Choose a Quality Cooling Tower Vendor the First Time

To master a skill takes knowledge, dedication, training, and proper leadership to encourage teamwork and trust. Today, consumers require businesses to earn their respect and trust. Similarly to hunting, especially when hunting with a dog, one cannot be successful without knowledge, training, leadership and trust. Businesses should work the same way in that their actions should speak louder than their words. As businesses compete for your attention, how do know which ones to listen to? Here are a few important guidelines to keep in mind when "hunting" around for a cooling tower vendor:

The first step in choosing a cooling tower vendor is to familiarize yourself with the company. Be sure that this company could be a good fit for your needs and ask yourself the following questions:

a) Who are they? How does this company's values and goals align with what I'm looking for?

b) What products or services does this company provide? Will these items meet the needs of someone in my position?

c) What additional resources and support can this company provide about their area of expertise? For example, customer service availability, localized service, quality and efficiency of a mobilized labor force, project management experience, flexibility, customized services, educational books or digital documents to help support you, or any other additional resources that help address your cooling tower needs, issues or questions.

Next, do your research. This may seem like a daunting task, but it truly is not. Your prospective cooling tower vendor should be able to clearly answer and easily explain the following:

d) Organization and implementation of safety programs to ALL employees (including craft workers): First ask about loss time and worker reported injuries. This will tell you how much management encourages, mentors, and follows the rules of their own safety programs. Discuss how management works to ensure that their employees are correctly following the safety programs. Be sure the company's safety programs are up to date with OSHA and industry standards. See what the cost of injuries mean to you and your business.

e) Communication between companies: The contractor and the host company must properly communicate each of their safety program requirements and address any loop holes that there might be before starting a project. Taking action to maintain a safe work environment for all employees should include: ensuring that basic training, hazard communications and record keeping requirements are followed.

f) Is this company licensed in your state? Many US states require by law that contractors are properly licensed to complete work within that state.

g) How Much Training Does The Company Have? Experience doesn't necessarily mean training. Know what proper training your contractor's employees have and be sure they provide proof of that training. Proper training is proceeded by a detailed quality of work that is truly a craft in completing. Be sure to work with trained personnel.

Lastly, discover what levels of quality and experience that they offer:

h) Quality and Experience: What standards of workman ship do you wish to be completed by your contractor? Be sure to educate yourself about the project that is to be completed and how much experience your contractor has in that particular subject. How many times has your contractor completed the same task and how well of a job did they do?

i) Who is overseeing your project? What experience, training and references does the project manager have as an individual? Know who your project manager is and find out through his/her personal references how well he/she manages people & issues. Also be sure your project manager is someone that you can work with. You will want to see eye to eye on the task at hand before beginning the project. This will ensure a great professional relationship with proper communication, and quick resolutions to any issues that may arise.

j) Customized experience: A company with the right experience and knowledge will work with you to create a customized project plan that meets your specific needs, requirements, and goals.

k) References: Ask for references, and speak to those references. References will provide an un-biased perspective.

l) Accuracy in bid quotes: A low bid does not mean much if multiple things were not quoted for properly; in which case you end up spending way more money than what you expected! Take time to understand the provided bid and what the materials and costs are. If you have any questions, be sure to ask. A good contractor will make sure you understand the bid quote. Furthermore, ensuring your contractor has an experienced estimating team will help in being provided a proper and accurate bid.

m) The final price quote: The Company that meets the above factors may end up providing a higher bid; however you will have a lot less surprises when the project starts. This is the company that understands how to properly plan and manage a project and to prepare for some of the "unknowns." Be sure to look beyond the price and truly weigh your options.

Don't get lost in the sea of messages. Keep these guidelines in mind to quickly determine the right candidate to complete work at your jobsite. Happy Hunting!