GETTING SPEC’D

HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS TAKE THE GUESS WORK OUT OF HIRING A PLAYGROUND CONTRACTOR BY HIRING YOU – AN NPCAI "QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR"

...when a bid for installation of equipment is released, Installers will probably see or should expect to see the following minimum requirements:

1. Installer must provide proof of NPSI certification

2. Installer must provide proof of liability insurance and workers compensation

3. Installer must provide proof of being licensed to operate in the state they are doing business.*

4. Installer must be a certified installer

A. Certified with the NPCAI Contractors School (or)

B. Certified with selected equipment manufacturer

It is not a coincidence that the requirements to become a NPCAI Qualified Contractor are identical to this bid specification. One of the primary benefits of being a NPCAI member is the service of becoming a NPCAI Qualified Contractor. On the members’ behalf, the NPCAI maintains a database of information on each Qualified Contractor. Stored in this database are all the minimum bid specification requirements you see above.

What can NPCAI Qualified Contracting members do to make the most of this elevated status? How can you help your customers see the "value" in being qualified?

a. If you do not already have a NPSI certified staff member, get one.

b. Proof of insurance to build playgrounds is standard operating procedure. If you are not insured, call the NPCAI today for member insurance benefit information.

c. If the states you are operating in require licensing and you are not licensed, get licensed. The NPCAI maintains a database of requirements. Simply visit the NPCAI website and click – US Licensing Requirements – on the left column.

d. Attend training and certify with NPCAI Contractor Training or training as provided by specific manufacturers.

1. Get Qualified, if you are not already.

2. Educate your customer of the importance of using a Qualified Contractor

3. Keep the NPCAI abreast of all the changes in your NPCAI Qualified Contractors status

4. And last, but not least, ask your customers to include NPCAI Qualified Contractors in their bid specification.

Then, imagine opening your mail box and finding a request for bid inside. You open the envelope and read the following specification:

"Special consideration to installation contractors who provide proof they are Qualified Contractors with the International Playground Contractors Association".

Explain how being "qualified" takes all the guess work and paperwork gathering process and puts it in one place – the hands of the NPCAI.

a. Send in yearly updates of insurances

b. Update your NPSI status every three years

c. Take advantage of attending or sending key employees to the NPCAI Contractors School coming to your area.

d. Contact equipment manufacturers to find out when and if they’ll be having an installer certification training soon

a. Use the Qualified Logo/Seal on your sales literature

b. Use the term "Qualified" in all your conversations with customers and potential customers and encourage you sales and customer service staff to do the same.

c. Show your customer the link to the NPCAI website page that lists you as a Qualified Contractor. Imagine the impression and positive image they’ll get when they see your elevated status among other Qualified Contractors across the nation.

e. Put a link to the NPCAI website from your website

f. Find and use all opportunities to show your customers that hiring a qualified contractor is a benefit to them.