Installers, Why Help Noobs and DIY’ers?

Sorry guys, trying not to sound like an ass... I have to ask.

When people come into my shop and start asking how to wire this and run that, I can be somewhat helpful. But when it comes to anything technical, I usually stop after a bit and tell them that I make money because of knowledge that I have, and if I give it away to everyone, I am out of a job. I don't mind aswering the odd question when I have all the answers and know that i'm right. But I think that there should be a limit of what you should share.

Are you trying to drum up work? Want to impress everyone with your vast knowledge? ...bored?

I don't know about you guys, but I work 12-14 hour days in the winter and don't have much time to sit at the computer answering stupid questions like..."does my 2001 cavalier have passlock?"

This forum is great, don't get me wrong. I have used it successfully on many occasion. But reviews of products, known problems and troubleshooting issues would be alot more helpful to us professionals. Know of any Installer-only forums?

Just my 2 pennies.... Flame away.

ps. and, you guys do know that the wiring info and such that is given away from techsoft and wherever is copyrighted...right? What are the risks?

Justaguy, when you were first started installing did you figure everything out on your own or did someone help you? my guess is someone helped you. did that person HAVE to help you? no. they did it I hope to make you a better installer. when I was starting out I would ask ALOT of questions to installers and even called some car audio manufactures to get questions answered. I know I was a pain but the people helped me out and I thank them for it.

now I'm in a position to help other people out with their questions and I don't think twice about it. I always tell someone upfront that if something is maybe a little too far out for them to do leave it to a professional. it will save them time and money in the long run. but leave the desicion up to them to make.

I'm sure you're not the only person to feel that way, just keep up the good work.

Bill

i feel the same outtaluck72, give and you will get 10 fold. i feel it's about being a good person for yourself. i myself cant shoplift what was freely give to me by the countless installers i sponged for info. and yes if the problem is to great or surpasses there knoldge then they will find out the hard way and learn or let a proffessional take care of it. whatever happen's there will be work maybe not as much as we would like but thats biz. and if your one of those installers that paid to go to school that is great and if you feel the need to keep your knoldge go ahead. but i find and like i already said, by me helping someone it helps me better myself in all kind of different ways to many to list.and that is my 2 cents

Good question.  I've always enjoyed figuring this stuff out myself & tinkering.  I've blown it more than once too & had to ask for help.  Have had to pay for it too.

I remember my first experience wiring a relay for door locks, around 1991.  I had parked my car in the field next to my apt building & completely taken it apart to install the sound system & alarm.  After working all nite on the alarm & figuring out I was in way over my head, I pedelled to the closest audio shop to ask how to wire the relay.  The installer told me, "that information is what I get paid for."  It struck me as completely arrogant & ticked me off so much that I never went back there to buy anything.  I only needed 2 minutes of help.

I look back on that and can see his perspective now.  He probably had kids like me in there everyday asking crap like that.  I can't blame him now, but it did cost that shop money at the time.  If he had told me where to look for the answer, like here for instance, I would have been appreciative & wouldn't mind finding my own answers.  And I would have kept buying things there.

Installers are paid for their knowledge, yes, but mostly (IMO) for doing the work & being able to do it better than any avg joe with a crescent wrench.  I think your shop should sell one of those install how-to books.  When people come in with anytthing other than the most basic questions, respect that they want to figure it out themselves & just say  "Here's a $10 guide that will tell you most of what you need to know."  And explain that if they want it done right that you'll be happy to sign them up.  Then you're the good guy any way you look at it.

As if this forum owes you something more special than it should provide for DIYers?  My philosophy (as a hobbiest, but I've formed it by reading what many installers and shop owners have written here) is that you give back more than what you've taken.  I've learned a lot through this forum and am willing to help others learn as others have helped me.

My sig line tells that story.

I think it is interesting that this came up.  I know that in this business we are providing luxary items in a sense.  Not providing necessity items means we are hurt by fluctuations in the economy and currently gas prices.  I have to believe that sharing your knowledge is what advances our business and increases sales.  I am probably repeating a lot of what was said above but I strongly agree with it.  I am young, and as soon as I got my first vehicle along with it came the passion for car audio.  It has made me decide to be in the business and further my education so I can be in the industry. 

I feel very strongly about sharing my knowledge with others.  I enjoy helping others out, hope to ignite the same passion in another, and I have found that business benefits from patting someone else's back and they tend do the same in return for you.  Also, if you show that you know about the equipment and installation procedures thay are much more likely to come to you for business. 

When I have slow business days and am feeling discouraged, I just simply have to drive to class.  As I notice how horible traffic is, I also realize just how much potential work is out there.  It also helps me appreciate the traffic and relax a little more.

Personally, I feel I owe a lot to the experts on this site for helping me when I get in tight spots.  I can't very well offer them much help or bake them cookies(no requests please), so I feel I do it by passing the knowledge on.  Continuing to inspire people to have interest in car audio and accessories can only help progree the industry.

I am sorry if this has a little ADD to the order of it or content (I am multi-tasking).  I feel strongly that this website is 99.9% good.  Here have my soap box.