Last week we saw how the BBC highlighted the bad practises of a certain installation company. We took to Twitter to condemn it, and I duly wrote a post about it. And whilst I think we all agree that those types of sales tactics and those types of companies in general are bad for the industry, is there anything concrete that the industry could be doing more to try and stamp out bad companies, or at the very least, bad people?
Refuse to supply
It was pointed out to me last week that if fabricators don’t wish to be seen to be associated with companies of the type highlighted last week, then why not stop supplying to them. It’s the association thing. Think about what happened to the News of the World newspaper. Once they were seen to be corrupt and ethically bankrupt, their advertisers, their lifeblood very quickly dropped away, forcing the paper to close. So in a similar way, if suppliers don’t wish to be seen to work with companies with a bad reputation, they could just pull the plug.
There is a strong argument for this I believe. If all suppliers and fabricators took a strong stance on the types of companies they dealt with, the reputable, profitable ones, with good sales practices etc, then that creates an industry where the deadwood companies would struggle to trade in. Hopefully falling by the wayside. It would also protect suppliers against rogue companies going bust and costing them money in the end.
If they come across installers that are found to be going against a set of good core principles, it should be within a supplier’s powers to drop them. Sounds a bit final, harsh even, but if the industry is genuinely sick and tired of being bad mouthed by the media and general public, it really has to start getting tough on the cruddy companies dragging the rest of us down with them.
Will of the suppliers
All of this comes down to the will of the suppliers in the end. The idea of dropping installers won’t be one that sits well with many. At the end of the day that is potential business lost. But does a quality supplier really want to spend time dragging along an installer that is slow to pay, non-cooperative with them, one who might go bust and lose them cash? Or would they rather drop them in search of installers who are profitable, forward thinking and have a better chance of growth, therefore actually making the supplier more money. Probably that second one.
But I fear that for all the energy and bluster we all have when our industry is in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, there is little will to change. It’s easier to say yes to new installer than check them all and filter out the rubbish. The industry is generally lethargic when it comes change.
I totaly agree, that’s why we at the A&B Group inc John Fredericks Plasticks have our own Certified Installer Network. This way we have control of the companies that are in the network, and offer a real genuine service to the retail customer. Action not just words!!!
This is definitely the way to go Steve. At least then you know who you’re dealing with, if that installer is profitable, good for you as a supplier, good for the homeowner and will pay their bills!
MACO Secure Plus also encourages great practice with its Approved Fabricator and Installer network, all installations are manufactured and installed to a high level of quality and security, backed by our insurance guarantee, weeding out bad practice and giving peace of mind to the end user. Installations can be spot checked at anytime to ensure that the promise made is adhered to. We are very proud of our Fabricator and Installer family for subscribing to these quality methods.
Guys, I think there is a valid case for everyone working together to help the reputation of the sector – this is a given. However there are a couple of things outside of an “Approved Fabricator Network” or “Certified Installer Network” and this is to do with Trade Suppliers. I can’t agree with “policing” your customers for several reasons and we wrote something in response recently here http://www.aluminiumtradesupply.co.uk/12436/can-home-improvement-industry-clean-act/ For me, a trade manufacturer is in the business of selling windows. Those of you who are involved in the trade will operate a business with checks in place that: 1. Ensure… Read more »
As ever, DGB is on the ball. Business to business (BtoB) no longer exists, it’s all about BtoBtoC C=consumer. That is so true in the fenestration industry. Every window, every door, every conservatory finds its way to a homeowner. (With the exception of and recognition to our commercial sector colleagues). This “new” BtoBtoC phenomenon has created the need for manufacturers and fabricators to engage with the end consumer, via their marketing strategies, creating pull through demand. When it comes to protecting our brands, I believe that by and large we are weak as an industry, despite all the hard work… Read more »
In my view yes they should. It would not cost the industry anymore money if we had to record non compliant products or installations than the cost of testing for compliance. Fees would just go to a different body or association, who in turn would change the way inspections worked to keep their business alive. Yes I have supplied products to non registered companies but I would love Trading Standards to visit and follow the trail to them. Every today we have companies come in and want units for timber windows that have been made for 14mm units, we advise… Read more »
It would seem to be a very difficult ask , especially when we have at least 1 large PVC systems company that has trade outlets all over the country selling all of their products to anyone who walks in off the street.