Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5074510
06/06/15 07:01 PM
06/06/15 07:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 32 OH
Eric Arnold
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 32
OH
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Throw Back,
This may be a good opportunity or it may be a complete failure. It really depends on you and what you feel is best.
When I first started with bats, I "interviewed" with a company that would send me the training program because he was a high school biology teacher and he "knew" what was required for doing a bat job. He was very adamant that no more than a single trip and 4 hours of work were required for any bat job and my earning potential would be tied directly into how fast I could get the jobs done (the faster the job was completed the more money). I knew nothing about bats at that time, so I thought this was a good fit but thankfully, it never happened as talks stalled almost immediately when territory discussion started changing with each conversation.
Then I got the only bat training videos I could find on the market. I watched the videos, got the bat traps, and started doing bats. I bought some additional bat traps and when I tried to purchase more, I found out that the company was being sold and a franchise was being created so if I wanted to keep using/buying the bat traps I needed to join the franchise.
I didn't join the franchise and in fact, this pushed me to research bats and learn about them from multiple sources (books, seminars, classes, videos, chat rooms, etc.) that I quickly realized how incorrect a good portion of the information presented as facts were wrong (i.e., bats are dirty animals, one bat in the house means you have thousands, all bats eat mosquitoes, all bat species have large maternity colonies, Jerzey gloves are more than enough protection for handling bats, etc.).
It was actually all of the misinformation that started me on creating a training program for working with bats and even though I was ridiculed about my beliefs/practices when I first started training on them in 2004, I'm amazed at how many of my "stupid" and "not necessary" beliefs/practices are now considered minimum standards.
My point on this is very simple. For someone that doesn't know what they should be looking at/for, anything can look good. This is why when I teach I stress that what I'm showing is MY system and that it is what works for ME in MY service area. I highly recommend that the students take my system and then modify it as THEY need to for THEIR situations.
Some things will always be constants such as the material properties of the products you're using and thermal conditions bats like, but after that be prepared for anything. I've seen bats enter a home 1 1/2 inches off a concrete driveway and through a mercury light where they flew inside then crawled down the electrical cable to gain access to name a few.
If you or anyone else decides to take this company up on its offer, don't stop the self learning or take what they say as 100% correct at all times. Questions you can ask include who will be doing the training? Are they recognized by the industry? What does the training cover? Is training on-site, in a classroom, or both? How long is the training program? Will I have an exclusive territory? How big of a territory will I have to cover? Will you be bidding the job or just doing the work? Is there a time frame requirement that needs followed once a job has been assigned to you? Do you need to sign a non-compete? Will you be an employee or a subcontractor (if you don't understand the difference this is a great place to start as it has tax implications to both parties)? These should be enough to get you started, but there are plenty more to ask based on the answers given.
As Ron Scheller, Bob Jameson, and Justin Stevenson will most likely agree, the best teacher on bats are the bats themselves. To really become trained, you need to study the bats themselves, improve your construction/business skills, and put in the time. For me, red flags start popping up when I hear that a company can make you an expert in a day.
Eric Arnold Publishing Editor W.C.T. Magazine Editor The Fur Taker Magazine
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5166009
08/20/15 12:49 AM
08/20/15 12:49 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188 California
Throw Back
OP
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188
California
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So I did my first house with the senior tech yesterday.
I did 4 inspections, sold one of them and have another on Monday for commercial.
Overall, a great company to work with so far.
Some of the benefits; Paid training. I had a tech come train me and I was paid for the bday and the inspections.
A support system. If I come across a hard job, I make a call and someone will come train me, I don't lose time or money, I still make day wages and learn more.
The support system is not just if I don't know, but for large jobs on time constraints. If it's a hospital, casino, condo etc, I will be apart of a crew, and paid well for my time. I don't have to higher a day laborer or worry about having support, it's there.
Meeting good members. The tech I worked with had dinner with me and answered all my questions. No pushy foot around, no leading me on. They were open about what they can't garauntee.
No contracts. I made my wages,learned ho to do the work, got supplies, a new ladder and dinner. But if tomorrow I decide I don't like the deal, I walk away.
