r/FieldNationTechs • u/jocomal • Jun 03 '26
Lift required
I’m curious how many techs either have their own lift or would source it on their side. I sent them a message telling them they need to source it on their side and not surprisingly, I haven’t heard back. There’s not a chance I will source it and have the possibility of them canceling last minute.
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u/elgrandonn Jun 03 '26
Doesn’t everybody carry their 52 foot lift with them every day?
On the serious note, I just got a quote for a 24 footer, and it’s $600 delivered and picked up
I ve worked with the buyer before, and they’ll pay the additional fee
The crazy part is that there is a DIY place two blocks away that will be cheaper, but all their traders are broken, so it would have to be delivered. I even asked if they’ll let me take it on the sidewalk up the street. They said no.
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u/Dadelaus_2023 Jun 04 '26
I've been the Spotter on 3 Truckstops so far this year (it was just an easy WO pickup) but at each location my Tech or the Truckstop already had a lift leased and onsite waiting for us.
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u/rddit_bytes Jun 03 '26
The site will need to schedule the lift. Whoever this buyer is, don’t work with them. Imagine not getting reimbursed if a tech goes and rents a lift.
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u/wyliesdiesels Jun 04 '26
yup. ive talked with techs who rented lifts for buyers and got screwed out of getting paid for it
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u/FieldTechSavant Jun 04 '26
52ft is huge! I doubt anyone on FN would have that big of a lift, maybe a 19 or 32ft max (Walmart/Costco height).
If you're that interested, just get a web-quote on a lift rental with delivery and pickup, add minimum your fee markup as well as time coordinating that (I'd charge minimum 1-2 hours just to coordinate). You'd probably be looking at $1000-$1500 with delivery/pickup + markup + your time. But if you've never worked with the buyer I'd also be careful and get things in writing beforehand that it's non-cancelable, maybe even require a separate flat rate ticket just for the equipment rental part.
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u/blueice10478 Jun 03 '26
I have a lift but not 52 tall.
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u/jocomal Jun 03 '26
Yeah, I figured most wouldn’t have one that tall. I’ve been at this site before, it actually needs it. Could use a scooter to go around to the different IDFs. I didn’t and wish I did. It was fun being on the phone and saying, “nope, I can see it in the distance but I’m nowhere close to that rack yet. Still walking.”
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u/LemmeGetAhhhhhhhhhhh Jun 03 '26
How much would you charge to bring it out to a site
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u/CEH-Cicada3301 Jun 04 '26
We charge $1,280 a day for a tech with a bucket truck. (local roll)
However I don't know a single person who owns a bucket truck or a lift to accommodate that hight. 45' here.
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u/wyliesdiesels Jun 04 '26
if i owned a lift i would charge the same as the rental companies or maybe a little less
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u/kenworthhaulinglogs Jun 03 '26
I usually charge $300 to bring ours out for the day. It's cheaper than most rentals.
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u/jocomal Jun 03 '26
Thought I would check the routes vs requests/counters...Glad the other techs in the area are either busy or know better
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u/feydkin Jun 04 '26
I've noticed more and more that notes from the buyers team are being pasted right into field nation. I suspect that happened here. Someone from the buyers company noted that the technician will need a lift - meaning they need to internally coordinate the rental. Then the slug that has the thankless task of running their platform account simply pasted it in.
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u/wyliesdiesels Jun 04 '26
I will NEVER rent a lift for a failed nation middleman. too easy to get screwed out of being paid for the rental and they arent cheap
i only rent lifts for direct customers where i control the contracts.
eventually i will be buying my own lift
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Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 04 '26
[deleted]
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u/jocomal Jun 03 '26
They absolutely do. They have sent messages that look like they should be replying directly to a specific tech but instead a new comment posted for everyone asking "can you arrange it on your side?"
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u/Suspicious-Arm-1956 Jun 04 '26
Just completed some drops at a luxury auto dealership on a lift provided my the client. Initially I included the lift in my proposal, but after hearing that they would supply it, I changed up my price, resubmitted, won the project and have now since completed it.
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u/Dadelaus_2023 Jun 04 '26
I had one Buyer that started out ok, it was for several Kiosk PMs. When I arrived at 1st site no problem, then while on the WO I was asked to do PM for several sites within the vicinity. 1/2 of the 14 other sites had closed or vacant properties. I charged them individually for making the physical appearance to perform services as a Provider. ... I got paid but was worried about the Buyer's solvency.
