My mother's down in Myrtle Beach. I'm just outside Albany. She's 67 years old. She turned on the upstairs AC for the first time all year and it didn't work. I walked her through the diagnostic tree and I told her it was most likely a contactor but obviously without a mete it was just a guess and I told her be prepared to spend $400 to $800 For a HVAC company to come diagnose and install a contactor. We charge $160 bucks for a contactor If it's on the truck plus a 1-hour minimum of $109 and a $89 dispatch fee. She called Conway heating and Air which is one of the biggest HVAC contractors in Myrtle Beach. That was around 8:00 am and by 2pm she had a running AC. They determined it was a bad contactor. They checked the charge which was fine and they blew off the outdoor coil. Didn't clean it, just blew it off. Total charge? $212..... The South is just different. Even Myrtle Beach which is like more northerners than Southerners is still cheap for skilled labor.

@PipeDoctor

Ай бұрын

Great job. Overhead must be low

Mike - You are right, there is No Value in Free. I am not an HVAC Contractor so take this for what it's worth, there are HVAC service companies in my area that don't carry parts or R22 or 410A because the cost is too high to keep in inventory and they are small one-man operations. They provide great service however are small operations. Professional Courtesy is free to give, Service is not because it cost to learn and practice any profession. It is hard to learn that when you need business to feed your family and pay your debt however you must know your worth.

Been in the HVAC business in self-employed for 38 years. Absolutely enjoy your videos, your blunt ness, and honesty. It's a refreshing change rather than just see pinheads bashing legitimate contractors for what they charge.

Home owner here.. AC DIY'er - what really grinds my gears is local HVAC techs getting scared by old R22 systems. Did some work for a friend, their AC quit working. Capacitor looked like a football ( no longer square ends... pooched out ). Initially, they called a local HVAC company - who immediately started quoting replacing the system because "it was an old system". I can't remember the exact cost, but it was 5 figures. ... for a no frills mobile home style system. $23 bucks, plus my $30 / hr labor and they're making penguins again. Sure, sure.. the compressor could have been hosed and they wasted $53 - roll the dice and not spend 15 grand or so. K.I.S.S.

The commenters complaining about the price of R410A should blame the executive branch of government and the EPA.

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936

Ай бұрын

"But it is only 90.00 on Amazon"

I completely understand what your saying Mike. For instance the only reason I'm not working for you yet is because you have failed to see the perception of value I can bring to your company. But in time maybe you will. 😂

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936

Ай бұрын

that was funny

No one is ripping anybody off, it's up to the customer how you present your company and your work ethic speaks for itself, Jared Williams charges 600 an hour in Alaska

I thought the capacitors were sold were overpriced!!! Jesus but $400+ that’s highway robbery Mikey. I’m all for making money but that’s a bit steep. We charge $265+tax for a standard capacitor obviously turbo 200’s are more. But hey to each his own

@BlahBlah-em2ed

Ай бұрын

I was quoted $295 for a cap replacement in Texas during a bi-annual inspection I pay for. $395 for a turbo cap (whatever the hell that is). I politely declined, thanked the tech for performing the service on my system and preparing the report. They happily thanked me for my business and went off to their next service call.

@jph77

Ай бұрын

@@BlahBlah-em2ed I always order from Amazon and do it myself. Super easy to do too.

Homeowner here..always have caps and contactors on the ready.. don't want to get gouged by this "Good old boy" industry where I can't even buy a cap from the local supplyhouse.

We charge over 400 for a capacitor this includes the evaluation fee and full safety inspection. We never get any complains because we aren't just a part switcher we build relationships and are trying to get customers for life. Of course if you go and change a cap for 400 and are there for 5 mins they will be upset this goes back to showing value in your company 1. do they no how to change a capacitor or diagnosis a system no that's why they call a professional there paying a premium for our experience 2. If you get complaints on your price your not doing your job as a technician in taking time to building a relationship and showing value

Try the $400.00 capacitor install in our town of 10,000 people and you will be out of business in a month. They don't want to perceive value they want cheap. Worked for an accountant once and I got his heat going in a timely manner he receives his bill and tells me he didn't perceive value in my work and wanted a discount. I told him to pay the damn bill and never call me again. What an idiot.

