What to do if tradespeople start to ignore your messages?

[MandalaYogaTapestry]

The builder with a long and very friendly history of an array of jobs, who has committed to doing my extension since before the planning, who then saw the plans, did a very long assessment of the property, came with a colleague who was to be involved too - and then stopped replying to messages. Messages are read. No explanation, complete ghosting.

A very friendly horse riding instructor stopped replying about booking lessons.

Some smaller examples, like a a gardener and a physiotherapist.

Absolutely 100% no conflicts and no payment issues ever.

Does that kind of thing routinely happen to others? Why won't they just reply to say no if they can't help anymore? Should I keep trying to get in touch?

@Regularsizedrudy

How often were you messaging them?

With the builder I would message, wait a week or 10 days, then message again. Then again 7-10 days

With the riding instructor I give it a few days

How annoying

Honestly I’d find someone else

If you use eg bark.com the builders roofers etc actually put quotes on themselves so you can leave feedback. This stops any annoying ghosters.

I've had this too and I would far rather they just politely turned the job down than ghosted me.

It's taken me a year to sort out what should be a very simple bathroom fitting. I know precisely what I want. No layout changes, just all the old ripped out and new suite and tiles installed.

I've had tradesmen:

• say they will come to measure and quote then never turn up
• measure up, then never send the quote despite chasing
• give a quote, set a date and then disappear.

I'm finally getting it done next month hopefully but this process has been really frustrating and disappointing.

I understand what people mean about awkward clients, but it's not me. We are always clear what we want, and with the builder's family we even exchanged cards last Christmas, we talk about our dogs, etc.

He is very bad at replying generally but once he is on to a job he is the most reliable person ever. Which is why we wanted to hold on to him.

Let them have the radio on

@Crepescular

Obviously, you need to choose and vet your servants more carefully.

What an idiotic thing to say. Builders, gardeners and physiotherapists are skilled professionals who charge accordingly. They’re no-one’s servant!

It's very annoying, I was having a 6 weekly appointment with a laser tattoo remover, told me on the last session that I'd probably only need 1 more session...that was 3 years ago. Stopped answering my calls, ignored my messages on FB and Messenger, what's even more weird is her parents were very good friends of my parents (when we were younger). And yes I was paying her full price.

Really annoying but I guess she has her reasons, I can't force her to answer my calls and messages

We're renovating and are having the same problems, as are all the people I know who are having work done.
After speaking to a tradesman, he told me that over lockdown, most companies have been inundated with calls and messages so much so that they can just pick and choose which work to do and ignore the rest.
It's very common at the moment unfortunately.

This is a factor for me. I bet it is hugely busy and they can pick and choose and ghost people.

I can’t deal with that right now so am waiting for a bit

@Houseofvelour

We're renovating and are having the same problems, as are all the people I know who are having work done. After speaking to a tradesman, he told me that over lockdown, most companies have been inundated with calls and messages so much so that they can just pick and choose which work to do and ignore the rest. It's very common at the moment unfortunately.

There is also the fact that there is HUGE issues with supplies right now.

I've just had this with someone who gave me a quote and then ignored me when I tried to proceed. Why quote if you don't want the work?

I didn't quibble over cost and I haven't had a chance to nitpick or be indecisive or ban radios yet!

At this point I pretty much detest tradespeople and it genuinely pains me to have to deal with them.

I've had my fair share of this over the years, and I'm definitely not an unreliable customer.
Some of them are just disorganised, some are just too busy, some just decide they don't like the look of the job. And as they are self-employed they can pick and choose. I've learned not to take it personally.
I'm actually sat here waiting for a landscaper to come and quote for a new patio. We agreed last Saturday that he would call today but my request for an estimate ETA was ignored. I've got a horrible feeling that he won't turn up.