|
|
The Process
We believe the process through which a prospect becomes a
client is almost as important as the final installation of our Hill Glider®
product.
We pride ourselves on being responsive to the needs of our
prospective customers on a 24/7 basis. Our management team together
with our
supplier partners, our dealers and all of our employees are dedicated to
making the buying decision as trouble free as possible.
In addition to selling
directly to consumers, we also have a network of dealers who can provide these
same services at the same cost
on a more local basis. If we determine there is
one in your area we will most often refer you to them.
Initial
Contact
We can be reached by phone
or email (see information at left). Usually we are asked to provide information
related to the cost of an individual system on a
specific site. In order to make that initial
determination of a rough cost estimate, we will
need:
-
The approximate linear distance between the spot
where the top landing is or will be located to the
spot where the bottom landing is or will be located. A
string line is usually laid along the proposed path of
the track and measured. This determines the number of
track sections required.
-
The approximate
slope of the hill the system will traverse. We
recommend use of an Angle Finder available for under
$10 in most hardware stores. Simply lay a length of
board along the path, set the Angle Finder on the
board and read and record the angle. This determines
the size of the motor required to move the car up and
down the hill.
-
The address of the
proposed installation site. We use this to determine
shipping costs to the site.
-
Your thoughts on the capacity and
features of the system you might like to install. This
will help us to roughly configure your system in terms
of car size, weight capacity, motor mount etc.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
Pricing
Estimation & Quote
We use a
standard pricing program to generate a rough itemized planning estimate which is
sent to you by email, mail or fax depending upon your preference. This will
allow you to make and advise us of any desired modifications. This estimate is
subject to any price changes in component materials (e.g. steel).
Please review our special pricing programs on our Pricing
page for more information as to how Lakeside Trams can help you reduce an
investment in a significant improvement in the enjoyment and value of your
property.
Assuming you want to proceed, we will want to have a more accurate, final
determination of the length and slope measurements of the hill to insure your
system is configured properly when it enters the fabrication queue at our
manufacturing facility. Often this can be done by one of our representatives. If
that is not feasible, many clients use a local engineer/surveyor or contractor
to make the final measurements. We can also use county records containing topos,
surveys and plats of the site to assist in this effort.
Once the system measurements, capacity and features are agreed upon we will
provide a final quote along with a purchase agreement and instructions related
to the required down payment or deposit [usually 40-50% of the total price]. Our
receipt of the deposit initiates the manufacturing process of your system and is
therefore critical to meeting your desired installation date. Any modifications
to the agreed-upon project configuration will be documented in a project change
order including appropriate pricing adjustments.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
Site Conditions
As the buyer, you are responsible
for the cost and installation of four major parts of the process:
-
Permitting: In some jurisdictions there are no
permits required for the installation. In others, a
simple electrical permit is required to run the power
to the system. In still others, stamped drawings and
planning department approvals may be required. We have
experience in assisting in most all of these
situations and are here to help. However, it is the
ultimate responsibility of the client to acquire
whatever permits/approvals are necessary. Deposits
received prior to final permit authorization will be
refunded in full if all necessary approvals cannot be
obtained.
-
Power: The system requires a 220/30 amp stub
at the top of the installation. This power must be
provided prior to the start of the
installation.
-
Site Clearing: A path approximately 5-6 feet
wide must be cleared from top to bottom to enable
track installation. This includes trees, brush,
boulders etc. Any foliage should be initially cut and
maintained to less than 4” in height. It is
recommended that any overhanging branches less than 8’
off the proposed track height also be
removed.
-
Landings: On installations for existing homes
there is often a deck or decks that the client wants
to use as landings and we will do our best to
accommodate that requirement. However, in general, the
installation of the complete system is facilitated
when the landings are constructed after the track and
car are installed. This enables the landing to be
leveled and calibrated exactly to match the top and
bottom stop positions of the car. Please remember the
construction and cost of the landings are the buyer's
responsibility.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
Installation
Upon completion of the
aforementioned process steps, we are ready to install
the system.
Depending upon weather, business conditions and
client preference, this will generally happen within the
month following receipt of the deposit. The fabricated
system will be shipped by common carrier or transported
to the site by the installation crew.
Assuming everything has been planned and coordinated
properly (it’s our job to ensure that is the case), a
typical installation should take about 3-4 days. In some
situations, local labor assistance (to be paid by buyer) may be required for a
day or two in order to help the installer(s) with any
heavy lifting in difficult terrain. Most often this need
can be identified and estimated in advance.
Once the installation is complete, the system is test
driven by the client or his/her designate and approved
for final payment which is due and payable at
that time. An instruction manual and on-board
operating instructions are provided to ensure the system
can be easily operated by the client.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
|
|
