work

[commissioner]

Hi there, been thinking about moving on from currrent work position and going out on my own, is there much work for a good engineer/shipright out there or indeed does anyone currently pay someone to look after their boat year round as some big yachts do? What would you look for in a engineer to trust them to work on your pride and joy?? Any comments greatly appreciated, or indeed any work!!

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[BarryH]

I don't use'em but if I did. I'd want someone who didn't rip the arse out of my wallet. Do things they actually said they would do that needed doing. And left the boat/engine clean!
I work for myself. Its not easy, your normally working while everyone else is out doing things you should be doing. Theres a lot of other people out there doing the same thing as you. You've got to give that little bit extra to gain the work and keep the customers. Above all people are tight no matter what they say!
Good luck if you decide to do it.

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[PGD]

Differentiation is the key as Barry said, you must do something that people want and are prepared to pay for. Yes we are all tight but I tell you this I will tip big time for good understanding and a good service. From that comes recommendations and more work cos you then believe in the guy and are happy to pass on details.

I currently work with a printer a photographer and and exhibition build company we've been with for as long as 15 yrs cos the service is great. For example we had a stand stolen from the exhibition companies lorries the night before a big 3 day show - they rebuilt the stand and all the graphics overnight - a 40 m2 stand too - and we knew nothing till they told us it was a duplicate stand - no matter what the cost we will never move from that company.

Wish you all the best.

Peter

<hr width=100% size=1>Who gives the best service? tell us <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mssa.org.uk>Marine Service Standards Assistance</A>

 

[boatless]

Agree with all the foregoing. There will alway be work for someone who offers the best service at a reasonable price.

Two problems to consider. Others may add more.

Freelance work is never steady. It can be feast/famine, but not always, fortunately.

Second. Mrinas do have silly rules about other contractors working on their land. This needs thorough investigation, 'cos it's some years since I had any UK marina experience.

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[tcm]

Re: a better mousetrap

is a good maxim

You don't have to invent new things to go out on your own - it can be as dull as a mousetrap. And it doesn't have to be some thing or some service that nobody else has thought of - it just has to be "better". Which might even mean just the same, but cheaper. imho

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[PGD]

Re: a better mousetrap

not necessarily cheaper just better with a good, well founded reputation. Set your self some basic rules, standards and policies you’d expect from someone else then offer them to the public. As said basics are best, just done better.

I normally charge for this advice, do I get a free engine service ??????

<hr width=100% size=1>Who gives the best service? tell us <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mssa.org.uk>Marine Service Standards Assistance</A>

 

[gonfishing]

I have just finished a short course in marketing and sales, throughout the course it was driven home that you do not market on price,but quality of service and product.
So it's not going to get cheaper, just better??????


Julian

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[tcm]

hm maybe. Was the short course, er, cheaper?

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[boatone]

Agree with most things here....
One thing not been said so far tho is try and make the customer feel he's getting what HE wants rather than what you want to give him or think he should have. If theres a real conflict here cos he has the wrong idea or wotever go gently about advising and guiding. Selling a want is easier than selling a need and u can also get more loot for a 'want' !

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsontheweb.com/> Website, Photo Gallery, Chat Room, Burgees</A>

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Even though I am mechanically minded, I do punt out most work to a local marine engineer called Rob Walker (HMES). Why? Because he does a good job in quick time, he has an honest approach, and charges reasonable rates. He is trustworthy and has a good reputation amongst all those that know him and have had work done by him - and there's the point. A good reputation cannot be credited to you from day one (unless you have acquired this already in you current role) it has to be built upon a solid foundation, and the solid foundation is made up of the points I made above.

Good luck if you decide to go down this route. I know Rob works incredibly hard, he has no weekends (especially in the season) and does 15 hour days, so I guess this won't be easy. He has built up a good business in a relatively short space of time and he loves boats, and having a love of boats is probably a big driver.

Cheers
Dave

Cheers

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[Althorne]

Like most of the posts have already said 'If you can eatablish yourself as a reliable, skilled, trustworthy worker work will come. The problem I have always found with self employed people is that they usually don't have the qualifications to back up their chat, they charge extortionate fee's for whatever it is they do and don't want to do a day's work for a day's pay'. If you are in the position to have a go I would suggest you do it but do what I did.
On your first day write a great big sign on your workshop wall where you cannot fail to see it reminding you that service, quality and fair pricing will give you plenty of work for as long as you want. Use words that strike an accord with you and never for get it. I did a similar thing and finished up inundated for years.
I wish you the very best of Luck.

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[PhilF]

ah what about Tesco's then, built their reputation on pile it high sell it cheap, and look at their market share

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