Compensation for late contractor?

sswales

We have just moved into our new build home. I arranged for curtain fitters to come and take measurements at 2pm and was told it wouldn't take more than half an hour. I blocked out a couple of hours in my work calendar and informed my manager I would have to go offline for a little bit (no internet at new place yet).
I arrived at our house at 13:50. 14:00 came and went. Then it got to 15:45. I phoned the company and they apologised and rang up the guy who was meant to take our job. Apparently he has been stuck in traffic and is also finishing off another job. They offer to reschedule but I've already missed a lot of work for this and don't really have any other free time right now. I say I will stick around and wait. The guy will give me a ring when he's 20 minutes away.
It's now 17:00 and still no buzz from the guy. What was meant to be a half hour time slot has turned into 3.5 hours at this point (if I assume he shows at 17:30 and finishes at 18:00).
Do I have the right to ask for a discount here? I want to get some blinds fitted asap but don't want to have to schedule another company to come take measurements etc. We want to be fully moved in soon!
Thank you, any advice would be greatly appreciated x

Sandtree

For compensation you need to show you have suffered financial loss and it will be subject to any T&Cs on limits to liability etc. So if you are being docked a half days salary then you can claim that net salary (subject to the T&Cs) but if its your employers that are loosing out because you're still being paid then you have no loss.

Far better to suggest a token gesture of goodwill could be considered if you were to place the order to make up for the inconvenience of having to hang around 

sswales

Thank you. I think it is more the suggestion of a token gesture of goodwill that I was thinking of and just wondering how a contractor would receive that. It's our first home so I'm unsure what is acceptable and what isn't.

user1977

You don't have any contract as far as I can see, so you've got no "rights" to anything. You can of course ask nicely...

Sandtree

sswales said:

Thank you. I think it is more the suggestion of a token gesture of goodwill that I was thinking of and just wondering how a contractor would receive that. It's our first home so I'm unsure what is acceptable and what isn't.

He's probably had a bad day with too much of it stuck in traffic, probably lost the appointment after yours which could impact his earnings. "Compensation" is a fairly emotive word, especially on this forum, and is probably best avoided.  There is rarely an issue with asking for things politely and it tends to get you a better response from most people especially when you dont take it out personally on them.