AIBU - to be frustrated at the lack of service and not sure what to do

[HumptyDumpty1947]

Apologies if this sounds trivial. Life has been a bit challenging recently and I am finding even supposedly straightforward things difficult to sort. Would be grateful for your views/any advice. Sorry .

I had a leak in my bathroom and consequently it needs renovating . I have ordered the tiles and bathroom furniture (costing around 4k) and have identified a plumber and tiler who have agreed to do the work (around 5k-the cheapest of five quotes!). I received a call from the suppliers saying delivery could only be to the kerb because of corona (live in London now under tier 2). Fair enough.Unfortunately I currently live alone on the 8th floor (I was living with my father but he died in July). I asked if the plumber/ tiler could help bring the the items up (especially the bath!- there is a lift) - they said no (despite the offer of money - as there is no fixed time from the delivery people). I phoned a removal firm and they quoted £60 an hour - as the delivery people are refusing to give a time slot they quoted £540 to help me move the items upstairs. I feel this is ridiculous but have approached a few firms and, if anything, their quotes have been higher! Unfortunately I have no friends or family locally. who can help. Am feeling pretty fed up but suppose I just have to go with it??? Grr...

I'd cancel the delivery and order from someone else who will take it upstairs.

Is there any possibility of arranging pickup yourself (whether by a firm or an odd-jobs person or similar)?

Kerbside delivery is hopeless in this situation. I declined a washing machine delivery for the same reason (what was I meant to do with it, stand there for hours?)

2 man lifts mean they can’t socially distance

Not sure if that’s the reason but it would be where I work, even with masks

We ask you bring someone with you to lift. Which company was this?

Are you on the Next Door social network for your area? They will have recommendations for local 'man with a van' / odd job type services which is what you want. I booked a two person job with one such outfit and they were ok to do it. Not expensive either.

Thanks.- the company was Porcelanosa. They have said I will loose a lot of money if I cancel.

I haven't heard of the Next Door social network - will see if there is one in my area. Thanks.

What were the term and conditions regarding delivery when you ordered? They can’t unilaterally decide the change them, even with Covid regulations. If they do want the change them, you need to agree, or they need to deliver at a time to suit you.

Book removals for 5pm - 6pm or whatever the hour slot would be after the latest you will get the delivery

I second the NextDoor recommendation. There’s always young lads on ours looking for odd jobs and I’m sure there would be one with a friend to help him lift it.
Otherwise maybe try a local Facebook group

buy yourself a little trolley

www.argos.co.uk/product/3115057?clickSR=slp:term:folding%20trolley:2:2:1

and then you'll be able to get everything upstairs.

I clicked the argos link and it said "4 people are looking at this right now". All of them from reading this thread I bet!