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Original poster

Can a lone, older woman indulge in a 'fucking tradespeople!' tirade?

170 replies

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 23/05/2024 10:02

I've had scaffolding left up. The company was fabulous when I needed it put up. Taking it down though has been another story. I became their storage.
Calls, messages, emails, all ignored, left unread.

So, this morning, I sent a final text: Thanks so much for sending the guys around. They're dismantling it now. Great stuff! I'm making them coffee!

How fast did the company call me? I barely hit send when they were blowing up my phone.

I hate that I've had to resort to manipulative tactics. I've had to lie and make a huge fake drama in order to get this company to remove their scaffolding.
I'm about to put my home on the market and the last thing I need is to become a scaffolding company's long-term storage.

The scaffolding will be coming down today. Result. Yes. But I feel like utter shit. I hate lying. Hate it. I hate that the guy couldn't just deal with me in a respectful, professional, direct, honest manner, And I hate that I didn't deal with him in a respectful, professional, direct, honest manner in the end. God knows, I tried.

It's really upset me, the whole thing. More than it should.

I don't know if this is a rant or what. But these are the moments when I find being a lone, older woman kind of hard. Maybe I'm making a thing out of this. But I do feel so much more aware of how much I need to protect myself from being taken advantage of.

OP posts:
Reallybadidea · 23/05/2024 13:16

Well done OP! I had the same issue with a full skip that the company refused to move from my drive for weeks and weeks, despite calling repeatedly.

In the end I ordered a skip to a fictitious number on a road that did exist. Complete coincidence that it was the absolute back end of beyond 😁 The skip went the very next day!

This was over 20 years ago though before you could pay online and it was cash/cheque when they dropped it off, doubt I'd be able to do that these days.

IdgieThreadgoodeIsMyHeroine · 23/05/2024 13:20

You are a fucking GENIUS, OP. I take my hat off to you!

countrygirl99 · 23/05/2024 13:23

Many years ago we ordered a 3 piece suite for our first house from a now defunct high street furniture store. Promised delivery was 6-8 weeks so we knew we'd need to cope with camping chairs for a few weeks. Fine. 4 months down the line we were still being fobbed off about delivery and calls/letters to head office weren't being responded to ( pre internet/email days). Eventually I found out the name of the Chief Exec and phoned telling his secretary I was his girlfriend to get put through. We got the furniture pretty quickly after that.

BarshMarton · 23/05/2024 13:27

EauNeu · 23/05/2024 10:10

This is amazing..in awe of you!

Same. You are my ultra devious spirit animal, OP. Don't be downhearted, rejoice in your victory in so cleverly outmanoeuvring that twat.

AGodawfulsmallaffair · 23/05/2024 13:30

You are AMAZING. I’m having a drink to celebrate! I shall remember this - be very very proud!

MarkWithaC · 23/05/2024 13:43

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 23/05/2024 10:18

Did you have to pretend you chased the other people off to give them a chance to come get it, whilst laying it on that you can’t watch it all the time so if they don’t take it then it could still end up stolen? It’s actually kinda funny that you basically had to play out a little skit to get them to move their arse!

I did! I think I'm full of self loathing because I really overegged the lying. I really leaned into it. I was even shouting, "Oh my god! These aren't your guys?! Oh my god, they're madmen... no I won't call the police. Call your men! They'll get here faster. oh my god!"
It kind of scares me how I really got into character. I still feel awful. And lying makes me feel so dirty inside. But in the moment, I went all the way. I fully embraced dishonesty.😳

I hadn't quite realised that you put on a whole one-woman play GrinThis is genius. If I have any grief from scaffolders in the future I'll remember it.

GrumpyPanda · 23/05/2024 13:50

So....any updates OP?

Bumblebee907 · 23/05/2024 13:51

Did they come?

TorroFerney · 23/05/2024 13:57

EarringsandLipstick · 23/05/2024 10:22

I think I've been through such a tough few years, that I'm left feeling so down about myself.

Just spotted this - I think it's key.

I get it. I've had a very tough time dealing with my abusive ex. And it's hard not see everything through the lens of 'it must be me'

As you say, this is just crap service by a trade, and you cleverly found a solution.

See this as the win it is & hopefully there's a bright new chapter ahead for you 💐

This is really insightful, it’s always about them op never about you (not just scaffolding I mean everything).

TorroFerney · 23/05/2024 14:01

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 23/05/2024 12:07

Tbh, if he does come to your door and accuse you of lying, say "yes, I did. I've been trying for x weeks to get you to come and take your stuff away, and you've been blowing me off. If I had to lie to get you to remove your equipment from MY property, that's a YOU PROBLEM, NOT A ME PROBLEM. Thanks for finally coming."

God, I want to say this. Like, it's all there. The words are ready to use,ready to be spoken.
But I swear, I'll end up hiding underneath my kitchen table, holding my breath 'til they're gone (probably taking my windows with them!).

But think logically what can he do if you say yep I did lie and it’s worked. He has no power over you , it’s your thoughts that have the power and thoughts aren’t facts. Perspective may be to Think of Paula vennels in that enquiry lying and lying, nothing will happen to her.

annonymousse · 23/05/2024 14:02

We had this and in the end we told them that they were putting our home security at risk and if we got burgled we would be holding them responsible. Surprisingly it worked and they came and collected it in a few days.

DPotter · 23/05/2024 14:04

I think your ploy was brilliant ! All power to you

Sunnyside4 · 23/05/2024 14:19

We've presently got scaffolding up, builder informed them it needs to come down later this afternoon or tomorrow as we're away next week and they won't have access. Hoping it won't be too long as it's over our three sunniest windows.

