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Original poster

Would you rather use a female plumber over a male?

56 replies

Sixer · 25/04/2009 20:01

I am just about to complete my first qualification in plumbing. I have had hands on experience with DP, and will continue on to gas in sept. I would like to start up a business now and was wondering what thoughts you may have of a female plumber, also ideas for a company name. I would really appreciate the voice and ideas of MN.

OP posts:

Original poster

Sixer · 25/04/2009 20:31

bump, advice welcome!

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pottycock · 25/04/2009 20:34

I love the idea of this, I would definitely give business to you if you were in my neck of the woods. Good luck to you

southeastastra · 25/04/2009 20:35

i'm not bothered as long as they turn up when they say they will and don't rip me off

thisisyesterday · 25/04/2009 20:35

it wouldn't bother me male or female tbh, but I bet there is a market out there for female plumbers, so good luck!

Flibbertyjibbet · 25/04/2009 20:36

I don't care who does a job as long as they can do it and don't overcharge/invent work.

mamas12 · 25/04/2009 20:44

YES I would love to employ all female workers in my house Where are you?
Good luck I am sure you will be very successful.
As for a name, well, is Plum too twee?
Or a sign I saw on one van was Hot or What? Bit sexist that one for a female though.
Or use your full name so everyone can see you are a woman.

OrmIrian · 25/04/2009 20:45

No. It isn't an issue.

purepurple · 25/04/2009 20:45

not bothered either way

Original poster

Sixer · 25/04/2009 21:00

great! thank you so far for feed back! mamas, I love Hot or What? was thinking Lady Plumber? I don't know if I have the ...not balls, ... for Hot or What? I am based in the s.west. I figure my selling tactics would be, women have a better eye for detail, cleaner, more trustworthy/honest, reliability... I'm guessing (from previous experience of being a careworker), the elderly would be happier letting a woman into there home, single parents etc?

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Original poster

Sixer · 25/04/2009 21:13

bump, more thoughts would be great, please!

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BananaFruitBat · 25/04/2009 21:16

Umm, I'm not sure about your selling tactics. Why are you, as a woman, cleaner, more trustworthy etc.?

pottycock · 25/04/2009 21:18

I agree BFB! I wouldn't go down that road Sixer, it comes across a bit patronising and smug! Plus, you can't substantiate it!

Original poster

Sixer · 25/04/2009 22:03

Mmmm good point. I would without a doubt leave your home as I found it, like I would expect mine to be left. I don't want to get the hoover out after tradepeople have been in my home. I understand what you are saying though. Personally I would trust/understand another female over a male. (as much as i love DP and trust him). Just grateful for any ideas, as this business idea is in it's 'still chewing it over days' and i'm very open to any ideas or suggestions.

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Plonker · 25/04/2009 22:05

Just do a good job and don't overcharge me then I'll be happy - I couldn't care less about which sex you are

pottycock · 25/04/2009 22:09

Seconded! Btw - I like the chat about 'I would without a doubt leave your home as I found it'...!

dittany · 25/04/2009 22:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

QSthevampireslayer · 25/04/2009 22:18

I would be more bothered about the lack of on the job experience (ie trained / worked alongside a professional plumber for some time prior to starting own company) than gender, to be honest.

Can you explain what experience you have with your partner?

All the plumbers who has come to my house has been clean, thorough, professional and pleasant. I have had female plumbers too.

The biggest eejit was the plumber who brought his girlfriend, masquerading as a "trainee" and shagged her in my bathroom.

pottycock · 25/04/2009 22:19

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 25/04/2009 22:22

There's a female plumber near me who advertises as a female plumber. So she must see it as a plus and although she doesn't say i n her ad "female plumbers are more trustworthy, cleaner", I would imagine like you said there will be people that think that and then ring her rather than the bloke in the next ad.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 25/04/2009 22:23

I think she trades under her full name and then underneath it says "Lady Plumber"

Original poster

Sixer · 25/04/2009 22:24

dittany your right! now i've thought about it, as much as it makes me chuckle Hot or What? could put any prospective clients off. I think my full name is a mouth full, DS's can't even say it properly. First name's, plumbing services? or plain Lady Plumber?

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StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 25/04/2009 22:24

"I have had hands on experience with DP"

Does that stand for domestinc plumbing or dear partner?

ihavenewsockson · 25/04/2009 22:26

I wouldn't employ a female plumber.
sorry.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 25/04/2009 22:29

Why on earth not?

Original poster

Sixer · 25/04/2009 22:56

why wouldn't you have a female plumber in? Dp = partner, he's a plumber and was happy for me to get in there any take out bathrooms and replace,old for new. I have been fault finding, replacing taps etc. As I mentioned earlier, I am not fully qualified yet, however I have a good profile from college and assesed all the way. I have to start somewhere which is why I have thrown it out to the MN jury! All comments are appreciated.

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