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> About 12 years ago we discovered some termites in treated wood landscaping
> timbers. We called out a local termite company that had a great local
> reputation and they treated and we got rid of all landscaping timbers.
>
> They also had a deal that if you pay 10% a year of the contract they would
> come out once a year, inspect (we live in central Indiana) and treat if
> necessary. A few years afterwards the company sold out to a national
> chain franchise. This yearly renewal fee keeps climbing. It is now about
> 25% of the initial treatment cost. Which is kind of irritating.
> Especially since every year when they come out and do an inspection they
> give the arm twist to purchasing something else such as a new crawl space
> door only $400.00 (piece of painted steel with latch) or insulating the
> floor, etc., etc., etc.
>
> Now I'm starting to wonder just what to expect should they discover an
> infestation of termites at some time in the future. We really don't have
> a signed contract with them. We have been paying the annual fee,
> but........may we become the butt....... of unscrupulous business
> practices.
>
> My wife recently called several independent pest control folks for
> estimates and found that they charge about 8 times what we are currently
> paying for the annual contract with the franchise company. I am giving
> serious thought to canceling the current annual contract and doing my own
> inspections of looking for termite activity in the crawl space and garage,
> and perhaps using a bait detection system, until we discover that we have
> a problem.
>
> The independents in the area charge the 10% renewal fee. The down side of
> this naturally is that another independent could end up going out of
> business or selling to a franchise and we do this exercise all over again.
>
> So I'm looking for suggested thoughts etc. that I haven't delineated
> above. Your input would be much appreciated.
>
> Thanks much,
> Jim

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> Saw this post and just wanted to respond with some thoughts i have..
>
> First, everything eventually goes up in price. Economic conditions change
>
> over time, and companies need to change with them. Sometimes this may
> involve controlling cost by implementing new technologies or other means
> to
> increase efficiancy or to provide better service. Computers, bait sytems,
> and increased training over the last decade in this industry have
> definitly
> played a role. As far as price is concerned, just compare the cost of 1oz
> of
> active ingredient of any of the popular bait sytems to 1oz of Chlordane,
> Demon TC, or Dursban. Immediatly you see a difference. Beyond that,
> workers
> demand insurance, vacation time, new equipment, etc. My point is this.
> Many factors conrol the business environment, but i dont think it is their
>
> intent to run off customers over a few dollars. Most of the larger
> companies are more intrested in volume.

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>
> Second, what is wrong with a company rep. offering other related service
> that he provides. All you have to say is no or that you are not
> interested.
> Most people in this industry are paid on some kind of commission and wont
> bother spending much time hounding you if you are not going to buy.

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>
> look at this scenario. A company is providing you pest control service
> for
> many years and never bothers to offer you a termite inpection or service.
> Then you sell your house and discover some kind of infestation and damage
> which scares of a buyer or eats up your equity. I dont know about you,
> but
> I'd be kinda upset that someone who could have prevented this was coming
> to
> my house regularly and never bother to ask me. Another scenario might be
> a
> termite inspection service not telling you about a moisture problem in the
>
> crawlspace found during their inspection. Lord forbide they should inform
> you and try to sell you a related service.
>
> Thanks.