Overall I think it's a great company with a good support staff and really enjoyed who I worked with. I will be working with them for awhile, and I have no fears gettin in too deep on the commercial job I am looking at Monday, a senior tech will be there if I need them.
If anyone wants more in for feel free to sk me, or contact them
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5166675
08/20/15 05:51 PM
08/20/15 05:51 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,361 mequon, wisconsin
Paul Winkelmann
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,361
mequon, wisconsin
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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 )
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5166676
08/20/15 05:52 PM
08/20/15 05:52 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188 California
Throw Back
OP
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188
California
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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.
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5166782
08/20/15 07:45 PM
08/20/15 07:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 25 Michigan
DaveK
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 25
Michigan
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If you guarentee the work, you better keep most of the cash....not 60%.
Last edited by DaveK; 08/20/15 07:52 PM.
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: DaveK]
#5166898
08/20/15 09:02 PM
08/20/15 09:02 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188 California
Throw Back
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188
California
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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.
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.
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5166929
08/20/15 09:27 PM
08/20/15 09:27 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188 California
Throw Back
OP
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188
California
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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.
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5167017
08/20/15 10:43 PM
08/20/15 10:43 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188 California
Throw Back
OP
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188
California
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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.
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5167125
08/21/15 12:05 AM
08/21/15 12:05 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 24 South Dakota
_fletch_
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 24
South Dakota
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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.
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5167411
08/21/15 09:33 AM
08/21/15 09:33 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 77 Virginia
Kurt in Va
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 77
Virginia
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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
Last edited by Kurt in Va; 08/21/15 10:24 AM.
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5172925
08/25/15 11:19 PM
08/25/15 11:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 30 St. Louis area
Dave Schmidt
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 30
St. Louis area
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I'll be starting a job Thursday that had been originally bid by another of those guys working for an internet batcher. Turns out he didn't have insurance (D'oh!!)...so the desperate owners called a professional.
ALL OUT Wildlife Control
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Paul Winkelmann]
#5173727
08/26/15 05:36 PM
08/26/15 05:36 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188 California
Throw Back
OP
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188
California
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And the professional was booked solid, so he referred the customer to you. That's some good networking. OH SNAP! Turn up the heat Wink!
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5176134
08/28/15 06:00 PM
08/28/15 06:00 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 30 St. Louis area
Dave Schmidt
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 30
St. Louis area
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Ach! Yeah - the Top Dog lives way up Milwaukee way, so they hadda hire me...
ALL OUT Wildlife Control
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Throw Back]
#5178677
08/30/15 09:57 PM
08/30/15 09:57 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 56 Frankfort, Ky. USA
trapperpaw
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 56
Frankfort, Ky. USA
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I never could get along with uniteds business model. I really didn't like taking jobs where I wasn't called by the customer. Later in life I have been fortunate to find wco's and pest control companies that pay me sometimes better than I would have charged on my own. I know customers are paying at least 25% more than if they would have callled me in the first place. These people are just better at marketing and selling than me. I apppreciate their willingness to pay me for my skills at solving problems. It sounds like a very good deal to work with these guys and it sounds like Throw Back not only got a scholarship to learn he's getting paid to boot. Congratulations I think;)Good Luck
Sleep'n with an animal..I can help. Do not use both feet when testing the depth or temperature of the water Your Friend, Paul Brooker
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: Paul Winkelmann]
#5188333
09/08/15 01:05 AM
09/08/15 01:05 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 56 Frankfort, Ky. USA
trapperpaw
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 56
Frankfort, Ky. USA
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yes unless you are going to want to fist fight again! I found out about your MMA senior championship.
Sleep'n with an animal..I can help. Do not use both feet when testing the depth or temperature of the water Your Friend, Paul Brooker
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Re: Anybody here work for Get Bats Out Inc?
[Re: TRapper]
#5189484
09/09/15 02:30 AM
09/09/15 02:30 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 56 Frankfort, Ky. USA
trapperpaw
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 56
Frankfort, Ky. USA
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old geezers!!Paul we might have to tag team Josh.
Sleep'n with an animal..I can help. Do not use both feet when testing the depth or temperature of the water Your Friend, Paul Brooker
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