Subcontracting image

[elevenoceans]

I am subcontracting some of my work and I have some questions related to the image perceived by my clients. Is it expected that the logo and the company's name of my subcontractors come with the projects, so my clients can see it? Can I make an agreement with my subcontractors so they could not work directly with my clients for a specific time?

 

[MechEng2005]

I would say that the sub-contractor's name/logo does not need to be on the project or indicated in any way.

As far as limiting the ability of your subcontractor to work directly for the client, I wouldn't think that would be acceptable. If the subcontractor agrees to it, it would probably be fine. I think that's a little much to ask from a subcontractor though.

Typically, I would just not give the subcontractor the name of the client. This may be easier in machine design (and even then not always possible), whereas in your field I imagine that the subcontractor may need to be in direct contact with the client or need to visit the job site.

-- MechEng2005

 

[zdas04]

Are you worried about your sub stealing your client or are you trying to keep your client from dumping you to go with the sub? If it is the former, hire a better class of sub. If it is the latter, do you really want to work for slime?

I never hire a sub without the client's explicit approval. I always discuss the project and the client with the sub prior to committing. I've never had a problem. Several times, we've reached milestones in projects where I was the one that wasn't adding enough value and I would bow out in favor of the sub--I've never been hurt by that, my clients see it at caring about their costs and tend to increase my work with them.

If everyone in a project has the same integrity, then using subs can really leverage your time. If anyone on the project is lacking in integrity then they should be killed and buried under the pilings (or at least black balled). I figure if the client and/or the sub are slime I'm better off being out of it no matter what they're paying.

David

 

[DonPhillips]

Subs are not all that unusual and I have worked as one with and without my logo on my portion of the drawings. It depends on the client, my client, and the nature of the project. Similarly, I send my title sheet to my subs if we are going to create a unified set of documents, otherwise, not a real big deal to me.

If you have a strong relationship with your subs, and they are ethical, they will tell you if they are approached by the client.

I recently took the point on a project when my client got too busy and needed me to get it done. The client and I have talked about future projects but my client and I we will see how things work out on this one before we cross the bridge about whose client it is anyways.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[csd72]

It is fairly typical in this type of situation to issue the subcontractors drawings on your title block and not to mention their company. Then most companies will act as an intermediary for any design queries.

The exception is if the subcontractor is a specialist consultant such as PT then there is generally no risk of losing your client.

I would still get a non compete agreement off your sub though.

 

[elevenoceans]

Thanks all for your comments. I think I will have to make a compete agreement with my subcontractors, so they could not make any direct work with my clients at least for one year. The image of my subcontractors will also have to be left out from any pieces of work.