A Better Built Fence!

          It's the end of summer and we're full into fall  - and we are right in the end of Fence building season. A customer this week asked me the standard question that all people in business get from time to time. Basically what makes yours better than the last guy? Having seen thousands of fences in all their various stages of repair, I'm well versed in this subject.
First of all -
          Is there even a business behind the guy you see, or is it just him. How did you find out about him? Through a legitimate source or your Aunt Wilma's friend at the VFW knows him.  Does he pay for  legitimate advertising? Business License - check it. Contractors License?  Liability Insurance - check.  Does he look he is financially stable? Does he look the part of a contractor or a helper. Can he talk all the lingo of his trade. Is his Estimate in line with the other estimates. Is his forms professional or just written on a piece pf paper. Company letterhead, Hat  or shirt? Does he know about the correct permits? Does his company meet the OSHA safety standards?
          We'll start with how the business is ran. How long has he been in business, does he have enough time working in his trade that he has that vast amount of experience in all phases of Fence installation. No matter how good you may have been as a worker, that first year on your own in business is a doozy. I personally learned more in my first year as an owner, than the previous 6 as a worker. Does he have the proper finances, to carry a job of any scope. It's reasonable for a contractor to ask for 30% to 50% down for materials. If he does not, then he may cut corners that you can't see or don't know about, and he nickles and dimes, you, the customer on materials or work quality. That means you are not getting what you pay for.
          After making sure there is a business after the name, the first item is work Ethic. You need to check references. Does he show on time. Does he meet deadlines if applicable.
          Then comes his materials quality. Fence products come in all qualities. Make sure you're getting, and that he supplies, what you really want. Don't leave the decisions up to him. Ask yourself these questions. What are the measurable qualities of the fencing materials he's selling or installing. How thick are they? Do they rot - how soon? How tall? Does it do what it's supposed to do. Does it keep the animals in? Do you want that design?
          You don't have to be an expert in fencing or running a business but you should do some due diligence on your part. Then ask questions and some more questions. Hope this helps.