From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

rtandon27

In our house, we let the 'men-folk' do the talking to the sales rep while I listen in.  OH then tells them in no uncertain terms that a) he hasn't a clue about what they were talking about b) is not in charge of the purse strings c) recommends that if they had a clue they would have talked to the woman of the house who probably has a better understanding of their trade than they do, given that she once upon a time helped run a construction company and is used to bossing tradesmen around. 🤣🤣🤣  Comments like that are why we are still together 20 years later!

Greying_Pilgrim

Baileys_Babe - I keep on meaning to get a punnet of milk powder, as it's useful for lots of things, isn't it.  I think we've (just) managed to eke it out enough so that I can get some more tomorrow without having to make a special journey.  I don't know what's changed, as no-one has started drinking more milk/eating cereal etc.  Most odd.  Has the milk bottle size changed???? #stealthshrinkflation! 🤔

rt - if you hadn't your hands full with one or two other pressing matters, I for sure would invite you on over to be my 'consumer champion' 😁.  It's unfortunate, my spidey-senses were primed from the moment the rep turned up, it was only when they'd gone, I realised where I remembered them from 🙄 

Never mind.  At least I have 3 quotes to consider.  Can't remember the last time that happened.  

Greying X

rtandon27

lol - I'd be over in a flash to help out, but you'd have to set an extra place as I'd be staying for dinner & cake! (No peas though - I agree with LG)

Seriously it is damn annoying when trades people presume that the 'man of the house' is the 'man of the house' iyswim!  Glad your Spidey senses were heightened!

Cheery_Daff

Good lord, did they actually suggest you talked to your husband?! Crikey 🙄 Did they think any self-,respecting husband would be likely to agree to work being done by someone who p1s3ed off his wife? 🙄 

I never understand why traders quote stupidly high if they don't want the work. I've been in situations before now where I've agreed anyway (being unable to find someone else or whatever) and they seem quite grumpy about it. Just quote the price you're willing to do it for, and if you don't want to do it, say 'thanks for the opportunity to quote, that's not a job we can take on right now'. What are they trying to achieve?? 

Grrr. Glad you at least have quotes to consider!

Cheery_Daff

Good lord, did they actually suggest you talked to your husband?! Crikey 🙄 Did they think any self-,respecting husband would be likely to agree to work being done by someone who p1s3ed off his wife? 🙄 

I never understand why traders quote stupidly high if they don't want the work. I've been in situations before now where I've agreed anyway (being unable to find someone else or whatever) and they seem quite grumpy about it. Just quote the price you're willing to do it for, and if you don't want to do it, say 'thanks for the opportunity to quote, that's not a job we can take on right now'. What are they trying to achieve?? 

Grrr. Glad you at least have quotes to consider!

themadvix

When we had estate agents round, one of them would only discuss matters once Mr MV had joined us. Which was hilarious, because every time he asked a question (of Mr MV), Mr MV would turn to me to answer - he can’t stand that sort of chauvinistic behaviour. The guy was never going to get our business! 

My mum’s had the same recently when buying a car - from a young guy. Where do these idiots live? In Victorian England?!

Well done for getting the quotes GP - as you say, it’s good to have options and a feel for the companies.

Cheery, when you’re self-employed/running a business, it’s very hard to say an outright no to work (there’s always that niggle at the back of your mind that you might not have any more). I have been known to quote high for a project - on the basis that if they’re willing to pay I’ll have to put up with the inconvenience but at least I’ll get something from it (unfortunately they often take me up on the offer and the work is definitely a pain/worse than expected 🙄).

Greying_Pilgrim

I have to say - degree in hindsight time - I think that when we bought the house and had the boiler installed, the plumbing firm quoted stupidly high because they didn't actually want the work.  But we needed the work doing and were in a bind with time before moving in.  The sole trader plumber was actually a lot cheaper, but it would have been a good chunk of work for them.  The firm who did the work were 'bigger' and threw staff at it, but I don't think it had enough 'cache'.  But then I vowed never to use them again, and when their letter came a year later, seeking the boiler check work, it was easy to put it in File 13.  

I do see your point Vix about self-employment, and not turning work down.  But I suppose I would rather firms say (not just leave it as radio-silence 'no quote forthcoming'), "thanks for the opportunity to quote, but are books are full at the moment and we could not guarantee to undertake the work within a suitable period of time" - even if that is an out and out lie.  At least I would ask for a quote from that company in the future - I won't ask for a quote from this high-priced/employs dubious reps, window firm again, even though they are 'local' and have been around for a goodly amount of time.  

Greying X

in_need_of_direction

greying, have you considered using a builder for fit and a window company purely for supply?  assuming, of course, you know a reputable builder

beanielou

Yes. Absolutely use a reputable joiner. Way better than most window firms in my humble opinion. 

Greying_Pilgrim

Um no - I was going for a UPVC window company. The builder i spoke to, who has done something to his house that we want to replicate - very politely - rebuffed my enquiry when I asked if he would fit windows for other people.  I think I would struggle to get quotes from builders tbh.

But  I do absolutely take your point.  That's why I regret going with the plumbing firm, rather than the sole trader - there's a difference in approach.  

Greying X