What do you do about trades not turning up or returning calls?

[Wombat27A]

I'm pretty good at property stuff, lots of experience, even qualifications but I really struggle with trades not turning up or calling back.

What do you do? What it is the proper grown up way of dealing with this?

I sort of feel I can't get another contractor in as I'm waiting on the initial contact to either come or call.

Ironically, I've had lots of tradesmen moaning about other trades for this, too, so I know it's not just me.

I am terrible with the phone (ND issues) but also wimpy.

That is a very fair point about so many calls, when the admin takes more time than the work, you have to do something to manage it.

Tho a standard phone message to say we're fully booked would be helpful.

I think I'm most disappointed about the guys who said they'd come & didn't. Just ring me up, I'm lovely!