Teaming up/sub contracting with competitors

S

snagtooth

New member
I'm getting to the point where some of my larger projects are a little more than I can handle without killing myself (14+ hrs pressure washing solo). But its difficult to hire someone when my job frequency isn't every day work, so I decided to call a few of my competitors / other pressure washing companies in town and see if they would want to sub with me on some larger jobs (Basically split the work up and have them do a section). Any of you guys ever done this? I have the end goal of having an employee and another machine but right now I thought this might be the best way to go. Actually ended up being interesting talking with them because they gave me some info as far as hourly charges, there tools, etc. Im worried somethimes that not everyone has my attitude that there is plenty of work out there for us all and that letting a competitor in on my business/contacts/methods may come back to bite me with them trying to snake me.
 
I would be extremely careful when doing this Calvin. In 9 years I personally only know 3 guys that I would actually trust to sub work out to or work with me on big jobs. 1 of the 3 I trade referrals with all the time and he is the one that actually got me started in this business 9 years ago.
 
Vince Wood said:
I would be extremely careful when doing this Calvin. In 9 years I personally only know 3 guys that I would actually trust to sub work out to or work with me on big jobs. 1 of the 3 I trade referrals with all the time and he is the one that actually got me started in this business 9 years ago.
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Im sure there are some different thoughts on this topic, but i believe in networking with my competitors on big jobs. i just bid a bunch of buildings that was too much for me to handle and brought in one of my competitors to do the job if we get it..I think it elicits good will

i think the key is to have a CLEAR understanding of the job, first off its your job, whats needed, who is doing what and of course when and how payment is made..These details need to be specified..

love to hear other thoughts
 
I felt the same when I started. Making sure I had enough work for them to work full time. What we have to remember is most of these guys don't want to work more then five hours a day that's why they don't already have a job. Most of them don't care about the next day, so as long as you pay cash at the end of the job they are happy even if they only make $80 a week. Also get setup with a temp service, will cost you a little more but at least you have a standby.
 
I have partnered up with Mike Barrett on several jobs that were too big for me to handle over the years. I was in same situation being fairly new in 2009 and called Mike with his several more years of experience to help out and split the project (involving a lift). It has turned out to be a great relationship and we refer jobs to each other all the time. Mike even finished a couple of condo jobs for me when I had to go out of town for family issues and brought me one of his roof pumps after mine burned up on a weekend to finish a school roof cleaning jobs. I would go into this with a bit of caution and do some homework on the sub's reputation.
 
I am doing it right now for the first time, using subs. I know both companies very well and the job requires no skills, just hot water. I made sure I figured out how quickly I was getting paid, how to invoice properly, and how many hours a week or day I was expecting from each sub. I did my homework before I contacted everybody, once I told them invoice weekly and paid in less then 30 days they both jumped on really fast. Good money to be made, higher risk with a sub sometimes, but that can bring a higher reward as well. No risk, no reward, do your homework on the job and all the angles to minimize your risk.
 
I think sub contracting with other contractors that you know and trust can be very beneficial for everyone involved. As well as generate you more work because the contractors will return the favor back to you. I think it is a great way to take care of jobs you can not handle on your own. Definitely make sure their work is up to your standards before you start working with them. Ask them if you can stop by a property they are cleaning and watch how they clean.

The ironic part is you probably will be looking to see if they are up to your standards. And might find out that you are not up to their standards. I have learned a lot from other cleaning companies and watching how they perform cleanings. You always think your way is right until you see someone elses way is better. Not saying that is going to happen just saying that you may learn something from your subs.
 
AZ PowerWash Pros said:
I think sub contracting with other contractors that you know and trust can be very beneficial for everyone involved. As well as generate you more work because the contractors will return the favor back to you. I think it is a great way to take care of jobs you can not handle on your own. Definitely make sure their work is up to your standards before you start working with them. Ask them if you can stop by a property they are cleaning and watch how they clean.

The ironic part is you probably will be looking to see if they are up to your standards. And might find out that you are not up to their standards. I have learned a lot from other cleaning companies and watching how they perform cleanings. You always think your way is right until you see someone elses way is better. Not saying that is going to happen just saying that you may learn something from your subs.
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wells said.. i look at it as something beneficial also..I think its good to have someone in your area who can help out if needed..I would only look to do this out of neccessity..
 
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