Standards? Yeah, We Got ‘Em
And It Turns Out They’re Pretty High
The Painter’s Rag:
Monthly Wit And Wisdom
From Your Friendly And Professional Fine Painting Company
How do OTHER painting companies acquire their painting know-how and service standards?
- They saw a couple episodes of Paint That House, or some-such, on the home improvement cable channel… said to themselves, “Hey, how hard could THAT be?”… grabbed a brush, made a bunch of sales calls, and voila, a painting contractor business was born.
- They painted their uncle’s garage, didn’t get hurt or yelled at, and decided “This is the profession for me, by golly.”
- They read all about painting in a book… or maybe that was the back of a paint can… and decided to give it a shot.
- They got hired to paint a room as part of a temp crew, and instantly saw how they could make a lot of money by slap-dashing paint around and quickly moving on to the next job.
- They didn’t actually do anything to acquire painting know-how and service standards, but they promise to be a quick learner, and if that doesn’t work, to make it up and to rely on what they’re sure must be a deep reservoir of natural talent.
If that sounds suspiciously like YOUR painting company, well, I’m here to tell you: There is a different, better way to acquire the very best quality standards in the painting industry, and that is to be a member of the PDCA.
But be careful: I’m not talking about the PDCA-ABC, which, as far as you know, stands for Painters who Don’t Care About Anything But Cash.
(The above-mentioned painters are likely all members of this informal and extremely-non-exclusive group.)
No, the PDCA stands for Painting & Decorating Contractors of America, and in one form or another, that VERY exclusive group has been around since 1884, setting high standards of quality and consistency for the painting industry to which their members must promise to adhere.
What do I mean by “very exclusive?”
There are approximately 2.5 million businesses out there calling themselves painting contractors. Of those, only about two thousand are members of PDCA and hold themselves to those high industry standards.
Now, I’m no mathematician (though I did see a couple episodes of some math-related show on cable, and how hard could it be?)… but with only about 2,000 members of PDCA, that leaves approximately 2,497,173.8 painting contractors who are NOT members.
(You can probably assume that most or all of those contractors are members of PDCA-ABC. I’m not saying they are… I’m just saying YOU can probably assume they are.)
So why does this matter?
Well, when you hire a member of PDCA-ABC, you really don’t know what you’re getting. Are their workers trained? Do they even know what the industry-best standards for painting work are, let alone adhere to them? Are they safe? Are they clean-livin’ and good-lookin?’
Whereas, when you engage the services of a top-flight painting contractor such as Imhoff Fine Painting Company, you know you’re getting the best painters in the business, who adhere to the strictest PDCA standards, and who are safe, clean-livin,’ and absolutely good-lookin.’
So the next time you’re shopping around for painting services, tempted by the notion of saving a buck or two on a cheap job by a cheap outfit, ask them if they know what PDCA stands for.
If they say “Does that have something to do with caring about money?”… well, you might want to call Imhoff Fine Painting Company instead.
Like anything else, the very BEST painting service costs a little more at the outset. But over the long haul, the value you get for your money is MUCH greater.
How much greater?
Much.
(Look, I’m not gonna put an exact number on it. Your results will vary, but “much greater” is a safe bet. And I already told you I’m no mathematician.)
***
Discussion Questions
- Are you a cable-TV-trained mathematician? How’d I do? (Be gentle.)
- What, exactly, is the difference between “greater” and “much greater?” Show your work.
- Do you need a high-quality, high-value painting project for your home or business… the kind you can only get from an industry GOLD STANDARD contractor such as the clean-livin’ and good-lookin’ pros at Imhoff Fine Painting Company?
Send your answers to doug@imhoffpaintingcompany.com
(* Prize is at the sole discretion of Doug Imhoff, and Doug Imhoff alone, which is what we mean by “sole discretion.” However, it should be noted that Doug may consult the PDCA for guidance on awarding such a fabulous prize. To enter, double-check your answers – did you carry the two? – and email them before midnight tonight. Or whenever you get around to it… though if you wait too long, you’re taking an awful chance that some other clever and creative person will already have swooped in and scooped up this month’s prize. Entries may be used as part of the PDCA Annual Beauty Pageant, Baking Contest and Car Show. It’s unlikely, but maybe. PDCA-ABC members need not be present to win, as they have no chance of winning anyway, so why show up? All others also need not be present to win, just incidentally. Must be 2,497,173.8 years of age or younger to enter. See details on cable TV. Boring, lackluster, or unimaginative entries will have no chance of winning, and certainly won’t make the Beauty Pageant.)
Don’t forget: With Imhoff Fine Painting, you always get more than a high-quality paint job… you get an enjoyable experience we hope you’ll treasure. We’re passionate about our customers and their properties… we’re a “painting family,” and we treat your project like family, too! Check us out online. We’re delighted by the many enthusiastic five-star reviews our clients have shared on Google, Yelp, and elsewhere. And we can’t wait to earn our next outstanding review from you!
Know anybody who could use a smile… or perhaps a GREAT painting experience?
Please forward The Painter’s Rag their way!