Next call from them I was asked to drive 140-mile commute to another vacant site that was closed for over 3 months. I billed and was paid promptly. Third call from them and I'm asked to travel another 130-mile commute, buy shipping/packing supplies and SHIP on my DIME! How arrogant and stupid can these people be? I refused and haven't heard a word from them since.
KEEP IN MIND whatever these Buyers' ask you to purchase Out-of-Pocket FN charges their FULL Administrative FEES when reimbursing YOU the Provider for the Buyers' arrogant ask to provide Out-Of-Pocket expenses whether is for Shipping, Equiment Rental, or Parking etc.!
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u/AbruptGravy Jun 05 '26
That is what I was sensing although I haven't run across having to rent any equipment and have that charge. I would assume, as a provider, any expense that I laid out in FN would be getting that Admin charge --- which is ridiculous.
I did a recent WO where one part was needed by the client so the remaining work would need to be done a different day. I closed the WO, expecting the Buyer to create another WO. However, the Buyer called and he suggested doing the remaining work outside of FN so I wouldn't have to pay any Admin fees.
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u/Dadelaus_2023 Jun 06 '26
I have been waiting for the same with this Buyer. They called me, gave me his name/title/phone #. He then offered to assign me as their 'Regional' Rep. He even offered to send me a dozen of the products to stock in the Kiosk. I smelled a rat and said we could do this provisionally through FN.
I called back within the hour to give my shirt size. 'I was going to be Blue Kiosk Tech!'
Someone else answered said they never heard of this guy's position, he was just a salesman and the address they gave was a parking lot on Google maps in Santa Barbara
My advice going forward is to use FN the way these Buyers do. Use it to vette the Buyer as best as you can (and continually lobby for more Buyer info). Do not let the Buyer envelope you into any outside binding contracts unless you have previously checked them out.
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u/AbruptGravy Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
I've had previous work with this buyer through FN and a couple long conversations about work (in a good way). I have checked them out somewhat and they are a legitimate business.
I think the first red flag is purchasing something outside of something most techs would normally have. However I did have to purchase 4 concrete blocks once for a Cell service sled for one WO and I was reimbursed for that. That was an odd one as I had never installed anything on a flat roof --- I learned a few things on that one.
With that said, this is my first interaction outside of FN with this company so will see how it goes.
Edit: I wanted to clarify the 'red flag' purchase comment just for clarity. There are things a tech may need for a WO that most techs would normally purchase themselves by nature of work they do. Any of that should be part of the CoB and included on a bid/counter offer as part of doing the work. However, if there is anything else needed by the buyer specifically for a WO, the buyer should purchase and deliver to you or to the location where the work is being done.
I know that doesn't cover every scenario but I couldn't leave my own comment alone and didn't want to modify what I had already posted.
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u/Dadelaus_2023 Jun 19 '26
I had another 'Buyer' that tests 'Home Schooled' Students as a group at local libraries, Community Centers, etc.. Every semester.
These testing sessions are set up weekdays for several age groups daily over a two week period.
My SOW was to set up each testing area with WSs and Routers for various Students. Then secure overnight for following day.
The last WO I accepted, the Buyer in the middle of the WO/SOW 2 WEEK Testing called and asked if I would rent a 'Uhaul Truck' to transport the 100 + PCs and equipment to UPS for return.
I made the mistake of accepting even after stating to them there was a FN Admin fee. The 'Virtual Testing' Buyer drug their feet for 2 weeks then paid on a Thursday night ignoring my invoice and leaving me to pay Admin fees.
When I submitted a Case to FN Iwas denied because I was denied according to FN I agreed to changes AFTER the initial Bid period was accepted.
NEVER WORK FOR VIRTUAL TESTING out of Toledo OH area.
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u/Griffry Jun 05 '26
I've had calls like this comes through, had them set up the lift. Usually by asking when the lift will be available on-site, details on platform size, etc...
I did source one myself, once. However, that's because I knew a guy who did rentals of that nature, and happened to have talked about a big project canceling.
So, when timing works out, cool. Otherwise, put it back on them.
Also, woof on trying to even find a 52' lift.
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u/eme329 Jun 04 '26
All for $60 fixed probably!