How is it possible for redi mix companies to charge an outragous price for their product and pay their somewhat not so bright drivers nothing to deliver their product but it is criminal for a pump company to try to get a decent price for  their service and they pay thier operators a decent wage or in some cases a good wage, but the pump company gets beat up on the price steady and we make the job of the contractors easier?

RM company carries considerably more risk. The mud must meet the specifications, If not, then they may be liable for the removal and replacement of the structure. Which isn't a big deal on a driveway slab, but on a commercial job, it is considerable. The insurance policy that they carry is quite expensive. multi-nationals self-insure. The risk is mitigated by producing the product with quality materials. A lot of the time, a problem with in-place concrete is beyond their control - finishing or placing issues, or an issue with curing, or excess water added at site.

From what I hear, the same thing is happening in the RM industry in certain areas.  An RM salesman friend of mine, said that he wished he worked for xxxxxx company "because it would be the easiest sales job in the world.  All they have to do over there is cut the other guy's rates" Price dropping and Wal Mart mentality does seem to be happening for sure with the ready mix companies.

readymix over here has fallen in price in the last 6 months by around 30%, it just shows the profit they were making.

where I come from the redi-mix company charges a winter heat charge between the months of Oct1 to March 1. Nobody bats an eye. If I was to charge that same deal for my pump,I wouldn't have to worry about working in the winter! I wouldn't be working.

Some interesting things to consider

Around here almost all the redi-mix supplier have been bought out by the mega companies.This was shrewd practces.Not only did they get that company but the material pits,powder as well.By doing this they could dictate the pricing of everything.After all someone has to pay for it.

Today with the meltdown they probably did lower the prices to some.The only thing the big guys did was lower the profit margine.My costs went from $64 a yrd to $100 a yrd in a matter of a couple yrs.Supply and demand.

  How many suppliers are in the area.  Supply and demand.  Pumps have become a dime a dozen in ontario.  Supply is way up demand is at lowest of lows for pumps.  Up there how many redi mix suppliers are there, two or three. Even with low demand supply is inconsistent at best,  therefore prices go up or at very least stay the same, with the pumps the opposite prices have crashed and will not change unless there is a big economic upturn or some of these companies go bankrupt.  The latter will put pumps at auction to be sold at rock bottom prices which encourages other people to get into the market and the cycle continues. Batton down the hatches and get ready for a bumpy ride, this ones going to take awhile before it blows over.  I know it sucks to see other companies in the concrete industry doing well but remember they are not the enemy they're the people you're counting on for referral work.

you put a crain on a job, they have a nice, clean,level area to set up and customer is happy to pay whatever you charge .you pull up in a pump you have to clean a spot and level your own area, and they pay what they want to or next time your at home and price cutting sob is pumping. giving the pump away for nothing, and in the long run hurting himself and the buisiness.dont get me wrong there's nothing wrong with shopping for better prices.BUT WHERE DOES IT STOP??? i mean come on there has to be a limit . joe blow pumps this time and darlin dan the next before you no it joe blows washing dishes for suzy que, and darlin dan is sweeping her floors . IT HAS TO STOP.   

 Well the reason is they have the product people have to have. There are ways to get around using a pump on many sites but, there is no way to get around not having the mud.  Up here in N.Az they are more expensive because everything has to be trucked in so, that kills us being able to raise our prices. About the only price increase we had is the fuel surcharge and, a couple of the contractors whined about that. They went to other people from south of us who pretty much in my eyes gave it away but, as usual they came back because the service isnt there.

 Murph part of the reason they could drop the price of the concrete is that cement powder demand went down and, the price of it has dropped. Part of the reason for that drop is the Chinese have stopped stock piling it for the Three River Gorge project. One of our local plants was planning on doubling their plant capactiy because of it but, since have shelved it because they arent going to be exporting as much. We were actually looking at 3 new plants up here of 1 million tons+ capacity coming on line and, now they are not going to. The one that was started will be finished and, the others are on hold. I was looking forward to the one for some 24/7 pours and, some good checks but I guess it will be a pipe dream now.