AL-FLEX EXTERMINATORS INC’s Post

When you walk into PACE Supply Napa the instructions are clear. Clarity can be an underrated skill for your business. What do you do? Who do you serve? What sets you apart from the competition? We've made sure the choice is clear to plumbers and contractors, PACE Supply is the best partner to help their business. How you hone your message for your customers? What's the best way to make sure your offerings are as dynamic and straightforward as possible? #PACESupply

"Your suppliers are killing your profits." I've seen it countless times with construction clients. But here's the thing: It doesn't have to be this way. 4 tips to negotiate better supplier rates: 1. Build long-term relationships Show loyalty, communicate often. Happy suppliers = better deals. 2. Bulk up your orders Combine project needs. Bigger orders = bigger discounts. 3. Offer early payment Cash is king. Many suppliers love quick payments. 4. Use data to your advantage Track spending patterns. Knowledge = negotiation power. Remember: It's about creating win-win scenarios. Your suppliers want your business as much as you want their materials. What's your best tip for negotiating with suppliers? #Construction #SupplierRelations #californiabookkeeper

One major mistake we see with niched contractors who have "typical" work is they consistently use the same unit prices and have no system in place to recheck. Check this short clip out! Full video link in the comments. #proaccel #constructionniche #estimating #cashflow #construction

Get to bid on bigger jobs? Winning Tactics for Landing Big Contracts. Build Your Credibility: Start with smaller projects, deliver high-quality work, earn positive reviews, and get referrals from satisfied clients. Develop Your Knowledge and Proficiency: To secure larger jobs, one must demonstrate their expertise in their field, either by specializing in a specific type of construction or a specific area. Network and Build Relationships: Build relationships through industry events, associations, online forums, and social media. Create a strong proposal: Tailor proposals to client needs, showcasing expertise and safety record. Partner with Other Contractors: Partner with others to offer diverse expertise and resources for larger projects. Secure Financing and Insurance: Secure necessary funding and coverage for equipment, labor, and materials. #ConstructionIndustry #BidDeadlines #Communication #Estimator #Bidding #WinningBids #GeneralContractors #HomeBuilders #Drywall #Conrete #Painters #Carpenters #Bidding #Flooring 

Is #laytime / #demurrage more a process or a negotiation? Feedback on this topic in the past was, of course, a mix of views, largely dependent on the industry sector commenting. The “hot” topic related to clauses, in charter parties and commodity contracts, that were open to interpretation leaving room to negotiate. The lack of clarity as a result of ambiguous laytime clauses in contracts leaves the door open to 'negotiations' and time wasted sorting them out. Often the time/effort spent by personnel sorting out the 'negotiated' point exceeds the actual value of the disagreement!! Studies have shown that more than 70% of laytime calculations are actually process based, ie: Charterer accepts the 1st Laytime claim sent in by the Owner. No to/fro negotiations needed. This is assisted by clear and explicit laytime clauses being written in the charter party. When analyzing the figures in greater detail, there appears to be a tendency for ‘negotiations’ to occur a lot more frequently in the SHEX trades where laytime clauses/exceptions are more prevalent and where such clauses are not always written in a clear, concise manner, minimizing the scope for different interpretations. A simple example relevant to all sectors is an “Anchorage-to-Berth Shifting” clause where frequently this clause is written in CPs as: ”shifting from anchorage to berth not to count as laytime – even if on demurrage”. Simple enough, it appears, until we look at the potential options for how one could interpret this clause when looking at SOF events. Is it: From ‘Pilot on board’ to ‘All fast’ Or ‘Anchor up’ to ‘1st line ashore’ Or ‘Anchor up’ to ‘All fast’ Or ‘Pilot on board’ to ‘1st line ashore’ And/or a multitude of other options if the SOF also includes ‘berthed’ as an event as well! One quickly sees how one can waste time negotiating just this point as it has been left open to interpretation. In comparison, Global Coal’s SCOTA contract form is 100pct explicit, providing: ‘’For the avoidance of doubt, the Vessel’s inward voyage to “all-fast” at any point of unloading in the Port (including any shifting between the earlier of the time of “anchor-up” and “pilot on board” at the point of anchorage and the time of “all-fast” at any point of unloading) will not be counted towards Laytime, Turntime or Demurrage’’ Explicit descriptions lead to less ‘interpretations’ and less time wasted in agreeing the ‘excepted’ event. The more one can encourage chartering and legal staff to make their CP laytime exclusion clauses explicitly describe which events should stop and restart the laytime clock, the quicker laytime/demurrage claims can be agreed. More a process than a negotiation?! Let us know what you think? #supplychain #commodities #chartering