It’s more than just changing a capacitor. It’s the knowledge, professional courtesy etc. that Mikey speaks of. To all the new techs out there. Don’t just put “changed capacitor “ on your ticket. EXPLAIN your troubleshooting process, EXPLAIN the changeout process, give data (amp draw etc.) of the finished job. This is all PERCEIVED VALUE that most customers will gladly pay for. Good explanation of your business model Mikey👍

At least Mikey is informing customers the amount expected for the repair. It’s not robbery if you are warned of what you need to pay. If you don’t like the price, you try another company. That’s all it is. This is the rates he needs to keep his business going. Your paying for the stock of parts on the truck as well as the travel time, insurance, and tools/ experience which is always going to be the most costly thing. A 12 dollar capacitor is probably made in china and you be lucky to get 2 years out of it if it doesn’t burn out your fan motor or compressor.

I do most of my own work but I pay my generator company $500 per year for essentially an oil change and maint. which I can do myself. I pay them in case of a hurricane and something goes wrong we are on the list of first serve customers. They also email me when done with pictures of everything they did. It's impressive to me. So I am not paying for a maint I am paying for perceived value. Works for me. I had an A/H go out. Took me a couple hours to figure how I could have no power to it when I had power at the breaker. I forgot about the load sheds for the generator. One went bad. I bypassed it and back in business. of course this was on a Sunday. I called them and a tech called me back and said the boards on the load sheds have a warranty issue. They came out a few days later with a new board all covered. I have been without power for close to 2 weeks after a bad hurricane pre generator). Never again so all worth it to me.

Amen mikey pipes! You have the right customers who are willing to pay top dollar for a top quality job.. you also have a business to run... how much profit do these people think are made on there footwear or jacket that they pay 200 for and was made by a 6 year old child who got paid pennys.... or what about the markup in shops they buy items for pennys and sell for huge profits... you just don't see it because they may buy for 0.50 and sell for 20.... keep doing what your doing people, we would love to have the high paying customers like yours! 🇬🇧

...and the painter who had beer on his breath after lunch. "I only had one" - I don't have a problem with you having a beer at lunch, I have a problem with you having a beer and then coming into my house. Lost a 15 grand job right there.

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936

Ай бұрын

There is a stereotype for painters.... it is an earned one. I like painters who come and work till 1pm, then come back the next day to continue.

You are a wordsmith Mikey. Great video. Always more than one way to look at something. Be proud stand strong 💪🏻 shine on.. Ben from Long Island in the great state of New York. Lol ✌🏻

People have no idea what it costs to run a business.

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936

Ай бұрын

And if they do, they do not care. When someone challenges the pricing, they really do not want to know why... They just want you to cut the price for them. It probably works a percentage of the time, so they try. The only arguments seem to come from the wealthier clients, rarely from working class or poor. I cater to everyone, but I have little patience for bullshit. If someone truly wants to know what they paid for, my invoice breaks it all down..... and I will explain each item, if needed.

@bruceelias4964

Ай бұрын

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936 Be reasonable and fair is all I'm saying

@tallbrian100

Ай бұрын

@@bruceelias4964 Reasonable is to charge enough to be a profitable business so you can hire good people and pay them well and provide good benefits, health insurance, vacation and retirement. .

perfectly understandable, your in business to make a profit, so be it if the price seems high to some!

Mikey got them upper class customers 👏 the ones that don't nickel and dime you and complain about the bill. Some guys got it like that. Don't hate. Champagne dreams and 400 dollar cap wishes.🤑🍾🥂

You hit the nail about Florida in the head

Do you mean coming in your camouflage long John's is unacceptable in the morning if arriving late😅

@PipeDoctor

Ай бұрын

😱 hilarious

Just agreed with everything you said

facts 100%

From what I remember, you had a customer call about the price not too long ago. And you discounted $100. Haters in their tighty whities. If they ain’t payin who cares what they sayin.

Customer expects Great Customer Service and Rarely do Companies Exceed their Expectations. Those with Brains realize Everyone is in Bidnez to make a Profit.

