FAQs

• What exactly is the goal of this contractor network?

The goal is to provide select contractors and support suppliers with bid opportunities & to provide our clients with a very satisfying overall experience that includes contractor referrals and competitive pricing.

• Why do you encourage clients to have non-network contractors bid?

First, this insures the integrity and aggressiveness of the bidding process. It reassures clients that they truly have “nothing to lose” by allowing our network to bid on their project.

• Doesn’t this put your contractors at a competitive disadvantage?

In most cases, no. Let me explain. First, we make an attempt to screen out “price is all I care about” clients. This network represents a select group of contractors and although we must be competitive, we should not need to be low bid in every situation. Also in return for all the free referrals/coordination we always ask you our clients for a verbal commitment for “last look” if our network bids are close and assuming all other factors are equal. The network bidder in question would then attempt to negotiate the contract.

• Who do you work for? The contractor or the customer?

Frankly our primary allegiance is to you our customer. As professionals concerned about their reputations we assume our network contractors share the Network’s goal of customer service & satisfaction. However, if a customer is being unreasonable or has unrealistic expectations we aren’t shy about pointing that out. If a client persists in this pattern we will drop the customer and retain the contractor.

Of course if one of our network contractors isn’t acting professionally toward a client then the contractor will no longer be allowed to bid on network projects.

• How is the Network compensated?

After HTCRN finds an opportunity one or more network contractors are invited to bid. If one of our Network Contractors is the successful bidder, a small agreed upon percentage of the contract price is paid to the Network as a marketing fee. For the most part, Network fee percentages are absorbed as a “marketing expense” and do not significantly affect pricing. In any event, from the client’s perspective, there is no obligation to go with a Network bidder and it is assumed that the successful bidder will be the “lowest” or “lowest responsible” bidder.

In short, as a Client using our service, there is no obligation and you have nothing to lose.

• Does HTCRN have access to the bid prices of its network bidders?

For the most part: NO. Whenever more than one network contractor is bidding the bids go directly to the client. Prior to their making a decision, we specifically instruct our clients NOT to inform us about the pricing.

The only exception to this is when we bring in only one Network Contractor to bid and we act as a sales agent for that contractor and drop off the proposal with or without the Contractor. Of course, this is only done with the Contractor’s permission.

• What is your role once the job begins?

HTCRN is a contractor referral network and does not function as a “project manager.” HTCRN also does not function as a formal consultant or carry “errors and omissions” insurance—hence the Hold Harmless Agreements signed by all Clients and Contractors. However, we do stop by on larger projects on a regular basis to make sure our customer is happy with the network contractor referred and with the progress of the project. In the event of a dispute we can serve as mediator if desired by both parties. However, the Contractor is ultimately responsible for contractual responsibilities with the Client; project management; compliance with OSHA safety guidelines; etc.

• Any other guidelines; things to keep in mind?

IMPORTANT! This is not a one shot client introductory service! HTCRN seeks to establish long term relationships with both its clients and contractors. HTCRN should be contacted first regarding any new activity with the Contractor by you the Client. After that initial call, feel free to call the Network Contractor directly to prevent an ongoing “triangle” of communication. However, by keeping the Network involved this allows us to continue to put our experience, leverage and contacts to work for you.

• What standards do you set for your contractors?

Contractors are invited to join based on their reputation in the industry for quality and customer service.If an individual contractor is dragging down these standards and there is a pattern of customer complaints, then membership will be withdrawn. However, aside from withdrawing a contractor who acts unprofessionally from membership, the Network assumes no liability for contractor-client disputes or contractual problems (see “client hold harmless agreement”). The Network Administrator stands ready to act as a mediator if that service is helpful and we ask to be informed if any of our clients are unhappy with a member contractor.

PRICING: This network is not interested in price for the sake of price or always being the “low bidder.” Of course, pricing is important these days and network contractors are encouraged to bid aggressively & use normal profit margins.

This Network prohibits any collusion among member contractors, which is not only unethical but also self-defeating since outside contractors are encouraged to bid.

• What vision do you have for this contractor network?

This contractor network, with the right members, could soon develop a reputation as something special in the contracting industry.

Customers will be assisted step by step in finding the right contractor referral for their particular situation and the entire process will be refreshingly professional. If we always seek to go the “extra mile” and approach every issue with our customer’s best interests in mind then the reputation of the Network will grow and price alone will become less of a factor.

My role as Network Manager is to use my thirty years experience to save our customers money whenever possible; to solve their problems; and finally to help them avoid headaches by being proactive.

As successful contractors we know that our success was preceded first by a VISION and this vision included doing what we do better than most of our competitors. Our companies grew first out of an idea which our enthusiasm and hard work made into a reality. Imagine what an entire Network of like-minded contractors could accomplish and the opportunities that could spring from this shared vision!