The hidden price tag: Why cheap gate hardware costs you more
Picture this: You’ve just completed another quality fence installation. The lines are perfect, the look is schmick, and the customer has raved about your craftsmanship. You move on to the next job, feeling the satisfaction of a project well done. Then, three months later, your phone rings.
It’s that same customer, and this time their tone is far from complimentary. The gate you so carefully hung is sagging, the latch sticks, and their pet has escaped – again. They’re angry, frustrated, and now you’re facing an unexpected return trip, lost hours, added expense, and the sinking feeling that your hard-earned reputation is taking a hit, all because of a few dollars saved on substandard gate hardware. Sound familiar?
A fence, no matter how expertly erected, is only as reliable as its weakest link. And ironically, those weak links are so often the gate hardware – the hinges, latches, and locks – which typically represent the smallest proportion of the total materials and upfront cost of the entire fencing project.
Opting for budget-friendly hardware might seem like an insignificant way to shave a little off the initial outlay. However, as many fencing installers and even DIY enthusiasts discover, this short-sighted decision on a relatively minor expense can quickly unravel the integrity of the entire installation, leading to a disproportionately costly and time-consuming nightmare down the line.
The real cost of callbacks – upwards of $600!
Common issues we see stemming from low-quality gate hardware include sagging gates that drag or won’t align, frustrating latching and closing problems leaving properties insecure, hinge problems like rust, seizing, or even complete failure, and the pervasive issue of rust and corrosion weakening the entire gate structure.
So, what are the real costs associated with installing or using low-quality gate hardware? Imagine a scenario where you need to return to a client’s property due to faulty gate hardware. Let’s break down the kinds of costs involved:
This brings the direct out-of-pocket expense for a single callback to a range of $390.00 to $490.00.
But the financial impact doesn't stop there. Consider the opportunity cost. Those 3 hours spent on the callback could have been spent on a new installation, generating an estimated $240.00 in revenue (based on the same $80/hour rate).
That brings the total estimated financial burden of just one callback due to cheap gate hardware in the range of $630.00 to $680.00! A staggering and unsustainable cost for any business.
The longer-term costs
Beyond these immediate and quantifiable financial hits, the decision to use inferior gate hardware casts a long shadow over your business and your wellbeing. In today's interconnected world, your reputation is paramount. Word-of-mouth referrals and online reviews can make or break your business, and repeated callbacks stemming from faulty, cheap components are a surefire way to generate negative feedback and erode the trust you've worked hard to build with your clientele.
Not to mention that constantly dealing with repairs and the frustrations of unhappy customers takes a personal toll, leading to increased stress and decreased job satisfaction.
The last line of ‘DFence’ is D&D Technologies
For over three decades, D&D Technologies has been synonymous with uncompromising quality in gate hardware. From pioneering innovations like the MagnaLatch®, the globally recognised standard for pool and child safety gates, to our range of TruClose® industrial-strength, rust-free polymer hinges engineered to endure the demanding Australian climate, our focus has always been on long-term performance and reliability.
We understand that the last line of defence for any property is the gate, and its effectiveness depends on the quality of its hardware. We achieve this through a commitment to superior virgin polymers, industrial-strength stainless steel components, rigorous testing, and meticulous local manufacturing right here in Australia, allowing for stringent quality control at every stage.
Choosing D&D means investing in hardware designed to ensure that the last line of defence remains strong and dependable, significantly reducing the costly and frustrating cycle of callbacks that can drain your profits and damage your reputation.