Sub-Contracting

[Splats]

My background is on the sales and marketing and I have a sold numerous products on behalf of other companies for a commission. I've now set up my own company and want to undertake some of the fulfillment work in-house. The products I'm involved in aren't especially taxing; windows, doors, bi-folding doors, wood burning stoves, etc.

However, I don't do enough volume (yet) in any one of these products to justify a full-time installer. I therefore want to sub-contract out the "fit" to a suitably qualified person. For example, stove installation by a HETAS registered installer, bi-fold installation by someone experienced in fitting bi-folding doors, etc.

My issue is that I'm pretty wet behind the ears in the business world and not well connected with salt of the earth hands-on guys. I need reliable guys to sub-contract work to and I'm willing to pay good rates and provide semi-regular work... I just don't know where to start my search. Anyone got hints and tips on how I can successfully sub-contract work out until such times as the volume/cash-flow/etc justify employing in-house fitters.

[Sunnyone]

I don't think you would have any problem subcontracting. Lots of companies always use subcontractors whatever their size.

I would suggest looking for one man bands as these trades people won't have the time or skills for the marketing and sales side where as bigger companies will do it all in house.

[Splats]

Sunnyone said:

I don't think you would have any problem subcontracting. Lots of companies always use subcontractors whatever their size.

I would suggest looking for one man bands as these trades people won't have the time or skills for the marketing and sales side where as bigger companies will do it all in house.

That was my thinking too, sole traders with their own van/tools, etc. My issue is how to find them - many of them probably don't have much in the way of a web precence. Also, for more specialist stuff like the bi-folding doors, it's the sort of thing someone would have experience in but won't be set up solely as a "bi-fold door installer". I'm kind of hoping there is some sort of website that specialises in aligning tradespeople with other businesses on a B2B basis. Obviously, there things like checkatrade and ratedpeople but I guess they are orientated more towards aligning tradespeople with a specific client for a specific one off job.

[Sunnyone]

You could use sites such as rated people, some main contractors do. Another way would be to go to a local networking group such as bni which is full of one man band trades, these guys would also be able to recommend the other trades you require.

[uber]

Finding good quality sub contractors was a bit of a nightmare for us when we tried to find fitters for a home product. Even offering top rates and making sure they have all required documentation does not mean they are going to work out.

My solution was to hire a project manager who is a tradesman himself part time. He works more like a commander and they all listen to him as they see his as one of their own

[Frimley111R]

I did this, 'advertised' on here and UK Bus Forums to begin with. We only needed a few installers. You have to be realistic about how many will stay and how many will work out/not work out but that's how buisnesses often grow.