Shane, I can't tell you how many times I've thought about getting out of this business. But, it passes. This business needs guys like us. Don't give up, if you like what you're doing. You will never see an end to the hackers and a***oles. It is hard to deal with but it's like that in every business. Just make up your mind to do it right and work hard to market your skills to people who will appreciate it.
Someone said it seems like only the wealthy can afford good craftsmanship any more. I've often complained similarly - from the point of view of a craftsman. I treat everyone the same. Their level of wealth does not influence my skill level and my own personal commitment to quality. However, economics does prevent me from providing my quality labor to lower half of the economic scale in my community. In order to stay in business I have to charge over $100 per hour. There are many people who can not afford that. So, unfortunately, these people often think I am "ripping them off" and charge "rediculous prices". They then go looking for someone else who charges less and they end up with a hack who doesn't care. It costs a lot of money to care. If I didn't care to do it right, or if I could get by with making less than $20K, I would be able to provide my services at prices acceptable to the lower half of the income scale. What really hurts is when a company charges as much or more and then ends up doing what you have shown us in these examples. This happens because people really do not understand what we do. There is no respect in the community for the value of a hearth specialist. You and I, and everyone else who is serious about the value we offer, need to work hard to change this.
But be careful. Getting on the wrong side of politics can hurt you. Learn to shake your head and walk away. Find those people who appreciate your value and treat them as special people (because they are). They will do your lobbying for you.
Good luck,
Sean
Someone said it seems like only the wealthy can afford good craftsmanship any more. I've often complained similarly - from the point of view of a craftsman. I treat everyone the same. Their level of wealth does not influence my skill level and my own personal commitment to quality. However, economics does prevent me from providing my quality labor to lower half of the economic scale in my community. In order to stay in business I have to charge over $100 per hour. There are many people who can not afford that. So, unfortunately, these people often think I am "ripping them off" and charge "rediculous prices". They then go looking for someone else who charges less and they end up with a hack who doesn't care. It costs a lot of money to care. If I didn't care to do it right, or if I could get by with making less than $20K, I would be able to provide my services at prices acceptable to the lower half of the income scale. What really hurts is when a company charges as much or more and then ends up doing what you have shown us in these examples. This happens because people really do not understand what we do. There is no respect in the community for the value of a hearth specialist. You and I, and everyone else who is serious about the value we offer, need to work hard to change this.
But be careful. Getting on the wrong side of politics can hurt you. Learn to shake your head and walk away. Find those people who appreciate your value and treat them as special people (because they are). They will do your lobbying for you.
Good luck,
Sean