XSeries-forum

What is it with tradesmen?

I spoke to an electrician on Friday, and arranged for him to come and look at a job I want done. His suggestion was "Tuesday afternoon". Suits me, I'm retired and had no major plans.
It's now well into Tuesday evening. No word from him, and his mobile is engaged every time I've called since 5pm. He doesn't have voicemail activated, and doesn't advertise a landline. I can't text him because I don't have a mobile.

Now, if this was an isolated incident I could think he's unable to talk. But........ This happens nearly every time I need work done. Roofing, paving, bricklaying, plumbing, you name it - the only thing I can rely on is that the workies are unreliable. They make an arrangement to call and discuss what needs doing then don't turn up.

To be honest, I could do this particular job myself. But as it will involve adding another circuit into the consumer unit, I'd rather not.

They are never going to answer the fone after 5 but I feel your pain , I had a guy lined up to level my garden for a shed and put a retaining wall up ,got price agreed a start date but he made excuses come the time for work to start and never came back lol was trying to get an outside tap put in and 2 dates missed already be better doing it myself

Same here , wanted some decorating done , would normally have done job myself, but wife said 'no way at you age'. (now 81 )
Had 3 appointments with different decorators to view and quote the job , no turn up, eventually got one to do it ,on recommendation, a bloody disaster, wife really upset £500 up the spout and bet it will cost double to make good and start again. No point in going legal route he has vanished.

Lez

What you describe sounds like life in Greece. Its common place and beyond frustrating

Tried him again today. I think he's rejecting my calls. His loss, I'll try someone who advertises a landline number.
It just goes to show that online reviews are worth jack. He's got excellent reviews, one of which gushes at great length about how "nothing is too much trouble".

Im a tradesman, I always turn up....if for some reason Im unable too I would inform the client and rearrange.
The main problem is we are all under pressure due to the lack of youngsters not wanting to get their hands dirty and would rather sit in front of screen rather than learn a trade.
Electricians and plumbers are normally the ones that dont turn up due to the prior job over running as they have come across a problem and have to get that sorted before moving on,also they normally provide 24hr emergency call out so get delayed by that aswell.
But there is no excuse for not calling the next client or turning up on the agreed start date, we must be lucky around here as it doesnt happen often,Ive heard the city's are bad for this....

marti wrote: Thu Jul 11, 2024 12:08 pmIm a tradesman........
The main problem is we are all under pressure due to the lack of youngsters wanting to get their hands dirty..........
Electricians and plumbers........... they normally provide 24hr emergency call out so get delayed by that as well.

Thanks for your input. A couple of points there that hadn't occurred to me. But, like you say, there shouldn't be an excuse for not calling ahead - just as a courtesy.

I've just spoken to another dude. He does sound a little more interested, and he's supposed to be here "......in about an hour and a half".

.......And he didn't ask me to text him my details. I think that might be a bonus.

I had a very bad experience with a plumber. He was happy to turn out next door (who recommended him) as their jobs were more lucrative money wise. Changing two kitchen mixer taps? Not interested! Ended up doing them myself.

StuBeeDoo wrote: Thu Jul 11, 2024 1:16 pmI've just spoken to another dude............

......... And he came round when he said. Seems a canny lad. Said he'll e-mail me the quote and earliest start date later this afternoon. If he continues to be as reliable as he seems, he'll be getting the job.

StuBeeDoo wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2024 9:32 pm Tried him again today. I think he's rejecting my calls. His loss, I'll try someone who advertises a landline number.
It just goes to show that online reviews are worth jack. He's got excellent reviews, one of which gushes at great length about how "nothing is too much trouble".

If he has good reviews there may be a genuine reason hes not answering , life gets in the way at times as well all know (just saying)

StuBeeDoo wrote: Thu Jul 11, 2024 4:40 pm

StuBeeDoo wrote: Thu Jul 11, 2024 1:16 pmI've just spoken to another dude............

......... And he came round when he said. Seems a canny lad. Said he'll e-mail me the quote and earliest start date later this afternoon. If he continues to be as reliable as he seems, he'll be getting the job.

We arranged a date for the work, he turned-up when he said he would, and kept to the price he quoted. If I need any more electrical work done, he will be the first person I call.

A rare event today, congratulations. I put out a fencing enquiry on Checkatrade over the weekend, nil responses so far

sapphireblack wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:55 pmA rare event today, congratulations. I put out a fencing enquiry on Checkatrade over the weekend, nil responses so far

I've got a TV aerial installer supposed to be coming next Monday, and a fencing bloke the week after that. Could be an interesting couple of weeks.