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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be peed off the washing machine repair man is on his phone

28 replies

Vickiyumyum · 26/03/2014 11:56

On hands free and has been since he walked through the door!!

This is really annoying me. He's talking away and laughing and he's supposed to be fixing my washing machine.

How can he be working accurately whilst constantly talking? Also it's v v v rude surely? Would I be unreasonable to ask him to stop his conversation and work?

OP posts:
Comeatmefam · 26/03/2014 11:57

He's come to fix your washing machine, not attend a social event. Who cares if he gets it done! At least you don't have to make cringey small talk.

NoArmaniNoPunani · 26/03/2014 12:00

Oh the horror. He'll be taking a shit in your toilet next

caruthers · 26/03/2014 12:00

I hope he's took his cap off and wrung it suitably.

AwfulMaureen · 26/03/2014 12:01

YANBU! It's very rude and not good business practice. I called a carpet fitter this morning and he didn't pick up. Half an hour later I had a call...a man's voice said "Whose this?" and I said "Erm...whose this?" and he just repeated himself!

I don't know why on earth he'd not say "hello, it's Bob's Carpets here...I think I missed a call from you?" or the like...manners...they're dissapearing!

Original poster
Vickiyumyum · 26/03/2014 12:08

Yes that's right I'm peed off because he's not doffed his cps and bowed down to me calling me ma'am!

I just think it's rude he never even said hello just said washing machine when I opened the door.

Now he's font to his van to get a part and been fine ten minutes. How big is his van? He'll obviously be back as his laptop and work bag are in my utility room floor.

OP posts:
MamaPain · 26/03/2014 12:10

I don't think its that bad. I nada guy from British Gas here the other day, he was on the phone constantly, apparently to another BG worker. They talk while they work.

He got the job done and unless you're standing over him I can't see why its an issue. Can't you just get on with what you want to do while he cracks on with what he's doing.

Fleta · 26/03/2014 12:10

My concern wouldn't be the rudeness aspect, although it undoubtedly is, but whether he's concentrating on the job in hand!

Comeatmefam · 26/03/2014 12:13

Why the assumption he can't do his job? I can check emails, empty the dishwasher, get dressed do a wee and gesiculate wildly at my children to get them dressed and out the door while talking on the phone if needs be.

Original poster
Vickiyumyum · 26/03/2014 12:25

With your head in the underneath of a washing machine to?

So I obviously Abu but I still feel that it's rude to be in someone's house without even acknowledging their presence even ignoring me when I asked him if he wanted a drink.

OP posts:
MrsDe · 26/03/2014 13:06

I wouldn't do a job I'm paid to do and spend that time on the phone. I think it's rude and unprofessional so in my book you're not BU.

londonchick · 26/03/2014 13:14

I don't think you're BU either. Far from it!!

Lottiedoubtie · 26/03/2014 13:18

Yanbu at all.

Basic manners dictates he should manage to talk to you in full sentences.

MexicanSpringtime · 26/03/2014 15:45

OMG, my only problems with tradesmen is when they don't do the job properly, don't arrive when they say they will arrive, don't tidy up after themselves or leave a job half-done and disappear for days, being able to make conversation with them is the least of my worries.

Original poster
Vickiyumyum · 26/03/2014 16:23

If that's the case he was 2 hours late as well. What's the point of a text with a time slot and no show and no message to say running late?

Anyway machine is fixed and is full. So that's the main thing and still a manger to go out for a nice lunch with the two dc that are home due to strikes.

OP posts:
ApocalypseThen · 26/03/2014 16:33

Thank goodness. Call off the hitsquad.

ICanSeeTheSun · 26/03/2014 16:37

As long as the work is done, I really don't care.

I normally get on with other things that need doing.

mrsjay · 26/03/2014 16:41

you know what i dont think you are being unreasonable if it was a work call then I can see it being different but walking into your house not to even say hello Mrs vicky and chat away on his phone while he is meant to be working is rude

LEMmingaround · 26/03/2014 16:43

Mexican - you clearly hire shit tradespeople then!

OP - that is incredibly rude of him - i'd have been inclined to tell him to fuck the fuck off! My DP is a carpenter and there is no way he would do this - he often has to take calls when he is on a job but he generally excuses himself and will only continue with the call if it is of vital importance - if he is working on an hourly rate he generally wont answer. Please tell me this idiot isn't charging by the hour!

Glad the machine is fixed though - you'll not use him again so he's shot himself in the foot hasn't he.

I had a horrible experience with a washing machine repair man, he invited himself around in the evening and niavely i said ok, i sort of knew him and i was single, thought he was OK. He was a fucking creep and wouldn't leave - thank god my friend turned up, he still sat there but got the message in the end, yuck - this was many moons ago, reminded me

mrsjay · 26/03/2014 16:45

My dh used to be a kitchen/bathroom fitter and he would have been disciplined if he took a non work call in a customers house

Original poster
Vickiyumyum · 26/03/2014 16:51

Luckily I didn't pay as was a repair under warrantee.

I just would not dream of taking a personal call when in the company of a client (dc school/emergency withstanding) and expect the same courtesy back. Seems to be coming a more regular thing, the ups man who thrusts his signy machine in your face while he continues arranging his evening at the pub on his hands free (everyday not just once or twice) and the agent who when showing myself and my director around new premises was constantly texting and seemed irritated when asked a question (lost yourself a sale there). I'm not some old gimmer expecting royalty treatment and these weren't teens any of them, just seems to be becoming a bit of a modern day third world issue and dependency on mobile phones.

OP posts:
mrsjay · 26/03/2014 16:59

I used to have a washing repair man who was a nightmare not my fault the machine was dodgy it was always breaking down I used to dread him coming as he would sigh and humph about as he was trying to fix it , he once said you must be over loading it he did find a few coins in blamed that then was back 3 days later

LEMmingaround · 26/03/2014 17:03

Whilst i essentially agree wiht you Vicky re taking phone calls, as a sole trader my DP runs the chance of missing out on work if he doesn't answer calls as people will just move onto the next number they have if the call isn't answered immediately, but its a balance and common sense. If he is talking to the client, the call has to wait, but if he is working then sometimes he has to take the call.

Pawprint · 26/03/2014 17:10

It could be worse. I was practically held hostage by a BT repairman who spent five minutes mending the telephone and forty minutes telling me all about his OU course. I wouldn't have minded normally, he was a nice chap, but I so wanted to rest whilst my baby was napping.

mrsjay · 26/03/2014 17:15

god i once had a man measuring my windows for blinds spending an hour trying to sell me the expensive ones then go and have a fag in my toilet while on his phone couldnt get rid of the bugger so trapped him at the loo door had his briefcase in my hand and said i would call if i wanted any

Original poster
Vickiyumyum · 26/03/2014 18:07

If it was business calls I wouldn't have minded but definitely personal calls. My dad is self employed so I know about needing to answer the phone.

OP posts: