Tradesmen turning down work? Isn't there a recession on?

Floss

Floss

Well-Known Forumite
I thought I would start this thread, as I am interested what other's might think or if anyone has had the same problems?

I have been trying to obtain quotes for several jobs that need doing, but I have come across several obstacles each a couple of times, either A) I have left my contact details on a answer machine and no one rings me back or B ) the person answering the phone ( female and a home number) has been less than enthusiastic and on one occasion let out a big sigh shouted to hubby he was wanted on phone, husband replies with what, do they want? Wife replies a quote but sounds a bit of a hassle job to me! that was when I put the phone down, I' m all for supporting local businesses and I always try to, but if it's too much trouble for some people I'm more than happy to take my money elsewhere!

I eventually i got the boiler service sorted and washing machine sorted, a plasterer booked, however I left several messages with double glazing companies, no one has got back to me which is ironic as I have recieved in the past many cold call phone calls of them!

My parents had the same problem yesterday they have a massive job that needs doing, taking a back boiler out and replacing it with new combi boiler and they want airing cupboard and bath taking out and replaced with a shower, the guy who came to look at job yesterday was less than enthusiastic, I 've got to ring round for them again today and myself for double glazing company for several jobs I need doing! I'm going to try out of stafford today see if I have anymore look as it seems our local businesses don't need the wok or money!
 
Moby Dick

Moby Dick

Well-Known Forumite
I big LIKE to this post! I have posted similar ones in the past and am still surprised and exasperated by the lack of enthusiasm and service provided by firms when contacted offering a genuine lead to paid work! They pay stacks of money to place the advisertisement in the first place then not interested in the returns.

This is not always the case obviously however generally it is a gruelling task like finding cheaper car insurance. So in conclusion yes I think some cases yes folk earn enough money to treat you as a potential customer with at best disdain, at worse contempt.

Good luck Floss67,as one who has endured similar frustrations you have my sympathies....
 
That-Crazy-Rat-Lady

That-Crazy-Rat-Lady

Well-Known Forumite
For glazing have you tried Winter Warmth, my mum and her neighbor used them and they dd a great job, for a great price and were really friendly lads :)
Fraid I cant comment on the attitude of local trades as I am yet to need them (nothing has broken so far....)
 
Bob

Bob

Well-Known Forumite
I know exactly how you feel, it’s such a pain trying to get anything done, it’s really annoying and I begrudge the fact that you have to practically beg a person to take your money off you. Saying that you’ve just reminded me I need to return a call for a quote we aren’t able to do – ooops.

I find forum recommendations really helpful but two of the most recommended members on here are the worst at getting back to you. I’m after someone to come every week or so in the summer and mow my lawn – because I HATE HATE HATE doing it. The last quote we had was £40 per week – admittedly it’s the only quote we’ve had but at that price it just isn’t going to happen. I’ve rung two other companies who were going to come and have a look but neither bothered to make an appearance.
 
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Bob

Bob

Well-Known Forumite
So far I've found:

A good reliable electrician - JP Electrical 01785 603279
Good reliable plumbers - Parsons 01785 241135 - they're not the cheapest but very relaible and they do a good job.
A brilliant HETAS registered log burner installer - Lee Quiney (Alpine) 07813921907
 
tek-monkey

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
I think sometimes you just need the confidence to have a go yourself. I won't touch gas admittedly, but I do all my own wiring. My shed is better set up than my house!
 
Floss

Floss

Well-Known Forumite
tek-monkey said:
I think sometimes you just need the confidence to have a go yourself. I won't touch gas admittedly, but I do all my own wiring. My shed is better set up than my house!
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Your brave, I would end up killing someone, I would rather blame the experts!
 
db

db

#chaplife
Bob said:
I find forum recommendations really helpful but two of the most recommended members on here are the worst at getting back to you. I’m after someone to come every week or so in the summer and mow my lawn – because I HATE HATE HATE doing it. The last quote we had was £40 per week – admittedly it’s the only quote we’ve had but at that price it just isn’t going to happen. I’ve rung two other companies who were going to come and have a look but neither bothered to make an appearance.
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OH MY GOD HOW HARD IS THIS??? i've been after exactly the same thing for ages (see here, for example), and even got as far as someone agreeing to come and do it on one occasion - only to have them not show up, despite posting a thread on here saying they were desperate for money and were begging for jobs to do, so i thought they were a sure thing :angry:

if you do find anyone who is willing to do this (i.e. mow lawns approx. once a month for a reasonable charge), please please let me know!
 
Jonah

Jonah

Spouting nonsense since the day I learned to talk
The price quoted for a job won't all be profit. Out of that £40 to mow lawns, the person has to pay tax, national insurance, petrol to get to the job, something towards maintenance of equipment along with other things. That £40 may end up as only £20.
 
tek-monkey

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Floss67 said:
Your brave, I would end up killing someone, I would rather blame the experts!
Click to expand...

I've never had any training, but wired up my parents sheds when I was about 20. 35m of armoured cable, 2 house fuse boxes and loads of twin and earth, did it all in a few days. Wasn't legally allowed to wire it into the mains though so just put a plug on it, he runs angle grinders and welders down there without issue!
 
Glam

Glam

Mad Cat Woman
bigbluewolf said:
The price quoted for a job won't all be profit. Out of that £40 to mow lawns, the person has to pay tax, national insurance, petrol to get to the job, something towards maintenance of equipment along with other things. That £40 may end up as only £20.
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A lot of people will be doing it for cash in hand. There used be a pensioner up where I lived on Crab Lane, he would go round doing gardens just for his beer money. I think a lot of you on here will know him, thru working at GEC.
 
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proactive

proactive

Enjoying a drop of red.
I'd say about 50% of the business my company does is carrying out work that other companies don't deem worth their while, either by outright refusal because job is too small for them or simply by rubbish customer service (not answering phones, not turning up, generally letting people down).

Makes me a nice living though, so long may it continue :)
 
ChrisLewis

ChrisLewis

Well-Known Forumite
I have to agree with this post, the number of times I make an enquiry and then I wait and wait and wait.... clearly some companies are not in a recession. On the other hand the number of times we benefit from our competitors failing to answer enquiries and we win the business because we did is gratifying, however I know we are not perfect and we do strive to ensure we respond to all sales calls as quickly as possible.
 
peggy

peggy

Well-Known Forumite
I too have had this problem with a local handyman.
Husband rang for a quote on a few basic painting jobs-hall, landing and stairs, also garage doors and repairing several misted double glazed windows.
we left a message for a call back but didnt get one.We rang again and spoke to chap who said he had just taken on a job and wouldnt be able to start for a couple of weeks, told him this was no problem but if he could give us a quote we would be happy to wait a couple of weeks. He said he would phone to arrange a visit..he didnt.
We called again a month later,left another message asking for a quote not too worried about when the work could take place just as long as it got done, he never got back in touch.
Thought this would have been a nice job as we are so local to each other could probably see his house from here if window wasnt misted. Four months later and father in law is now helping with the painting and as for the misted windows, theyre still misted. On the upside we put the money towards a holiday.
 
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