I got a call today from one of the biggest nightclubs in town to do some repairs. They had an amp fail last week, now this week a DSP on a different system failed. In the past they have bounced between myself and another sound company for repairs and service, but they just cleaned house on the management staff and the new GM doesn't like the other company. He asked me about a service contract, basically he wants to pay a flat rate for labor every month. I'm thinking it might make more sense to up the rate and also cover the existing equipment. The club is going on 4 years, so I realize things are nearing the end of their lifespan. Is it worth it to try to 'warranty' the old equipment, or just agree to a flat rate for labor every month, no matter how much or little needs fixing, and they pay the cost of equipment? How would you handle it? How would you calculate the rate?
