Hearthlist Digest #177 - Thursday, July 30, 1998 employee leasing & more by "Noel Gilmore" <[email protected]> Re:POS and sales programs by "Richard Nichols" <[email protected]> P.A. BLUE STONE by "Paul Scott" <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: employee leasing & more From: [email protected] (Noel Gilmore) Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 14:44:51 -0500 The backbone of my business is installation in new construction. I have been approached twice now by employee leasing firms, and both times they showed me numbers which indicate I would save a worthwhile amount of money using their services, plus I am in the midst of a potentially large complication regarding my worker comp rate which might make it almost a necessity to make the switch to the leasing firm to take advantage of their low rate. Problem is, I can't find anyone to tell me the potential down side of using this service. My insurance agent sure isn't neutral on the subject, but even she didn't come up with much that was negative, and my accountant was just concerned if they didn't make their payments to the government, which the firms say is impossible because they'd be shut down the next day if that happened. We are small...employees are my husband and myself, a part-time clerk, and presently two installers...that's apt to change by one or two employees in the next year. Lest I seem as if I'm looking for bad news where none exists, what got me wondering was that recently we were called in at the last minute by a large construction company to take over a job their former sub backed out of (didn't want to do a job at the top of a 20 story building!), and the job super said "You don't have one of those leasing companies, do you?" like that would have been a large drag had we said yes. So I figure SOMETHING must be problematic that I'm not seeing. Speaking of large construction companies, that's another subject I'd like to discuss with those of you in similar circumstances. Lordy, it seems everyday I'm getting multipage contracts (many times AFTER the job has begun) and so many rules and regs and circuitous routes to getting paid, many times for jobs under $1000, and if one doesn't comply, one doesn't get paid. Recently I got a contract AFTER THE JOB WAS FINISHED (the bill for which would not be paid unless I signed the contract), and it said in the cover letter that they wouldn't accept the contract if any changes were made! Mind you, what's legal is one thing, and what's practical is another...I can't afford to call a lawyer everytime a business wants to put me in an unethical or illegal squeeze to get my money, and they ARE much bigger than I am. Any discussion on this subject? Noel Gilmore Autumn Moon Fireplaces Port St. Lucie, FL
(back) Subject: Re:POS and sales programs From: "Richard Nichols" <[email protected]> Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 14:56:09 -0500 We have been using a program that is fully integrated. That is to say it has a cash drawer (we use 2), it tracks inventory, does purchase orders, retail sales slips, keeps a history of your customers and if you use the whole system will do your monthly p & l statements. This through Real Time Financial Services out of Richardson, Texas. They also provide full support and are constantly updating the software as customers suggest. It is not inexpensive but if you really use all of the program, you will never need another. We have been using it for over five years. For all our friends and associates out there, please be advised that after 18 years of being Placerville Energy Center, we have changed our name to Home Comfort Center. We moved from Placerville, Ca to Shingle Springs over 10 years ago and our product mix has changed to the point that Home Comfort Center reflects more of the type of products we sell. Rich Nichols Home Comfort Center
(back) Subject: P.A. BLUE STONE From: "Paul Scott" <[email protected]> Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 14:56:45 -0500 Hellow Folks! I am in need of a great Quanity of P.A. 1'' thick or better patterned blue stone flagstone for a large job comming up shortly. I have lost my contact in the upstate of Pensulvainia and need to find a Quarry to buy from soon. If any of the hearth dealers on the list know were I can find a quarry in your neck of the woods it would be most helpful. I am also tring to find other types of rock & stone to buy from other states because we have decided to go full bore on our stone retail company. If you could take the time to reply my E-Mail address; [email protected] Thank you Paul Scott Stone Masonry & Chimney Restoration