Your Magazine, DECO...

Is the only source for reliable, timely and in-depth information. In the June issue, meet the PDCA Superstar Instructors. These are the business subject matter experts that will be teaching and writing for PDCA.
Read about their backgrounds and think about how valuable DECO and PDCA education opportunities will be for your business!
PDCA…turning a new page in outstanding member value!

There is not another….

Magazine in the painting and decorating field that even compares with DECO…your own magazine. In fact, there are only two magazines in the entire architectural paint field.
DECO is the only real magazine. Business articles, trend articles, technical articles by experts in their fields…so you know you can trust their information and ideas!
Read your magazine…its part of your membership dues. Support our advertisers!

You Own a Magazine...

DECO belongs to PDCA members. Finally a trade magazine for and by PDCA!
Due out in early June. Read it and tell us what you think.
Your copy is free as part of your dues…after all, you own DECO!

Did you know...

DECO is supported by the people you buy things from!
Take a moment to look at the advertisements. These companies are supporting your profession and industry. Without them your DECO would not exist.
Please consider buying advertisers products and services!

Watch for...DECO Magazine!

As a member of PDCA DECO magazine is yours! And, best of all volunteers serving on an Advisory Editorial Board are guiding its direction and content.
DECO will be published in early June.
Feature and technical articles by Cusumano, Lussier, Brown, Gehrke, Lanzillotti and Cochran.
As a PDCA Member, you get a free copy!

Concept to Think About

Permit me to take a crack in changing some thinking.

"Cost and Estimating" remains a very popular topic as PDCA education programs and publications.

However, may I suggest the terminology is inaccurate and perhaps even misleading. Here's a question to start…Most contractors provide "free estimates". If that is true and no intervening unusual circumstances arise, is the "estimate" what the consumer thinks is the final price? If the answer is "yes," then the free estimate is not an "estimate", it is an offer of final cost, right? If the answer is "no," then does the estimate have clear language that it is only an "estimate" and what is the consumer reaction when a contractor changes the estimate?

Perhaps it is time to be more precise and perhaps the precision will lead to clarity, which often turns into credibility and trust. Determining business costs is an internal business function. This is proprietary information, which varies significantly from company to company. This critical business function should always be labeled "Means and Methods of Determining Net Business Costs." This plus profitability is the "real" estimate.

Estimating the cost of a job should also be an internal business function. I suggest most consumers believe an estimate is a final cost and offer of work, unless catastrophic circumstances dictate otherwise. Therefore, there is good reason that an "estimate" should not have been seen by a consumer.

If a contractor feels an intermediate document must be put in the hands of a consumer, (to close on the spot), it should be called an "Offer to Perform Work" with the final cost subject to final inspection.

The really important document is the contract for services. PDCA has created as a member service a "model" contract, which we believe covers just about all circumstances. However, we urge that it be reviewed for compliance with state and local laws and compatibility with your personal company practices.

In summary, I am suggesting "cost and estimating" needs to disappear from the painting business lexicon. Instead, this phase of business practices should be thought of as a continuum of necessary steps.

INTERNAL

• "Means and Methods of Determining Net Business Costs"
• "Means and Methods of Estimating the Cost of Delivering Painting and Decorating Services"

EXTERNAL (to the consumer)

• Offer to Perform Painting and Decorating Work (if needed)
• Contract for Services
  
  The suggested change in terminology and process creates a much clearer understanding between consumers and contractors. In other words, it creates a meeting of expectations and outcomes, which in turn leads to trust, confidence, and satisfaction. When a project goes wrong, it is almost always because expectations and outcomes do not meet.
  
  What do you think?
  
  Ian
  
  Dr. Ian R. Horen, CAE
  PDCA CEO

2008 Young Contractors Program

Please let me know if you would like to see any of the following courses offered during the 2008 Young Contractors Program.
If you want PACE to offer a specific course, let me know and we will start working on it.

· A Global View of the Architectural Paint Market
· Changing Design, Color and Demographic Trends
· Solid Color Deck Stains: Trends, Substrates and Formulation Study
· Formulating for the VOC Compliant Architectural Paint Market
· Deck Stains: Understanding and Meeting the Needs of the New Decking Market

Have a great weekend,
Liz

LA in 2008

We are getting ready to send out the Call for Papers for PACE 2008 for courses and instructors.

Let us know what you would like to see at PACE and we can work on making it a reality.

What programs should be included in the Young Contractors Program, general education sessions, etc.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Liz

Postal Rate Increase

For those who use the USPS for mailings marketing your company there will be an increase in the price of a First Class stamp to 41 cents, and set May 14 as the effective date for these changes.
I dont know the specifics if you send out catalogs, etc.
Thank goodness the rate of this blog has not gone up!Liz

PACE 2007

Hello Everyone,
I am starting a BLOG for the Young Contractors that I hope we all access throughout the year so we can all keep in touch.
Liz