Worth changing Management Co.?

I'd like to thank those who responded to my inquiry about printing costs. We got a refund of almost $700 from our MC, albeit with no apology, just assurances it was an honest mistake. A mistake however, that they cannot explain. I and at least one other board member believe we should switch MC, as we are sure it was no mistake, and at .12 per copy side, they are making money on our printing. Our president thinks we should basically move forward with them, since MC knows we are keeping an eye out. How big of a pain would it be to switch, and do you see this as a big enough reason to do so? Thank you for your thoughts!

First and foremost read the contract between the MC and the Association.

Typical contracts do not allow simple termination but allows for an opportunity for the alleged wrong doer to make it right and move forward. Additionally, there may be penalties for terminating a contract early and advance notice requirements. Hence, read the existing contract and understand all of it.

Now, I'm one that believes every contract should go out for bid when the contract time is up, even if you like the working relationship you are in. This way, the Association knows that they are getting a fair deal at the prevailing rates. If another company is lower and you like the company you are with, give them an option to match those rates (most will if the bid was realistic).

With any contract you need to decide what you want and don't want an MC to do and draft a statement of work that you are expecting from such a business relationship. Use your existing contract as a basis for that statement. This lets bidders know what you are expecting and allows you to compare apples to apples.

Hope this helps,

Tim

Actually, having dealt with a number of termination, I have never come across one that had to be terminated for cause and gave the MC the opportunity to correct. Now, what I have seen a lot is the "evergreen clause". I have walked away from 6 or 7 with their specific termination language.

Thank you everyone!.......all good information and food for thought. There have been a couple of recent previous incidents with MC that were questionable actions on their part, but they were given the benefit of the doubt. In this case when questioned about the charges we were told it was no mistake, and they gave general reasons for the high numbers. When I demanded details, they stopped answering emails for several days before admitting the "error". The person who handles our HOA is extremely knowledgable and really knows their stuff, which makes the thought of change hard. I just have a problem giving our business to someone whom I feel has been caught stealing the HOA's money. Buy maybe the grass isn't greener.........