Most contractors treat warranty callbacks as a cost of doing business and never run the numbers. On a mid-sized HVAC shop doing $1-2M a year, a 5% callback rate can bleed out over $70,000 annually, and almost nobody is tracking where that money actually goes.
Kosta and Johny break down why callbacks aren't always the contractor's fault (often it's a manufacturer defect you end up eating the cost for), how to actually track warranty costs by job and by vendor inside your software, and why most trades businesses never bother negotiating supplier pricing even as repeat, predictable customers. They also get into the wave of aging-out boomer contractors with no succession plan, and why every business, whether you plan to sell it or not, should be built to run without the owner.
This one's relevant whether you're running HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contracting. Job costing, supplier relationships, and exit planning all come up.
Jobtable makes it easy to track warranty and callback costs right inside your job costing, so you have real numbers instead of guesses next time you're negotiating with a supplier.
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00:00 β Intro and listener review from BC contractor
01:50 β Recurring jobs and invoices coming to Jobtable
02:43 β The real cost of warranty callbacks (HVAC numbers breakdown)
05:04 β Why most callbacks are the manufacturer's fault, not yours
12:04 β How to actually track warranty costs by job in your software
19:36 β Why customers blame you, not the manufacturer, when something breaks
28:34 β Negotiating supplier pricing as a repeat customer
35:48 β Group purchasing organizations and bulk buying direct
39:08 β Boomer contractors aging out with no succession plan
48:52 β Why every business needs to run without the owner to be sellable
What is The Deconstruction Podcast?
Construction isnβt just about buildingβitβs about breaking things down to make them better. The Deconstruction Podcast dives deep into the untold stories, insider insights, and success strategies that shape the construction industry. Hosted by the founders of Jobtable, we tackle topics that matter most to contractors and entrepreneurs, sharing actionable advice and interviewing industry leaders whoβve paved the way to success. Whether youβre looking to grow your business, spark new ideas, or stay ahead in the game, this podcast is your ultimate tool for construction and entrepreneurship.
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