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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think tradesmen would want work

17 replies

legaleagle21 · 29/05/2010 21:41

I am being unreasonable to think that if you call a tradesman about a job you want doing -they should be interested in coming round to give you a quote.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 29/05/2010 21:41

maybe they can pick and choose what work they do

KodakTheBat · 29/05/2010 21:42

Maybe they are busy so not fussed. Maybe it doesn't sound like a job that would be worth their while.

iwasyoungonce · 29/05/2010 21:44

You have answered your own question in your OP. But yes, I agree YABU! They might be too busy to take on extra work.

HecateQueenOfWitches · 29/05/2010 21:47

I know what you mean. I am trying to get people to come and quote for a half sunk pool in my back garden.

Out of the ten companies I contacted, only 2 replied. one to tell me if I give them my postcode they'll give me a list of installers in my area. I did. They didn't.

And the other one came round. But it will be 2 weeks before he gives me the quote because he's going on holiday, and then he's got a conference or something.

pagwatch · 29/05/2010 21:49

It is hugely frustrating
I do wonder why people who can't be bothered to quote bother to place ads.

If you don't want the business then don't advertise

KodakTheBat · 29/05/2010 21:50

My DP won't quote for work if he can't fit it in - what would be the point?

southeastastra · 29/05/2010 21:50

ooh i'd love a half sunk pool

HecateQueenOfWitches · 29/05/2010 21:54

So would I!!!!!!!!!!!!

I dunno, you'd think they'd at least respond and say they are busy atm! Not just ignore you. Even if they don't have free time right now, they shouldn't be arrogant enough to assume that they'll never have a downturn. Then they'll be regretting all the potential customers they just ignored.

honie · 29/05/2010 22:07

YBU to assume they should want the work.

It is bad manners for them not to politely refuse the work.

KodakTheBat · 29/05/2010 22:07

True Hecate, I know my DP is guilty of sometimes keeping customers hanging on because he wants to get round to doing it but never does.

Original poster
legaleagle21 · 29/05/2010 22:16

Surely all the tradesmen in my area cant be busy all the time.

Vitually everytime I seem to phone anyone to do anything they seem to either make out they are doing me a huge favour to come and look at the job or they just say they'll get back to me and never do.

I thought there was a recession on and the building industry was one of the worst hit - clearly not so in the NW - they must be able to pick and choose jobs.

OP posts:
pagwatch · 29/05/2010 22:22

WE have had several decent sized projects on the house/garden.
I have always checked tradesmen to make sure work falls within their remit and spec.

I started out calling two or three which was a waste of time. I now call at least 6 -10 bcause of the high percentage that simply won't botherto turn up.

The current work is costing about £20,000 and could be undertaken at any time within a 12 month period. All the firms advertised that they did this type of work. Three made appointments and either didn'tturn up or then didn't send a quote.
It happens all the time. It is odd.

I pay promptly. I am nice to work for etc etc. All the guys who ever work for me are happy to take the work if I reapproach. My decorator phones twice a year to check I don't need anything.

My guess is that some tradesmen are good attheir trade and crap at administration

maktaitai · 29/05/2010 22:26

It is really frustrating when this happens. I always assume that when they don't turn up, it's because the job is too small to be really worth their while.

I must say that a friend's husband who is a builder takes forever to quote for anything, and you have to chase hard, because they have two kids (one with SN) and no family help to speak of; he is permanently knackered and running to catch up.

ImSoNotTelling · 29/05/2010 22:31

Yes we are going to be having some building work done

We ring, they make appt

They either don't turn up for the appt
Or they turn up and say they will send a quote and then never do

It's really annoying TBH

Why not just tell us they're not interested? Save us waiting around the whole bloody time.

larks35 · 29/05/2010 22:50

blimey, I wish you lot would have rung by DP 6 months ago! We nearly "went down the pan" as he had no work for 5 months! Things have totally picked up now and he has 5 jobs lined up (thank our lucky stars!!). FWIW if someone phoned now he would say that he would be happy to quote but the work couldn't be done until September.

(If anyone in the SW wants a wetroom/bathroom or kitchen installed beautifully in September - let me know!!)

Original poster
legaleagle21 · 29/05/2010 22:52

Reassuring in one way to know it is not just me!!

OP posts:
pagwatch · 29/05/2010 23:09

That is what drives me mad lark!

I always try to use local tradesmen and I always know that there will be some out there anxious to get work yet I seem always to end up having my time wasted.

Glad your DH has his books filled at the mo'

( you are too far away from me..new kitchen next year I expect)

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