if you are a tradesperson and you are asked to quote for a job and you don't want the job you should say so.

[Renniehorta]

Three times recently I have asked, in one case a plumber and in the other two builders, to quote for jobs in my house. They have appeared to be keen to do the work but their quotes never materialise.

Two weeks ago I asked 2 upholsterers for quotes. One got back to me within a day, the other yesterday. The second quote was cheaper but I had already accepted the other as I thought that I had once again been let down.

Is this common? I live in an area where most people are comfortably off, so I assume that there is plenty of work.

In future I have decided to just say, 'Do you actually want this job?' AIBU?

this is a common thing. No idea how you managed to turn it into some slur on the OP's personality Aermingers

I often don't quote for work. I usually think things over and decide whether to or not, taking into account if the client seems difficult, parking, access to property etc. BUT I always get back to potential clients and let them know I won't be quoting. Not getting back to you at all is very rude.

I agree with upthread that giving a deadline to get back to you by is a great idea. It's also true that if I've just spent 10 hours doing physical labour, I'm not inclined to come home and spend hours doing paperwork, so usually get back to people over weekends.

I tend to find that they 'over quote' if they really don't want the job rather than just say no on the phone when its described to them. I just find the whole thing a real faff.

I've found the site Rated People quite good for small to medium jobs (I don't know if there are other sites that offer a similar service and I don't know if they cover the whole country) like filling in a serving hatch I no longer wanted, paving my garden and most recently building an enclosure for my cats so they can go out in the garden in safety.

It's in their interest to get back to the customer as there is a review system for the work and the trades people have to pay for the service although the customer doesn't.

I have a reliable builder who prides himself on return work. I usually ring him if I need any other kind of tradesman and get his recommendation. However, even that let me down once - guy was supposed to quote me on putting in a new boiler and never got back to me. It baffles me because I've told the builder who is now disgruntled because it's made him look bad...

Fanjo, I made a fair comment on the possible reasons why. I said it was a possibility. But you just read what you want.

Lots of interesting comments. I had major work done on my house last year and it was wonderful to see all the trades coordinated and working together. However the problem seems to arise when you need a one off job done.