I am finally after years and years of people telling me to, starting my own low volt installation business. Any I mean any help would be greatly appreciated. My main thing is pricing though. Although I have been doing this a while corporate set our pay structure on every job I've been at. The going rate around here is 65 hr. I am looking for a round about pricing on structured wiring and such, not including product. punch down blocks, enclosures, wallplates, splitters,etc... I know all the basic pricing on programing, retro, and trim out of stuff others have prewired, but the structured is what I need. Also any other advice on starting my own business like getting clients, especially builders would be more than appreciated. Please respond to my email and if you can give me more than average advice and pointers I am willing to offer a payment to that person for your time.

Short answer: Buy DTools, and hang out by the coffee machine at your favorite lumber store.

Caveat:

Don't burn the bridge with your employer in case you don't like being out on your own. I'd like to have a boss for a change. Haven't had one since 1979.

Owner = Paperwork, government forms, complaint resolution, paperwork, research, litigation, paperwork, taxes, fees, dues, paperwork, payments on trucks, tools, office expense, paperwork, employee pilferage, employee no-shows, employee substance dependence, paperwork, profit sharing, medical insurance, and did I mention paperwork? This list, by the way, is very incomplete.

Employee = installation, evenings off, weekends off, paycheck even if the company bills aren't paid.

Almost forgot, the business owner can, if he has a knack for running a business, can make more money than his employees, but that is by no means guaranteed! Most don't last a year.

I don't mean to scare you off. Just go at it with your eyes open. $65/hr + parts would be fair for your prewire work. The trick is to be highly organized so you can get a contractor to pay you based on that rate. They tend to suffer from Can'tGetTheMoneyBackOutOfItfobia.

Best of luck!

so HDTVJunkie I think you forgot paperwork in the list of jobs for the owner :-)

My wife is a doula, a person who assists a couple with birth labor from start to finish. She read this to me with a straight face a few months ago:

Nothing is more overstated than the joy of natural childbirth, except perhaps the joy of owning your own business.

One of the people who posts here, who I believe goes by the name mburwen (I know at least that it has burwen in it) is also in Arizona and is trying to go from retired to consulting to programming. Try locating him. He might have some insight for you.

Also, thanks for at least putting your state in your profile. It might help every one of us, though, to know if you are in Phoenix, or Flag, or Cornville...that matters A LOT in regards to pricing. I know a Radio Shack owner in Cottonwood who does installations occasionally, so if you are in that neck of the scrub, check him out.

I have all my own tools and truck and trailer for big jobs. I am in the phoenix area. Mostly I know 65 hr but what type of prices would I want to propose to builders and such on pre wire and trim out type stuff?????

Are you looking for customs or production homes?
A prewire can range from $1500 to $15000 and up in some cases.
Too many variables to come up with a simple price.

Oh, was paper work mentioned as a major PITA?

Friday nights getting home at 9pm, 10pm, ???
Oh, no need to pay anyone here, most guys/gals here are very willing to give a hand and share their experiences.
Good Luck!!

No, no, no....


I want to be paid. That's the first and foremost rule in this business....

Pay me and I'll talk.

I'm such a profit motivated wh*re....lol

Lol! I wanted to be an electronic technician when I grew up, and after several years of growing my business, I realized that I'd turned into an administrator. Paperwork is my re-occuring nightmare. Eight years ago I down sized so I could again do what I love, best move I ever made!

Home Kustomizer,

I am an integrator in Phoenix. We haven't charged $75 for about 5 years now. Email me at [email protected], I can talk to you abouy this market.

I was just wondering if there is a price per run normally or are most jobs just bid out per hour then estimating how long it will take to do the job? I am just looking for an average I know it can vary each job.
This whole thing is new to me so any help would be greatly appreciated. The hours are nothing I was putting in 12-14 hr days 6 days a week anyways if the money is there than thats what Ill do.The more you work the more you make so till I drop. I have a couple of good guys to work for me if it takes off well.

Do you have a contractors liscense H.K.? I don't know AZ laws at all, but it occured to me that most contractor schools teach you how to bid.

Contractors schools?????
what is this anyone know of this?????

Kustomizer,

Arizona requires a low voltage contractors license, there are classes you can take that will prepare for the test. They also require a construction management test that will try and prepare you for running a construction related business, including bidding and contracts, all the neccessary regulations, ect. To get registered they require insurance and a bond to protect homeowners. Keep in mind it will be hard to get bonded with limited experiance and assets.

You happen to be in the right place at the right time... The going rate for AZ is $75.00 Hr. & $110.00 for a two man crew. But thats for custom work. Go down to your local ADI and sign up. You will not only get great Prices on parts but a lot of free advice.

North Phoenix
2401 W. Behrend Drive
Phoenix, AZ, 85027
623-581-2559

Phoenix
3620 East Roeser Road
Phoenix, AZ, 85040
602-437-2878

They also have training... ON-Q, Russound, Xantech, Ect...

Goodluck in your new bussiness.
Theatreinstaller

Did anyone tell him that you have to do at least three installs a day to be in this business? Give him Timshows #!