CASE STUDY, Contractors working with subcontractors

Here is a traditional example of how a remodeling company can interact with a subcontractor after getting a job request from a homeowner.   We are using www.PMIcall.com, a larger remodeling company as an example.  Certain information is removed to protect the privacy of the homeowner.

1. A homeowner customer sends a service request to PMI through their website. 

It looks similar to the following:

Estimate Request

Mr. Customer
2267 Any Drive
Wellington Fl  33414
561 204-XXXX Evening Phone
Email: MrCustomer@bellosouth.net
I would like to get an estimate for pressure cleaning and sealing my pool patio pavers which are made of concrete pavers. This would include adding sand in the crevices before sealing. Thanks.

2. PMI then copies and pastes the customer request into an RFQ (Request for Quote) to A.S. Pressure Cleaning, one of their subcontractors

RFQ Information

       RFQ Number: 50
                     For: A.S Pressure Cleaning
         Description: estimate for pressure cleaning and sealing my pool patio pavers which are made of concrete pavers. This would include adding sand in the crevices before sealing.
           Quoted By: 
    Submitted date: 3/21/2009
        Quoted date: 3/21/2009
                  Status: Quoted

3. A.S. Pressure cleaning & PMI have numerous conversations using the MyOnlineToolbox ClickToShare discussion feature.

4. Customer accepts the job and sends back a thank you in 14 different languages

Phil,
Thanks and if you speak other languages here it is in 14 of them!

Thank you, Jag tacker, Muchas gracias, Shoukran, Spasibo, Obrigado, Domo arigato,  Danke schon, Toda raba, Salamat, Grazie,  Evkaristo, Tak,  and Merci beaucoups,  Armando

-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Tonks Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:27 AM
To: 'Armando' Subject: RE: Your Estimate from PMI of South Florida

OK - I will split the difference and make it an even $800 - Thanks for the business and as always if you ever have any questions on pricing or employee/contractors please let me know so I can resolve any issues that may come up - our goal is to give "Quality repairs for competitive prices"
I will have Adam contact you to schedule Again, Thanks for your business & your referrals they are much appreciated.
Phil

-----Original Message-----
From: Armando Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:19 AM
To: Phil Tonks Subject: RE: Your Estimate from PMI of South Florida

Phil,
The only one I would have considered was $50.00 less but it was a verbal quote and I do not have an official estimate.
Best Regards,
Armando

 -----Original Message-----
From: Phil Tonks Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 8:23 AM
To: 'Armando' Subject: RE: Your Estimate from PMI of South Florida

What were the other quotes? Maybe I can adjust ours some. Thanks
Phil

-----Original Message-----
From: Armando Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 8:18 AM
To: Phil Tonks Subject: RE: Your Estimate from PMI of South Florida

Dear Phil,
Please tell your contractor to call me to schedule the work. I know they need a few days without rain to let the deck dry before they seal it.

Thank you & best regards,
Armando

P.S. Your estimate is higher then two others that I got but I have trust in PMI for you have always backed up the quality of the work contracted.

-----Original Message-----
From: phil@pmi1call.com Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 7:57 AM
To: Armando RE: Estimate from PMI of South Florida

Dear Armando Castillo,

A Copy of your Estimate is attached for your review. If you have questions, please contact us.

Thank you,

Philip Tonks
PMI of South Florida
3340 Fairlane Farms Rd Ste 6
Wellington, Florida 33414-8757
Phone: (561) 798-5722