As we all know, every client, and every situation will be different, so there will never be a "clear cut" answer to each case. It really depends on your business model.
Almost everyone who enters this profession with the intent of making a living out of it, will always deal with labor only jobs as a way to get started. I know we did. We started out of the back of a truck, installing equipment purchased from some place (Big A/V chains, Inet purchased equipment). Over time, we settled ourselves into the niche we are in today.
Our operation is by appointment only, so there are no walk-in tire-kickers. We've had to implement this policy so that we could focus on clients and give them our undivided attention. This policy has worked extremely well for us.
Though we do still get a small share of "shoppers" that make an appointment. At that point with our showroom, finished client system pictures (which show many phases of the project and the detail of work involved), and the explanation of what our services are, and what we do. That the equipment we sell is part of our service and our selection of equipment helps make up a reliable, and enjoyable system. With that, most don't have a problem with our proposals
Those who still wish to puchase elsewhere, are thanked for stopping by to visit, are wished good luck, and are assured that if they wish to aquire our services in the future, we will be more than happy to oblige.