If it happens to us, I reckon I'll email them the scrap metal people who drive around has noticed it's been up a while and are coming back for scrap tomorrow!

Shufflebumnessie · 23/05/2024 14:33

I am so impressed with your tactics! I'm going to store that idea away for if I ever have to use it.
It's awful that you had to resort to playing their game in order to get them to take action, but you won!

Original poster
SerenityNowInsanityLater · 23/05/2024 14:59

Oh my god... heaps of hugs and thanks and praise to each and every one of you! I feel like I've had my own personal cheering squad! You are The Best!!

But.. you know that poster who wrote, "I think you might have posted too soon?" Well, they.were.right. 😳
Radio silence.
1:30 has come and gone. The 'apology' talk has not happened. I don't think I need to worry about offering that cup of tea to scaffolders I want to hide from because guess what? I won't need to hide. They're not showing up, are they?
All this bravado and peacock feather strutting and 'I showed them!' has gotten me nowhere. Oh I feel like THE BIGGEST MUG. And I'm STILL a liar!

So, do I put an ad in Gumtree for free scrap metal? "If you can take down scaffolding, you can have it." Apparently, they line up for it!

Will I die if I do this?😬

OP posts:
timenowplease · 23/05/2024 15:14

That's genius OP!

Don't feel bad for lying. They don't.

Life2Short4Nonsense · 23/05/2024 15:14

So, this morning, I sent a final text: Thanks so much for sending the guys around. They're dismantling it now. Great stuff! I'm making them coffee!

How fast did the company call me? I barely hit send when they were blowing up my phone.

OP, I know you said you hate lying, but I think it's epic what you have done. You are my hero and I will remember this in case I need to give contractors a proverbial boot up the arse.

However, yanbu. It shouldn't have come to this, but I am also in awe of how you handled it.

Edit: Justs saw your update. Definitely put it on Gumtree or any other site where you can get rid of it quickly. Perhaps send the ad to the contractor. Maybe they'll realize you won't be bluffing this time.

timenowplease · 23/05/2024 15:16

Ah sorry OP. Just seen you're update. They're a right shower of shits.

TeaGinandFags · 23/05/2024 15:17

So, this morning, I sent a final text: Thanks so much for sending the guys around. They're dismantling it now. Great stuff! I'm making them coffee!

Absolutely inspired.

I'm screeshotting this for future reference

CocoapuffPuff · 23/05/2024 15:18

I guess you could tell them that unless they come by 4pm tomorrow, you'll assume they no longer want it and will allow anyone who wants it to take it. Scrap metal merchants included.

MarkWithaC · 23/05/2024 15:19

At this point, I'd message again: 'You haven't turned up as promised, so I'm investigating my legal options.'

A quick google suggests that you can go for a County Court judgment claiming 'damages for private nuisance and trespass, storage costs and legal costs.'
Of course, whether they care/you ever see any money depends on how reputable an outfit they are. But you can see how they respond.

Brefugee · 23/05/2024 15:25

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 23/05/2024 14:59

Oh my god... heaps of hugs and thanks and praise to each and every one of you! I feel like I've had my own personal cheering squad! You are The Best!!

But.. you know that poster who wrote, "I think you might have posted too soon?" Well, they.were.right. 😳
Radio silence.
1:30 has come and gone. The 'apology' talk has not happened. I don't think I need to worry about offering that cup of tea to scaffolders I want to hide from because guess what? I won't need to hide. They're not showing up, are they?
All this bravado and peacock feather strutting and 'I showed them!' has gotten me nowhere. Oh I feel like THE BIGGEST MUG. And I'm STILL a liar!

So, do I put an ad in Gumtree for free scrap metal? "If you can take down scaffolding, you can have it." Apparently, they line up for it!

Will I die if I do this?😬

send an invoice to the scaffolding company for storage and security of their property. And if it is not removed by x date (give them 2 or 3 days) then you will assume they no longer need it and as scaffolding storage space is at a premium, you will have it removed at your own "expense"/offer it for free to anyone who wants it.

Charge whatever you like since i assume they won't pay - but make them worry.

Barney60 · 23/05/2024 15:33

Fabulous, well done 👏this is going in my kit bag, just in case ever needed.
Have also had lots of trouble with trades "men" over the last few years having recently done up a place. Trouble with the water board at press.
Im sure its because were female. They definately would not of spoken to my husband the way they speak to me.

Barney60 · 23/05/2024 15:35

Ohh just read your follow up post, jeez no answer sorry, perhaps tell them going on e bay or such like tonight if not removed by said time.

tattygrl · 23/05/2024 15:43

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 23/05/2024 14:59

Oh my god... heaps of hugs and thanks and praise to each and every one of you! I feel like I've had my own personal cheering squad! You are The Best!!

But.. you know that poster who wrote, "I think you might have posted too soon?" Well, they.were.right. 😳
Radio silence.
1:30 has come and gone. The 'apology' talk has not happened. I don't think I need to worry about offering that cup of tea to scaffolders I want to hide from because guess what? I won't need to hide. They're not showing up, are they?
All this bravado and peacock feather strutting and 'I showed them!' has gotten me nowhere. Oh I feel like THE BIGGEST MUG. And I'm STILL a liar!

So, do I put an ad in Gumtree for free scrap metal? "If you can take down scaffolding, you can have it." Apparently, they line up for it!

Will I die if I do this?😬

Send them another message/email/however it was you contacted them this morning, saying that the other men have left after you confronted them, but that if the scaffolding is not collected by end of play today, you will be advertising it for scrap. That this stress is too much, you don't want people turning up to take it who may or may not be the legit company again, and it's been here long enough.