"Contractors and suppliers ‘positive’ about Vistry price reductions, boss insists" Source: Building | Daily News. I struggle to believe suppliers are 'positive' about price reductions. Yes, it can drive innovation & efficiency gains but a more likely outcome in the short term is corners being cut, reduced investment & poorer service. In my view, contractors should work collaboratively with supply chain partners to boost efficiency & increase productivity - they must recognise that both parties can influence cost reduction over a sensible timeframe. Forcing hasty price cuts is short sighted and ultimately self defeating #construction #pricing #building #subcontractors #subcontracing

Let me know what you think ! The Strategic Importance of Laytime in Bulk Chartering In the world of bulk chartering, laytime calculations are critical. Accurate laytime management can significantly impact cost efficiency and operational effectiveness. However, the complexity and time-consuming nature of these calculations often divert valuable resources from core business activities. 🚢 Why Laytime Matters: Cost Efficiency: Proper laytime calculation helps avoid costly demurrage fees. Operational Smoothness: Ensures timely loading and unloading, preventing delays and disruptions. Contract Compliance: Accurate laytime management ensures adherence to charter party agreements, reducing the risk of disputes. 🔍 The Challenge: Managing laytime calculations in-house can be a daunting task. It requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of various influencing factors, such as port conditions, weather delays, and contractual terms. This often results in multitasking fatigue and a diversion of focus from strategic initiatives. 💡 The Solution: Outsourcing Laytime Calculation Outsourcing this critical function to specialists can be a game-changer. Here’s why: Expertise and Precision: Professional service providers specialize in laytime calculations, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Cost Savings: Avoid expensive demurrage fees and reduce overhead costs related to personnel and training. Strategic Focus: Free up your internal resources to concentrate on growth and operational improvements. By partnering with experienced laytime calculation experts, you can ensure greater accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your operations. It's time to unlock your business's full potential and focus on what truly matters. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to explore how outsourcing laytime calculations can benefit your business! #Laytime #BulkChartering #Maritime #ShippingEfficiency #Outsourcing #OperationalExcellence

TENDER NOTICE : TEN/2246 – Supply and Delivery of Fasteners Tenders are invited from Saturday 30 March 2024 and will be received at BRC's VendorPanel up to 2 pm AEST Tuesday 23 April 2024. #bundaberg #childers #gingin #regional #widebayburnett #strategic #procurement #supplychain #buylocal #buybundy #Fasteners #SupplyChain #Hardware #IndustrialSupply #Construction #Manufacturing #Engineering #FastenerSupply #Logistics #Procurement #BuildingMaterials #ConstructionSupplies #SupplyAndDelivery #FastenerDelivery #QualityFasteners

Costs, deliverables and timeframes are the most important factors when subcontracting. So how much does it cost? How long is a piece of string? Let us support you in reviewing your needs to achieve affordable outcomes.

Why should subcontractors feel guilty about maximising their bargaining power in a negotiation when builders do it ALL THE TIME? I would go so far as to say that the entire post tender dance is orchestrated in a way that puts the builder in the position of control. Just in the last two weeks alone, I have seen all of these strategies used by builders to put road blocks in front of subcontractors that want to ask for departures to the builder's contract: 👉🏻 Restrictions on PDF software that stop the subbie from being able to copy/paste a clause from the builder's contract into a departure schedule; 👉🏻 A departure schedule template the builder told the subbie they had to use, that doesn't have a place for the subcontractor to make a comment; 👉🏻 An invitation to provide a feedback on a contract, with an email that says "the number and nature of your departures will have a bearing on whether you are successful."; When I was a builder's CA we used to use this phrase all the time to gaslight subbies into signing up to our terms: "It's a bit of a worry you guys are being so contractual. We work on a "contract in bottom drawer" philosophy so none of our subbies ever ask for changes. It's only ever the subbies that nitpick the contract that don't perform." That was complete 💩. Truth is, the majority of relationships you think you have with your builder only exist to keep you under control. And if you're honest with yourself - you're doing exactly the same thing if you're relying on your relationship with your builder to get paid. I'm not at all proposing you burn the world. But I am saying you should NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let your builder guilt you into agreeing to something, or doing something, for the sake of the relationship. If the relationship was a two way street, they wouldn't imply you should feel guilty in the first place.