What if all shoes were the same? No more choices just a simple black shoes. No more heels, or boots or tennis shoes. And what if those plain black shoes only came in one size? That would be great for me if all shoes were size 12 unless I wanted to go for a jog, work a construction job, dance in the ballet or muck out a stable. But what if you wore size 9 or size 15? Every day you would be faced with the unenviable task of shoehorning your way into shoes way too small or stuffing toilet paper in the toes to try to make them fit. Soreness and blisters would become a daily reality. Also, because there was only one option and no competition, the shoe manufacturer could charge want ever they wanted and raise prices indiscriminately regardless of the pain and cost.
Although this would give us all more closet space, I doubt we would take it very long. A one-size-fits-all solution is never fair and ultimately makes us all sore.
The big elevator companies have been making black, size 12 shoes for years, forcing customers to sign long-term contracts that are rarely fair, rarely fit and cost way too much for the services provided. It seems that elevator owners are stuck with no choice and little recourse but, you can go out and get a new, better pair of shoes.
Here are some steps to consider:
- Cancel your contract. Some elevator companies have unfair automatic renewals and if you miss a small window of opportunity they will reinstate your contract automatically sometimes up to five years with rate increases included! The easiest way to not miss the date is to cancel your contract now and keep your letter notifying them.
- Know when your contract is coming up for renewal. You need to have done your comparison shopping before your current contract expires.
- Don’t be bullied or pressured. Sometimes companies engage in heavy handed tactics to keep you under their thumb. Don’t buckle, remember you are the customer!
- You usually have options other than your current provider. Understand that just because Bigg Elevator manufactured your equipment, they aren’t the only company that can service it. Most elevator contractors are perfectly capable of maintaining all brands of elevators. Mechanics move around between different companies, and have broad experience on many elevators. So talk to those other elevator companies and see what they can offer you.
- Read the fine print: There’s more to a contract than the price. When considering one company over the other, read the fine print and know what you are paying for. Ask questions if you don’t understand something or you have a concern. If you don’t like certain provisions ask for changes. Elevator contractors will negotiate.
- Shop around for the type of service and maintenance plan that fits you. Reputable elevator companies usually have different plans at different levels. Realistically look at what you need and determine who can meet that need well for the lowest cost.
With the above steps you should be able to take control of the elevator maintenance contract and slip into something more comfortable for a change.
Elevator Schmelevator 