FLIR E4 or E5

Is anyone using the Flir E4 or E5? Looks like a good jumping off point to get involved in infrared.

Where is a good place and or website to purchase IR cameras such as the FLIR ONE unit.

Both wastes of money. At minimum you want the E6 but can tell you it won't be enough once you get going with it. I bought the E30bx at a good price on an open box, resolution 2 years ago and is 160x120 (E6 resolution), which is okay, but I'm wishing now I had the 240x320 and looking how MSX enhances things, seems even better. If you can't afford $3k+ for a camera now, save it, cause you'll regret dropping the $1k for a lesser cam almost immediately as you'll likely find trying to sell it when you decide to upgrade will prove futile or difficult at best.

MonroeInfrared.com has been providing classes thru one of our professional associations, throughout the state for a year now. They are regulars at the inspector trade shows. I bought my E60 (240x320, $8k,) elsewhere some 3 yrs ago. The sharpness of the images, especially as provided in my reports, is so much better; kinda like hdtv, I'll "never go back." Clients probably don't know the difference, tho'. If/when I get another, the MSX technology will make it even more impressive.

I bought a E40BX 3 years ago, and it worked well for then, now my employee has it. I stepped up to a T420 5 months ago, bought through Monroe Infrared, and purchased a wide angle lens and it is worth it. Now, I am expanding my business into thermal as a stand alone company in addition, so justifying the 10K cost was reasonable. As others have said don't spend the minimum as you will likely want something better. I immediately raised prices when I bought the first camera across the board and paid for it in 6 months with that increase. If all you want is just a tool in the bag to do a quick scan here and there or WOW the client, then spend 1K. If you want to really get clear images and be able to possibly in the future branch out into energy audits, or look to start doing roof scans, electrical scans etc. then spend the money. Monroe also has, if you are interested, some reasonable short term lending options that are pay to own over 11 months.

As another thread started here was talking about the FLIR Iphone add-on, eventually clients will be pulling these out on site and start asking questions, so take the plunge!

Considering adding IFR this year. Any info on pricing and marketing in your markets would be greatly appreciated.

bstringer1 wrote:Considering adding IFR this year. Any info on pricing and marketing in your markets would be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking of adding it as well. Does anyone have any input? Does it give you an advantage in your market?

The fixed focus is pretty limiting for anything less than 3 feet away. I've got a E50bx and really like it. I had an e4 but sold it; I didn't care for the fixed focus.

Kevin Moore wrote:

bstringer1 wrote:Considering adding IFR this year. Any info on pricing and marketing in your markets would be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking of adding it as well. Does anyone have any input? Does it give you an advantage in your market?

I don't have an answer re the market aspect, but for inspections, to be able to detect moisture not otherwise discernible makes it a must.

Philo wrote:

Kevin Moore wrote:

bstringer1 wrote:Considering adding IFR this year. Any info on pricing and marketing in your markets would be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking of adding it as well. Does anyone have any input? Does it give you an advantage in your market?

I don't have an answer re the market aspect, but for inspections, to be able to detect moisture not otherwise discernible makes it a must.

Do you charge extra for it or include it with your inspections?

Charging extra or including it is a location by location decision.

My decision is to say "it is including in the inspection if we see an area with water staining, but if you want the whole house done it is $129."

This works because a guy in my market includes it in every inspection, but he is about $80 more expensive; when I say it is include on a limited basis I am capturing his business although I will rarely actually need to use it.

So far this year I've made $1,400 in add-on infrared scans so I've still had people want the whole house done.

Kevin Moore wrote:

Philo wrote:

Kevin Moore wrote:

bstringer1 wrote:Considering adding IFR this year. Any info on pricing and marketing in your markets would be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking of adding it as well. Does anyone have any input? Does it give you an advantage in your market?

I don't have an answer re the market aspect, but for inspections, to be able to detect moisture not otherwise discernible makes it a must.

Do you charge extra for it or include it with your inspections?

INCLUDED. When I started, I immediately raised my base price $25. I don't know how many jobs it has landed for me. I do the panel, and the ceilings (for insulation, and leaks for 2-stories.) I will likely continue that model. But I think I will additionally do what one of the local multi- firms does, and upcharge for a separate, more comprehensive scan (and include HVAC and air infiltration, simple no blower-door.) He experimented and found $90 for that add-on service appeared to be the "sweet spot" that buyers would pay for in this market.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 11/16/2014 10:25 PM EST

SheehanThomson wrote:Charging extra or including it is a location by location decision.

My decision is to say "it is including in the inspection if we see an area with water staining, but if you want the whole house done it is $129."

This works because a guy in my market includes it in every inspection, but he is about $80 more expensive; when I say it is include on a limited basis I am capturing his business although I will rarely actually need to use it.

So far this year I've made $1,400 in add-on infrared scans so I've still had people want the whole house done.

I would seriously encourage you to rethink that policy. Even if you only increase your prices by $50 you would still be cheaper than the other guy and you could continue to include IR as you see fit but advertise it for every inspection. You're gross income with that $50 increase on only 150 inspections would be $7500. That's more than 5 times the $1400 you got by trying to convince people to add it on.

Whether or not your current method is actually capturing the other guy's business is not something easily proven, but you would also gain business buying being able to advertise IR as a USP for every inspection.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 11/16/2014 10:32 PM EST

And I would lose all of my customers who would have hired me if my price were $50 lower...

I don't mention IR unless someone asks; when they do I say "it's included" (limited) "or you can pay $129."

This works for me.

When you say it's included do just use it on areas of concern or something specific?