I'm in a pickle....Choosing elevator PM contract

[NPloysa]

Ok here is the deal. We (wildlife art museum) have one 10x12' 15,000 pound capacity freight elevator. It is a 3-stop hydraulic. I am the stand in facilities manager the parent-company Facilities Director watching over us and having me make desicions.



The OEM company's (Company A) contract is up end of this month. I never had a good experience with the weasel they call a salesman. He has tried to charge us for things that are included in our contract. The mechanic they had went to another company as a Field Super. This company, Company B, knew it was time for Company A's contract to be up. The ex-facilites manager wanted to renew the contract and the salesman sent over a copy. The FM signed it, then noticed the dates were wrong. He called the salesman and wanted a new contract sent over, with the salesman's signature. He never sent it. Since the FM left I have been in control with the Director's help.



So here I am sitting with two elevator contracts. B's is less than A's by $50/month. Company B has the ex-mechanic Field Super we used, very nice guy and did AWESOME work. Company A we have never used, but I hear their reputation is very good.



So, the Director asked me to think about it and make a decision. I don't want to play favorites with a friend/mechanic but I also don't want to be screwed by someone who had tried more than once before.



Ideas? Comments?



What would you do?



Thanks!



Nick

 

[Bill Lins]

B. Low bidder & you already know the quality of his work.

 

[BarryG]

If "b" has a cheaper bid and you already know the quality of his work and like it then there is your answer. Why pay more for an unknown mechanic especially if they ("a") has tried to bend you over before. Make sure and know your contract with whoever you go.

 

[NPloysa]

K, one more day or so of mulling around and then I need to let the Ops Director know. Sounds like a plan to me! I think I will go with Company B also.

 

[jkalchik]

About the only thing I could add to the discussion would be what about parts? In particular, parts that are only available from the OEM?

 

[NPloysa]

About the only thing I could add to the discussion would be what about parts? In particular, parts that are only available from the OEM?

Well I kinda made a mistake about that. The OEM is Minnesota Elevator and Vertitron controls. Company A was the installer only, not the manufacturer. Some companies like Otis and Schindler have their own manufacturing and maintenance departments. These two companies I am dealing with are reps and installers only, with a maintenance crew also.



So, the answer is both companies can get parts pretty easy.



Nick

 

[jkalchik]

Well I kinda made a mistake about that. The OEM is Minnesota Elevator and Vertitron controls. Company A was the installer only, not the manufacturer. Some companies like Otis and Schindler have their own manufacturing and maintenance departments. These two companies I am dealing with are reps and installers only, with a maintenance crew also.



So, the answer is both companies can get parts pretty easy.



Nick

That makes it quite a bit easier. B.