I had a leaking roof for several weeks because after many phone calls to many roofers, who all said they'd come out to look and quote, only one actually turned up as promised, and thankfully fixed the problem. I now have loose plastering around the cornice and ceiling that was water damaged, needs replacing/plastering.
I'm now having the same issue trying to find a plasterer to turn up. I've phoned 5 over the last 3 weeks, all promising to come out at a specified day/time, and then just not showing up when I've had to take time off work to be in! Zero communication from any of them and won't answer further calls.
I had a similar problem last year when having issues with my electricity fuse box. As much as I wanted to use a local electrician, I had to give up and call British Gas.
I am using council recommended tradesmen and ones who seem to have good reviews/local reputations etc but that appears to mean nothing where customer service is concerned.
I am so fucking over the flakiness. I'm not sure why they can't just tell customers that they are too busy to take on anything else instead of stringing people along. Has anyone else had this with traders?