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[Ed Walters]

Hello --

I am usually found in the live sound forums, but realistically, a lot of wht I do these days is install.  Inductive loop ALS has been around a long time, and a year ago, the US distribution changed for the main manufacturer of this gear.

The topic says it all. I've installed and commissioned dozens of these systems, but the new distributor requires $495 of training (plus travel, etc) to buy it. 

How pissed am I going to be at the end of the day? Or will I have learned a bunch? Any insight from those who've gone???  PM if you feel more comfortable doing so...

Ed Walters

[Brad Weber]

I am finding more and more pro product manufacturers requiring dealers and contractors to attend some associated training or achieve some form of certification in order to purchase certain of their products, particularly those that are more integrated systems than standalone products.  The manufacturers want to make sure that not only will companies offering those products be capable of applying the properly and that owners are getting some level of 'apples-to-apples' bids in terms of the installers being able to properly design and install the related systems.  I think it basically comes down to whether the investment is worth it to you.
 
FWIW, I recently had a contractor selected by the Owner on a project where the Owner defined a system that required mandatory training only find the Contractor did not have the requisite training.  It was quite a mess and the Contractor paying the manufacturer to come on site was the only option offered.

[Ed Walters]

I am finding more and more pro product manufacturers requiring dealers and contractors to attend some associated training or achieve some form of certification in order to purchase certain of their products, particularly those that are more integrated systems than standalone products.  The manufacturers want to make sure that not only will companies offering those products be capable of applying the properly and that owners are getting some level of 'apples-to-apples' bids in terms of the installers being able to properly design and install the related systems.  I think it basically comes down to whether the investment is worth it to you.

I expect it to be worth it in terms of ROI, but it bugs me that a product I have been installing for a decade I suddenly have to attend a full day training on. It costs $500 plus expenses, and more so it takes me off making money for the day -- so it costs twice that. And if some fire comes up at a customer site, I and they are SOL until the next day.

I would be much less annoyed IF I knew going in I was actually going to learn something as opposed to getting a rubberstamped piece of paper.

Ed Walters

[Brad Weber]

I would be much less annoyed IF I knew going in I was actually going to learn something as opposed to getting a rubberstamped piece of paper.

Maybe instead try to look at it as anything new you learn being an added bonus.
 
I personally often attend more 'remedial' events just to see what is being taught to, and perhaps gain some insights into, potential customers and/or competition.  That can sometimes be valuable information to have.

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