AIBU to choose to buy elsewhere?

[TeatimeCrime]

AIBU to think that if you change a fundamental part of your business that you may lose clients?

I've bought a particular household product(don't want to be too specific) for a long time from an old former neighbour. Every so many years when we changed the existing one, or my parents did I'd buy from him and he'd come out, measure, deliver and fit it. His work was good quality and we were always happy with the product. However he no longer has transport and while he still makes the product he can't come out and measure. fit the item or deliver the product. We have to measure ourselves, collect the product and pay someone separately to fit it which is anything but convenient in comparison especially as he has moved some distance away and isn't available consistently.

He asked recently about getting a new one and I've told him that it really isn't convenient for me now and that while we loved his products unfortunately we'll have to find another supplier but praised his work. He's absolutely furious and has sent some very unpleasant texts.

I feel bad for him but AIBU to choose to take my business elsewhere?

Apologies for the most boring AIBU ever.

Well he is going to lose even more business if that's how he responds to his customers. Not unreasonable at all, he can't provide the same service as before, even if he could, it doesn't mean you are tied to him forever

No sounds fair enough that you go elsewhere.

But I am going to spend the morning wondering what household product needs measuring, supplying and fitting on a regular basis.

It isn't regularly. It's every so many years but my family bought from him before I did and then when I had my own house I did the same, so we've used his services for a few decades now

Just tell us what it is please. Seems doubtful he will be glued to mumsnet

But I am going to spend the morning wondering what household product needs measuring, supplying and fitting on a regular basis

Yep

I'm going with new kitchen but every few years is a bit much.

Cooker?

Integrated fridge or washing machine?

Carpets?

while he still makes the product he can't come out and measure. fit the item

So not an appliance then? Intriguing

Doesn't sound like a great product if you have to replace the fucker so regularly.
misses point of thread

I'm guessing window blinds. He's an idiot, I'd block him on your phone and not respond to any further attempts at contact. He provided a product and service but now on provides the product he has to accept that part of his customer base was based on his ervice not just his product.

Not unreasonable at all. Even if he hadn’t changed any part of his business doesn’t mean you have to continue buying from him

Yes it's a type of blinds. I don't change mine regularly but my late Grandmother certainly did, and I will be changing mine soon, first time since moving into this house, but I'll be going elsewhere. I do think it's best to block him. It's unfortunate because we've used his services for so long but between the lack of convenience and the abusive texts I think that we're done.

Block him and forget about it. In fairness he isn't providing a full service anymore.

Thank you for the opinions. I feel reassured that I'm most likely not being unreasonable.