We have been approached by a few of our general contractor clients that are changing how they request and receive bids. It is a software program called C-mail(contractors mail) that uses .dwf files for everything by e-mail. They would send us the plans with a list of items requested for bid, then we would make markings on the plans, create bid in quickbooks(or whatever accounting software), convert quickbooks estimate to .dwf and e-mail back with edited plan and any literature for products. The same would apply for billing. We would e-mail the bill and the only paper mail would be the hard check. It basically simplifies things for the gen contractor because they now have a list of subs for bids and they don't even have to make a phone call, they just send out the email and wait for the bids to roll in.

Our accounting people think this is great, but I am skeptical. To me it seems like there is too little interaction with the owner/client and it wouldn't turn out how they would like it but rather how the general contractor had requested the bid. There are just too many contractors that don't know the slightest about the different options there are in a/v and automation and how specific it can be for any one person and their needs that makes me leary of so little communication with the client.

I havn't gotten all the details but thought I would throw this out and see if anyone had any experience with it. It is being pushed by the Home Builders Association pretty hard and quite a few contractors are thinking about going to it.

Just offhand, this sounds like the sort of idea that deserves a HUGE round of sarcasm. Let me try to be serious, though.


That is because they do not know what you do, but you do.


Exactly. If you are a plumber, this might work. If you are an A/V contractor, however, well, no.
This could work if the contractor knew exactly everything that you know about what products are available, what products are coming down the line, what products to plan for; and the contractor were able to interview the client with exactly your expertise in order to go from basic "we want TV" to exactly what your client will want. Oh, yes, it also assumes that the contractor can totally communicate this to you. And that he knows what sort of delivery schedule different products will have. In essence, well, no.


You SHOULD be totally leery of such an approach. This reminds me A LOT of Wesley Mullings...look him up if you are not familiar.
We have tried to come up with cookie-cutter systems, and it just cannot happen unless you forego custom-solving your clients' needs and basically force something down everybody's throat.


Ask them if they would order a custom-built hot rod, or motorcycle, or if they think they could sub out the landscaping without the client being involved. Audio/video is VERY personal, and I do not think it can be successfully dealt with this way.