You Get What You Pay For…

Everyone has heard the old saying, “You get what you pay for.”

In the cabling world, I get the feeling there is a lot of
“How hard could it be?” and “They can’t be that bad.”

These are probably the thoughts of someone who is basing their decision of what voice and data (low voltage) contractor to use solely on the lowest price.  Now I am sure there are companies out there that have selected the lowest price bid and were extremely satisfied with the work, just as I am sure there has been times when the most expensive bid was chosen and did a terrible job; there are always going to be exceptions.  I expect most individuals and companies don’t know what to look for, or what questions to ask when seeking bids for their cabling projects.

Use the following list/questions to assist you in selecting a qualified company/contractor for cabling, phone systems, video surveillance, networks, audio/video (and many other services):

1. Are they licensed?  You can check the type and status of a California contractor’s license at the Contractors State License Board website (www.cslb.ca.gov).

2. Do they carry workers compensation insurance?  While you are on the Contractors State License Board website, make sure the contractor has current workers compensation.  If they don’t, your company could be held liable should an injury occur on the job site.

3. Ask for references and pictures.  Of course, a company/contractor is not going to give you a reference that they don’t think is going to say good things and help them get the job, and they’re not going to show you ugly pictures of work they’ve done, but at least you’ve made them produce these things and at the very minimum done your due diligence.  Now if they do a bad job and your boss asks why you chose them, you have covered your butt.

4. Experience.  How much experience does the company/contractor have?  Do they have any certifications related to the work that makes them more qualified than the competition?  When it comes to “information transport systems” and cabling, BICSI is the professional association supporting the industry with information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies.  Find out if the company employs any RCDDs or BICSI certified installers.

5. What additional services can they provide?  Are there additional services or products that you need now, or will need in the future?  Most people find it much easier to have one company that can provide multiple services/products (especially if the services/products work together), than to have different companies provide them and have to coordinate with the different companies and staff.

Think of it as an interview process.  If you were hiring for a position within your company, wouldn’t you want to hire an individual that is qualified, dependable and trustworthy?  Well if that’s true, don’t you want the most qualified, dependable and trustworthy company working on your cabling, phone system, surveillance system, network, etc.? 

I’m not that naive to think price won’t play a part in your decision, and it should, but make sure you look at the big picture…or you may “unhappily” be saying, “I got what I paid for.”

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