What do you think installation is worth?

[clearcable]

I would like to get some feedback from others about what they would pay and what would be a fair charge for complete installation of a motorized and non motorized system. I am thinking of starting a business installing and also selling fta systems. I am thinking around $800.00 for a motorized system including all parts which would profit around $500.00. Do you feel this is to much? Do you feel there is a demand for fta by certain ethnic people and would they pay for their cultural channels. There are a lot of religious channels also and I feel there may be a market there also. Just hoping for some feedback and maybe some ideas.

[William Eng]

I would like to get some feedback from others about what they would pay and what would be a fair charge for complete installation of a motorized and non motorized system. I am thinking of starting a business installing and also selling fta systems. I am thinking around $800.00 for a motorized system including all parts which would profit around $500.00. Do you feel this is to much? Do you feel there is a demand for fta by certain ethnic people and would they pay for their cultural channels. There are a lot of religious channels also and I feel there may be a market there also. Just hoping for some feedback and maybe some ideas.

I know locally that installers charge $50 to $100 plus equipment. Let's be realistic, setting up a dish is not brain surgery.

[Vitruvius]

After I installed my dish, I was hoping for brain surgery... LOL...
Perhaps the DN and DirectTV installers can do it pretty quickly with their experience.
I know someone in the DC area who was charged about $500 for a fixed system to be installed... on a balcony in a condo. I would think you need to charge differently for each installation.
I have 150 feet of underground conduit and cable from my dish to my house. That was a lot of work.

[boz]

I don't think $500 is too much, but you'll find few people to pay it. For some reason, the technical-electronics trades won't bear the same fees compared to similar tasks in other fields. I think this has to do with the hobbiest nature of things, and the ability to find a friend/neighbor/acquaintance who will do the work for free or near free.

For instance, when I sold my last home the inspector found water collecting in the crawlspace. I hired some joker to take care of it, and all he did was dig a drainage trench with a shovel and fill it with gravel. This was 2 hours work. He billed me $500 and held up sale of my home till I paid it.

Also, see how much it costs to replace something like an alternator or A/C compressor or do a brake job. I do that stuff myself, but my mom paid $800 for an A/C compressor and $500 for a 4 wheel brake job. Try getting that stuff done for free.

I used to do home computer upgrade/repair, but stopped because there's too many non-professionals who will do it for free, not to mention the problem that for the rates I must charge, people can just buy a new equipment.

Unfortunately, I don't help my own cause. Relatives still send their computers over and friends ask for my help with their satellite problems and generally I don't charge for my time. Try to find a mechanic, electrician, doctor or lawyer who doesn't charge for his time.