why do i do this

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highland145

Lifer
Oct 12, 2009
43,973
6,338
136
I am a self employed HVAC mechanic
Get on a decent diet.

Hire some help, fresh out of tech school maybe. What you pay them vs. what you make without won't be a big deal at the end of the year.

1.5% late per month is legal in S.C. Just put it on your invoice.

Possible pay on demand when work is finished for new units.

If an invoice hits x days late (45 for example) send a certified notice of default. Check with your local magistrate on the rules where you live. Or pay someone to collect if that's not something you're not comfortable with. Even a secretary with a "courtesy call" will make a difference. People are slack and more so the longer that they don't pay.

If you're giving high quality service then you deserve and should expect the same from your customers. If they aren't willing, there are other clients.

I collect $$ every day and most of the time it's without being an asshole. Unless they are trying to steal from me.

Luck.
 

Sea Moose

Diamond Member
May 12, 2009
6,933
7
76
Just got home from a 13.5 hr shift, did 12 hours yesterday.

Cracked open a beer, and have a steak in the oven
 

Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
39,398
19
81
Wow a "problem" so many would like to have and the downside is so easily remedied...,

How would you like to keep busy half the time and make same money?

If you are booked for months you are not charging enough, this is simple supply and demand.

Charge more, work only 40 hours and make same amount of money.


As far as health.. construction is body abuse you need to start running and eating like pyramid in kindergarten taught us.
 

Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
39,398
19
81
If you give me your email I can send you invoices/comtracts when I did independant contratcting. Bascially it was 33% down, 33% upon half completion, Balance due on completion. Balance not paid in 3 days would be assessed 10% contract price per month plus court costs if applicable. I never left money on the table.
 
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grrl

Diamond Member
Jun 21, 2001
6,204
1
0
If you are doing a combination of new installations, warranty work and regular service calls, you can pretty much expect to work like that all the time, unless, maybe, new installations dry up and/or you give up some accounts. Even so, there is no reason why you shouldn't be eating three meals a day. When I was doing commercial refrigeration I once went 7 weeks without a day off, but still managed to eat properly. There's just no excuse to do otherwise. Like others have said, it's not healthy.
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,082
136
You'd be amazed what exercise and proper sleep can fix. Seriously.
And if you cant, you need to change your lifestyle so you can. Serious.

As for business, refuse to complete work until you get some payment. I dont know what you do and it doesnt matter. People are real motivated to pay when they know they wont get their product or service.

Oh, and stretching is a big part of exercise. Do that when you wake up, work out, and go to bed.
 

BUTCH1

Lifer
Jul 15, 2000
20,433
1,769
126
Have them pay up front?



Probably because you do free work. ;)


Why are you always in pain? And if you are always tired you need to GET MORE SLEEP! :confused:



It'll be ok Moosey. It's not as bad as it seems.


Would you "pre-pay" for an AC repair on installation? I know I wouldn't. I worked quite a few 12 hour shifts last season and some 7 day weeks too, I don't know why but when your body desperately needs rest I always had the hardest time falling asleep..
 

rivan

Diamond Member
Jul 8, 2003
9,677
3
81
Charge more, work only 40 hours and make same amount of money.

This, totally.

Also, take a partner you trust, and offer him bookings. When you book him, take a %. It's a win-win at that point.