Wanting a quote for work in my kitchen and they want my DP to be there too. The 1950's are still alive and kicking

[strawberrysalsa]

Pretty much as the title says. I am wanting a quote to get the cupboard doors in my kitchen replaced so not a major job and when I'm trying to organise a time I'm told they will only come if my partner is there too!! I was so taken aback I couldn't come back with any suitable feminist logic, so for that I am totally BU, though I did tell them I wasn't interested and put the phone down.

But I just couldn't believe in this day and age that any company would be so patronising as to assume that a woman needed anyone's permission to spend money. Its my house and my money!!

There are so many things wrong with insisting the 'man' was there! I am still fuming over 2 hours after the call which is why I'm posting, my cat really isn't that good a listener and my kids have all agreed with me and then sloped off, they are used to my rants!!

It’s not for permission, it’s so they can hard sell without you having the “I’ll ask my other half” excuse to make them back off.

Well done for telling them to fuck off.

They want to pressure you into signing a contract there and then, and don’t want the excuse of ‘I need to discuss it with my partner first.’ I’d avoid this firm if possible.

I expect you will want to post some online reviews of this firm

Well the hard sell doesn't work on me...as I told the guy on the phone before he did the 'I need you both to be there' crap. Honestly who thought spending money would be this hard!

Maybe they're trying to play safe and not open themselves up to any claims of harassment etc. if they send a man round to a woman on her own? A chaperone.... I know it seems daft but I can't see why they'd insist otherwise.

What??? That is crazy!

We are having a complete kitchen remodel so I’ve met with the kitchen man, the builder and the electrician all without dh being there, and all correspondence and quotes has come through me.

You did the right thing by refusing to do business with them, and I hope they realise it’s their outdated attitude that has lost them business.

Fuckers. BT once refused to send an engineer out until my husband came home and checked he couldn’t fix it

Was it the man thing or both parties to be present, my DP had the same as they wanted both homeowners.

I had similar with a gas company. I told him, “certainly, but would you mind helping me dig him up first?” Yes, I know, but it shut the patronising fucker up, once the penny dropped. 😠

I will indeed be posting 'glowing' reviews. I'm so annoyed that thought hadn't even occurred to me, thanks for that.

I got this when I tried to arrange for quotes for double glazing. Agree it’s to avoid you checking so that they can hard sell. I told them to forget it. Stand your ground and they do eventually give in once they realise it’s you or nothing!

They want to pressure you into signing a contract there and then, and don’t want the excuse of ‘I need to discuss it with my partner first.’
Actually, no, I can see why now Sometimes I'm far too naive!

Must be the same company I called. Asked for a quote just to change doors and they said I needed my husband there.

I just spluttered something about equal rights and sexism or something and put the phone down.

My jaw is still dropping!

Well that’s rubbish too as surely any decent tradesman would come round, then goes away and puts the quote together, sends it to you and gives you time to consider? That’s how I’ve always dealt with this type of thing.

Would they see HIM without you?

Heaven only knows what the rational was...but the tone was very much we need to speak to a man. Presumably possessing ovaries makes me unable to make a decision.

I recently tore a strip off the RAC, and cancelled my membership as they wouldn't speak to me and needed to speak to my DP...he got on the phone explained it was my car etc etc and they needed to speak to me but that wasn't good enough.

I must live in a time warp and I'm channelling the 1950's

It is always useful in reverse. In spite of having a no cold callers sign on the door they still turn up and offer to render the house, fix the drive etc. I just ask them to leave their details and I will ask my husband.

I also deal with workmen on my own.

I have considered getting my adult DS to phone and see if they'd give him a quote on his own. Be interesting to find out...but just depressing if they were happy to!!

How do they even know there IS a DP?

that was one of my thoughts...but only after I put the phone down. Also why would I necessarily have a male partner as a woman.

OP, if you got your DS to call and they were happy to give him a quote, it would add to your review.......

i am now investigating buying new doors and bullying persuading my DS to fit them.

I'd have been tempted to agree and then arrange for female friend to act as partner when they turn up.

Just dont deal with companies like this one. Also ive known people get new doors on their kitchen and have paid an awful lot of money - be careful who you go with. You might be better getting a quote from a decent kitchen co for a new one.

We had the same when looking for a quote for windows, it's not because you're a woman it's because they need permission off of both home owners.