pm's asking about them and thought I Would share I am enjoying it. I hope all of your employees are "sold" working for you.

I think it's great what you're trying to accomplish. If nothing else, at least it's getting you some good experience and exposure. Hopefully everything will continue to stay positive for you.

For someone new to the industry this seems like a great way to get paid on the job training, and not lose money or time having to travel for classroom training. As long as the installations and repairs that you are being taught meet the standards you want your customers to receive from your business, then its a win-win. It sounds a lot like apprenticeship training in the construction trades where you are paid to learn on the job along with classroom training which you can do buying DVD or going to WCT or whats the other one???? oh yea NWCOA for training to compare what your being taught or find new techniques and materials that might work better for you.
All that matters is that it works for you and meets your standards.
Kurt Temple

I am glad that I asked. The difference between BATS and UNITED is the training. United wants to get paid for catching the customers

who missed your ads, period. Your work, your warranty, your liability insurance. The only investment United has is great advertising

and salespeople. ( They need it to charge twice the price in this market ) Eventually Throw Back is going to want all the money and

do it himself. BATS is training the competition. UNITED is using the competition. Good topic! Keep us informed.

I will Paul, I will update in 5 or 6 jobs.

I'm doing a commercial inspection Monday so figures crossed they accept