To think if you offer handyman service, you should bring your own tools?

[bitesthedust]

Needed a simple task done, change the configuration of my brand new Ikea sofa

Put a post up on the local nextdoor app and handyman’s wife replied with a quote, told me they had the same sofa and he assembled and also changed the configuration after, so he was familiar with the task

I removed all cushions and seats from the sofa and cleared the area, made space to make it easy

Handyman arrives 30 minutes late with a child (I guess 5-6 years old) asks me if it’s ok, I say yes

Handyman proceeds to work but half way through the task asks me if I have a certain tool…I said nope, I don’t have any tools. He then says that usually Ikea sofas don’t require any tools but this one does…so he proposes to go home, get his tool and come back later

He goes and comes back - with the child - quicly enough and carries on working.
While he is working, the child keeps playing with the sofa’s springs and running his (short) nails on the upholstery. I’m annoyed but say nothing. Handyman says nothing (yes he saw). The child is well behave overall with the usual being on the way and talking, which distracts the dad and slows him down.

I helped him carry the sofa twice. The original handyman from taskrabbit did not need any help at all.

Once he is done a hand him the cash. He did not seem happy. I said your wife told me it’s £x. He said ok.

I open the door for them to go and say thank you very much for your help - looking at his phone, he said ok.

I guess maybe it took longer than he expected but
1- his wife said he was familiar with the task
2- he did not bring tools
3- he brought a child

Also, 2 other people quoted the same but it was after I arranged with this one, but it reassured me the quote was fair

Now, I’m happy the sofa is done but
1- will never use his service again
2- will never recommend him to anyone

Rant over

He sounds like an arsehole! Omg 😄, I think you handled it fine, just don't use him again x

If you use the Next door app to find people to help isn't it likely it'll be a bloke from down the road doing it?

Did you pay cash? Get a formal receipt on with printed details on?

I usually get trades people from taskrabbit but their company service charge is extornionate so no longer affordable

He was local
I usually do a bank transfer from my phone but today decided to get cash for some reason. Pretty sure he would insist for more money if he saw was bank transfer

Flag number 1 - dealing with the wife

Shame the other quotes came after I booked this one but is over now
It was an uncomfortable situation from start to finish though

That sounds pants! They sound as though they are just desparate for some money rather than people running a business, ie, not professional at all.

This is no way a criticism but if you don't want to pay professional prices you really can't expect professional service.

Did any of these people have reviews online? You need stop relying on apps and ask real people for recommendations. To be frank, in all the time you have spend on this, you could have watched youtube video and done it yourself. It really isn't hard.

Exactly this. When I moved house I posted asking for recommendations for a cleaner for a one off clean. I just got a bunch of randoms replying saying "I'll do it"

How did you come to this conclusion?
As I said two other people quoted the same. I went with him because they were the 1st one who responded

I would need help at least carrying it.
Even he needed help

and I didn’t want to do it myself

But point taken for not using randoms from the local community and will be more thorough next time however the question is:

Should a handyman bring his tools or expect the customer to have the tools?

Handyman/trades should provide own tools. Always. Not bring child - ever😬. Should provide a receipt.

I think the answer to your question might be if using a third party platform like taskrabbit, you need to confirm with the person whether they will have all the tools needed to complete the job you want done. As it seems like a platform where you could engage a home DIY enthusiast or a real tradesman. Like buying a car on auto trader, you need to know whether you're dealing with a trade or private seller.

You didn't hire a trusted handyman. You hired a bloke whose wife recommended him on NextDoor. A proper handyman would have brought tools.

Maybe I should report them somehow because they offer all kinds of services very often and even gave me quotes for painting, wallpapering and other general handyman services (shelves, mirrors, curtain poles, pictures on the wall) and she says she is a handywoman too - in the past their availability did not suit me but I’ve exchanged lots of messages with them and even sent photos of tasks and they seemed professional.

Yes it's like that on facebook. i'd never rely on those sort of sites for professionals to be honest. Always ask for a personal recommendation for a friend.