does it sound genuine

catoutthebag

We worked out what was required and agreed a total price and he estimated x number of days.
So I ensured I had the required time off - loss of earnings.
And if he gets the work done in 75% of the time, surely there's wiggle room in the total bill.
Anyway we'll see what he says later.

brightontraveller

catoutthebag wrote: »

We worked out what was required and agreed a total price and he estimated x number of days.
So I ensured I had the required time off - loss of earnings.
And if he gets the work done in 75% of the time, surely there's wiggle room in the total bill.
Anyway we'll see what he says later.

I’d argue you can even add smallest time % to cover eventualities now? Pricings changed years ago maybe? Now that % is likely difference between getting works and not? and 25% no Unless clients a fool ?Or builder can't price accurately :rotfl:

catoutthebag

He messaged not long ago saying he's van is sorted and will be here tomorrow morning. Genuine or not who knows what happened. Let's hope he gets here and cracks on and gets it done within the discussed time scale

TheCyclingProgrammer

I reckon he overran on a previous job and was still there.

catoutthebag

Maybe. ..though when I wanted him to start a few days ago he didn't mention anymore work which could have stopped him. I know he's bought a property to renovate and sell so mauve had paperwork etx to get on with there.

TheCyclingProgrammer

catoutthebag wrote: »

Maybe. ..though when I wanted him to start a few days ago he didn't mention anymore work which could have stopped him. I know he's bought a property to renovate and sell so mauve had paperwork etx to get on with there.

Either way I doubt its anything too suspicious and I'm sure he'll turn up tomorrow, but the old "my van has broken down" excuse seems like the tradesman's equivalent of "the dog ate my homework" to me.

catoutthebag

Definitely. Sounded shifty. And the stuck in traffic bit before causing van to overheat. ..was too good. As long as he gets here tomorrow morning and cracks on for 3 days non stop, I'm fine.

Ruski

Well my van pulled a sickie on Tuesday morning, lost a days pay, cost me a couple of ton at the garage, but I have very understanding customers: lucky me that the majority of them actually believe what I say and don't think I'm pulling a fast one.
I'd also add that in most cases my customers don't take time off work to monitor what I'm doing.....

HTH Russ

catoutthebag

Ruski wrote: »

Well my van pulled a sickie on Tuesday morning, lost a days pay, cost me a couple of ton at the garage, but I have very understanding customers: lucky me that the majority of them actually believe what I say and don't think I'm pulling a fast one.
I'd also add that in most cases my customers don't take time off work to monitor what I'm doing.....

HTH Russ

A very defensive post. Who said I was taking timr off to monitor what you were doing. ..which is what you imply. More like 'letting him in and out since I live by myself' type thing. PLUS, I will not hand my keys to a complete stranger. You'd be a MUG doing so. Period.

Ps nice to see that some still believe 'van pulled a sickie'.

Ruski

No defensive, purely a post from 'the other point of view'.

And I'll post a picture of my invoice from the garage if you are so distrusting: like I say - my customer base is very understanding and being a one man band issues like this happen - nothing I can do about it.

As for trusting a complete stranger with a key, well, that's up to you obviously, but I have no issues with trust when this is agreed - maybe I have an honest face and most often my work is through recommendation/repeat business so the trust base is already there: maybe you can look for a personally recommended trade persons to put you mind at rest on this issue rather than complete strangers - it would help you out too.

HTH

Russ