My boss had two sayings. We my be slow but where expensive and nothing new after 2. 🙂

You sell a solution period,problem solved 🎉🎉🎉

You gonna have to break it down so the uninformed can see how Newyork or even Fla is getting a nice chunk out of the 400, be lucky to clear a 100 bucks in the end, i see no problem with that

Deception of value 😂

They go on Amazon for everything.

@jph77

Ай бұрын

I do. Especially for a capacitor that I can replace on my system myself.

I just bought a used one for 20 bucks

@BlahBlah-em2ed

Ай бұрын

Lol you got ripped off. A new one, made in USA, costs $15

@jonathanraney2774

Ай бұрын

Your missing the point

I went to Johnstone today for the first time I never heard of them for a capacitor the whole crew made a Mak out of me because I wasn't a contractor but I work for a contractor for 40 years anyway I understand they don't sell to homeowners that's the way it used to be back in the days I kind of like that idea because it'll keep the homeowners away from trying to fix things I tried to get a contractor out in the parking lot to buy me the part I couldn't believe the whole crew got pissed off at the guy because he was buying apart from me

@mitchdenner9743

Ай бұрын

Like a 16 year old hanging outside the liquor store tryin to buy beer.🍺😂

@diyhvac1028

Ай бұрын

Johnstone is the worst for that - just go to Ferguson instead. Johnstone's service model is outdated.

@mitchdenner9743

Ай бұрын

Ferguson makes you wait on them also, they ain't no better.

@JeffsHVACAdventures

Ай бұрын

Johnstone is such a pain in the ass. Most supply houses used to do this but most of them sell to the public now. Only ones I know of now are Johnstone and United Refrigeration

You all say perception of value and costs to run a business. Case in point watch our cranky friend in new bedford do the same or better repairs for a much better price. Im sure he lives well and has a nice dog and a truck. I do think he should be charging more but likely has much less overhead.

@PipeDoctor

Ай бұрын

Hahah! Same or better? Sure, Whatever you say. I’m also in an upper middle to upper class geographic. My taxes on my shop is $49k a year. Whatever you say. You obviously have NO clue how to run a successful business. I don’t live in a trailer park either.

I agree that the perception of value is the value! God Bless America 🇺🇸

Any contractor today that operates any kind of business should be able to know how much it cost to sell one hour of labor to the penny. Add a. FAIR profit,15 to 20% return on investment. No guessing or calling your competitors to see what they charge. Every contractor should charge a different price based on sound accounting practices!!!!!

Yes I like you pipes and a long time u tube "friend" I can't afford you!! Over $400 for a capacitor. I know it's New York, but to change a capacitor??? I did mine, and did a quality job. I'm Jewish like you, and understand your fellow Jewish community are very well off. Sorry but give me a service with a guy with a van and sneakers who can do my capacitor for a reasonable $ I should have got window shakers at these repair prices. I don't need the Red Carpet I know your awesome but can't afford you 😢

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936

Ай бұрын

Would 100.00 "for a capacitor" make you happy, when the problem is actually a transformer, a fuse, a blower motor etc ?

@bruceelias4964

Ай бұрын

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936 No I already put my capacitor in myself. If it was something I could not handle I would calk a pro I think Mikey pipes is great, and he knows that friend Be nice

@bruceelias4964

Ай бұрын

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936 Actually Mikey pipes was my teacher on capacitor He's a good man I listen and learn from the master of plumbing Citylock

You leave the top down on your car? Won’t that lead to premature release of the new car smell? I leave my top up in garage. Still has new car smell after 24 years. I enjoy the smell of full leather interior. I go to suppliers in Orlando by Frito Lay on Silver Star. Most give good service. I will say Goodman seems to be the busiest and longest wait time.

$183 per pound of r410a in Virginia

@PipeDoctor

Ай бұрын

I believe it.

Most homeowners are naive to what HVAC parts cost. I was until I looked up the cost of a capacitor ($20-50). I can imagine the markup on a new heat pump and air handler. I looked that up on HVAC direct and the price is very reasonable but the markup is probably crazy. I remember getting quotes for a deck I was having built. Not one gave me an itemized material sheet until I asked. The two that didn't provide an itemized sheet didn't get the job.

