Tradesman asking for a sandwich

[AtleastitsnotMonday]

I’ve had a tradesman working on the outside of my property today. Got here about 11.30, job was about a couple of hours worth of work. About 1200 I went out and asked if I could get him a tea or coffee. He answered “Tea, white with two please, would you be able to knock me up a cheese sandwich while your there?”
Now, admittedly I’m rubbish at saying no at the best of times and I wasn’t expecting this so obliged, even returning to check if he would like pickle/tomato etc with it.”
Dp thinks I’ve lost the plot and he was being grabby and to be honest I’ve only ever made drinks with the odd biscuit before, the only exception being when we had an extension built which was a much longer project and I outdone make them bacon sandwiches on a Friday morning if I wasn’t working.
Would you have made a sandwich?

@myusernamewastakenbyme

My dh is a landscaper and was cutting hedges in someones garden last week in freezing weather...it was lashing down with rain etc....the householders were at home and didnt offer him a hot drink the whole day...i just cant understand some people.

It will be because of Covid- the householders don't know whether your DH has silent Covid. Dealing with someone's cup/plate after they've used it poses a risk if they are infected with Covid.

@Tzimi
I suppose it's used as an excuse more often than I might have thought. Frankly I think meetings fill up too much of the working day, I recall moving from a job with productivity targets to project management, and feeling like all that time sitting around talking about stuff rather than actually doing anything wasn't real work.

@Lovely1a2b3c possibly but unfortunately its been happening long before Covid....some people are just selfish arseholes.

Sorry to wake a zombie thread, but thank goodness I found it! I have landscapers coming in next week, and genuinely don’t have a clue how to manage this thanks to social awkwardness. I really wanted to make sure I had made the right provisions available should they ask for anything. Teas, coffees, biscuits and snacks, and plenty of sandwich supplies ought to do it? Off to read the whole thread now but it would be a no brainer for to me offer food or drink. I just wish I’d known for smaller jobs I’ve had done before, I’ve struggled with interactions in the past and want to get this right. Off to read the whole thread now

And I should offer rather than wait to be asked, yes? I might say on day 1 that they’re to give me a shout whenever they need sustenance...?

All the workmen I’ve employed have brought their own lunch snackodactyl. I give them access to the kettle to make hot drinks if necessary, but I don’t prepare sandwiches and food for them.

Thanks LizBennet, I’d expect that, too. It won’t hurt to keep a few things in just in case then?

A packet of biscuits maybe, but it’s honestly very rare for a tradesman not to bring their own lunch.

If the job is going to be a long job I would provide a kettle and tea/coffee stuff for them to make their own drinks regularly.
I think making the odd round of sandwiches if you have the time and like doing that stuff is often appreciated and if you’re in a bakery etc grabbing a round of cakes for them now and again is also nice.
But then cooking is my hobby so there’s definitely an element of me wanting to do that stuff in there.
As for the OP I really don’t think someone who’s doing physical labour asking for a quick butty is cheeky!

I cannot in a million years imagine a tradesperson asking my 6 foot burly DP to make him a sandwich. He asked you because he sees it as a woman’s job to cater for him while he does the manly things. He’s perfectly capable of making or buying his own sandwich.

I haven't read the FT but has anyone considered the fact that maybe the builder is diabetic and needed something to eat quickly?

maybe there's some kind of tradespersons network, and he knew about the bacon sandwiches?

Depending on circumstances. If there were no cafes near by I would.

YABU.
It's just a sandwich.

I think I will just need to see how each day goes. Certainly happy to make tea, coffee and offer a biscuit. I’ve seen my neighbours offer people they employ a drink but not beyond that. But I really wasn’t sure about sandwiches and lunches . I want to be hospitable but I don’t want to go over the top either - and that’s where my overthinking sets in...

Not really a big deal. If you didn't want to, say no. If you didn't mind, then fine. People fret over minor things these days!

I haven't read the FT but has anyone considered the fact that maybe the builder is diabetic and needed something to eat quickly?

Wouldn’t he be the first to know about it in that case and bring his own supplies?

If i was making lunch for myself/kids I would offer.

@makingmammaries may have gotten caught short so to speak. My mum is a t2 diabetic and can sometimes suddenly have a funny turn when out and forgets to put a snack in her bag then needs something immediately.

Hell no! A. There’s a pandemic on. B. Men are perfectly capable of making their lunch the night before and bringing it to a job with them. It’s just sexist rubbish.

I do this all the time. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Do what you’re comfortable with.

Being mobility impaired I dont wait upon workmen. I tell them "if you want a drink there is cola in the fridge" and thats it. None have ever asked for anything else. Most of the work people I ever call get on with the job and then leave. Im not a cafeteria.

Having said that, unless its a very quick job I usually make sure I have a male friend or relative around if its going to be a long haul. I find tradespeople behave differently when there is a male there.

[quote Pricklypear12]@makingmammaries may have gotten caught short so to speak. My mum is a t2 diabetic and can sometimes suddenly have a funny turn when out and forgets to put a snack in her bag then needs something immediately.[/quote]
Fair enough, but you'd want something quicker acting than a sandwich-even a sweet biscuit would be better.

I always give or offer lunch to those doing work for me in the house.The last group took it some days and other days went off for a half an hour.Water and a crate of drinks always at hand and coffee throughout the day.