@eastsidepyro2685

Ай бұрын

I'm sure they didn't want the job lol , ppl usually ignore customers like you

@devnull7550

Ай бұрын

@@eastsidepyro2685 Exactly. Why deal with a savvy customer who asks annoying questions when there are plenty of easily-snookered customers waving fistfuls of money at you?

don't undervalue yourself. I got the tools, knowledge, parts and customer service skills.

If you can get a certain price for a part or a certain rate that both parties agree on, that's fair and that determines the market. There are different markets and different customer segments. Most service folks want the high end where people want an experience and can afford extra. Not all customers are the same. I am the one that contractors hate - I want the part installed that solves the problem for the best price. HVAC in this area (the south) is horrible - poor quality service and moderate pricing. It's so bad that I got my EPA certificate just so I could DIY. Just because someone wants a good price doesn't mean they deserve shitty work. Contractors that serve this niche can do well, too, and this is a giant market share.

Part of my value or say a slitter of my value will come to your attention soon.😅

Average prices in my area... 410a per pound $175, capacitor $375, hard start $400, condenser fan motor $1200, compressor replacement $5,000, evaporator coil $6,000, ductwork replacement $10,000, full system $16k-35k.

@robertgregory2618

Ай бұрын

A license to steal. Just plain ridiculous.

@Erk0806

Ай бұрын

Wait till you find out at those prices, the companies hardly even make money think about all the people they have to pay once they bring in that money like for the van the insurance, the gas so on and so forth wages taxes there’s so much overhead in this industry, it’ll make your head spin

I Thought you lost your red carpet

What's going on

HVAC has to come to your house to fix your shit. If you pay for a mobile mechanic to fix your car it's also gonna be more expensive, that's a good way how I compare it.

Mikey what are you trying to explain the value of perception .. look it simple it’s what your willing to pay for any service . At the end of the the customer has the choose to do business or not.. if your not willing to stand by your work then Their is no vlaue but if your willing to standby your service their for its worth value by your service

Capacitor $ 400 ? Is only $15

Sell the sizzle, not the steak.

@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936

Ай бұрын

Filet and Lobster, all the way

$400 for a $15 capacitor you are ripping people off

@jasongeo2

Ай бұрын

Hey buddy Mike is not selling a capacitor, he is selling value. There is value in how he takes care of clients and that cost money. And the clients are happy to pay $400 for the perceived value.

@BlahBlah-em2ed

Ай бұрын

I educated myself and replaced my own capacitor because I didn’t want to pay for something I perceived I could do myself. If I was unable to do it myself, I would hire a professional.

@jasongeo2

Ай бұрын

@@BlahBlah-em2ed Then you don't need Woodmere Pipe Dr to help you. You choose to take the liability upon yourself for a faulty part or electrocution or a success ful repair. You created your own value. And that's what Mike does. Brings Value.

@G_0NZ_O

Ай бұрын

a 15 dollar part doesn’t keep the business afloat, 15 dollar part doesn’t pay for the van maintenance, the call center so on and so forth. please before you speak think about what you’re going to say

@elone1748

Ай бұрын

Do you know how much does it cost to run a business?? $15 is not the only cost to do a job.

"750.00 for just a key, that's' highway robbery!" No, There is no highway involved, it is a parking lot, and I am charging exactly as quoted. 750.00 to come to your site, fit two keys to a vehicle you HAVE no existing keys for, and reprogram vehicle's' immobilizer system.

400 capacitor...rip off, end of story period

Mike - people EXPECT to be ripped off by shady trades people. You have exposed yourself as a shady trades person. Yes, I am unsubscribing. Look in the mirror, you should be ashamed.

That guy obviously doesn't understand the cost of operating a business, not just one guy in a truck with no overhead. But fuck'em .

Just think if you still had Josh,

@jasongeo2

Ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 you see Josh had value until he called and said boss I have to come to work in my long John's I don't have my work pants and I'm coming late.