I’m curious to know how your contractors reacted when you canceled their services.
So far, I’ve had two negative experiences with two contractors: a structural builder and an interior plasterer. The structural builder told others behind my back that I had fooled him, promised him work, and then just ignored him, even though I had clearly told him at the beginning that I had contacted several builders and later informed him in writing that I had chosen someone else. When some acquaintances mentioned this to me, I called the builder again to clarify, and on the phone he said, “No, I never said that.”
The interior plasterer verbally offered me a lime-cement plaster, which I agreed to on the condition that the painter would have a good surface to work on. I spoke with three painters; all said the same or wanted to know how the plaster would turn out in the end. I addressed this with the plasterer, who simply replied, “Then the painters should do the plaster themselves so they can prepare the wall exactly how they want it.”
I inquired about other plaster options and asked the plasterer again if he could do something different for me, because the painters charge quite a lot for the lime-cement plaster. His response was, “I don’t know what to offer you; just look at my construction sites, you’ll see exactly how the layers are built up.”
I thought it over and eventually decided I had had enough, so I canceled with him by phone. He said, “No problem, it’s all good.” A few seconds later, he lost it, hung up on me, and blocked me (don’t worry, he didn’t threaten me with violence, I can handle myself).
I always try to put myself in the other person’s shoes, but can you relate to this? What experiences have you had?
Time is money; customers can sometimes be demanding, but isn’t that part of being a service provider?
Have a great weekend!
So far, I’ve had two negative experiences with two contractors: a structural builder and an interior plasterer. The structural builder told others behind my back that I had fooled him, promised him work, and then just ignored him, even though I had clearly told him at the beginning that I had contacted several builders and later informed him in writing that I had chosen someone else. When some acquaintances mentioned this to me, I called the builder again to clarify, and on the phone he said, “No, I never said that.”
The interior plasterer verbally offered me a lime-cement plaster, which I agreed to on the condition that the painter would have a good surface to work on. I spoke with three painters; all said the same or wanted to know how the plaster would turn out in the end. I addressed this with the plasterer, who simply replied, “Then the painters should do the plaster themselves so they can prepare the wall exactly how they want it.”
I inquired about other plaster options and asked the plasterer again if he could do something different for me, because the painters charge quite a lot for the lime-cement plaster. His response was, “I don’t know what to offer you; just look at my construction sites, you’ll see exactly how the layers are built up.”
I thought it over and eventually decided I had had enough, so I canceled with him by phone. He said, “No problem, it’s all good.” A few seconds later, he lost it, hung up on me, and blocked me (don’t worry, he didn’t threaten me with violence, I can handle myself).
I always try to put myself in the other person’s shoes, but can you relate to this? What experiences have you had?
Time is money; customers can sometimes be demanding, but isn’t that part of being a service provider?
Have a great weekend!
HilfeHilfe schrieb:
Yes, that’s the reputation. Why? Because everyone thinks we work as a team on commission, selling people unnecessary things and making millions. That’s what people call envy.I don’t need to define *envy*, I can only say that I wouldn’t want to trade my profession for that of a banker…
Sorry, but with your salary, I would have expected an impressive house.
H
hampshire5 Apr 2020 19:52Snowy36 schrieb:
It's not that simple..But it is that simple. The electrician finds it obviously difficult to work with people who check the plaster with a straightedge and thus feels his prejudice confirmed. So what. You don't find yourself difficult. Their opinion shouldn't affect you.
Winniefred5 Apr 2020 19:54We only ever rejected one tradesperson. They quoted twice the usual price and, for example, estimated €500 for demolishing an old single-layer drywall partition 3m (10 feet) long.
Other than that, we were just glad to find any tradespeople at all. However, most turned out to be a disappointment. There was almost zero willingness to acknowledge obvious mistakes. The wall element in front of the toilet was not secured (the toilet tilted), a tile was drilled into and cracked in a wet area causing moisture damage, high-voltage connections were mislabeled, and so on. All were certified local German specialist companies.
What I want to say is: You have to search and find good tradespeople, then appreciate and keep them. For the rest, stay patient and don’t let yourself be taken for a fool.
Other than that, we were just glad to find any tradespeople at all. However, most turned out to be a disappointment. There was almost zero willingness to acknowledge obvious mistakes. The wall element in front of the toilet was not secured (the toilet tilted), a tile was drilled into and cracked in a wet area causing moisture damage, high-voltage connections were mislabeled, and so on. All were certified local German specialist companies.
What I want to say is: You have to search and find good tradespeople, then appreciate and keep them. For the rest, stay patient and don’t let yourself be taken for a fool.
tumaa schrieb:
It can also be misunderstood... but I find it disrespectful when someone is paid for their work and behaves like that on the construction site. You can get upset sometimes, but it should be kept within limits.It can. I once had a boss who was a hothead. That’s when I learned when it’s better to keep quiet or shout back. Sometimes they need opposition in the form of volume, and two hours later it’s like pouring oil on the fire.
H
HilfeHilfe5 Apr 2020 20:26tumaa schrieb:
I don’t need to define *envy*, I can only say that I wouldn’t want to trade my job for a banker’s...
Sorry, but with your salary, I would have expected a fancy house. You see, there it is again—envy and prejudice. I know where I come from (child of a Serbian worker) and where I am now. Maybe you never understood my posts. I always warn people against being enslaved by banks. Yes, I could have a house with golden faucets. And then? Would I not be able to afford a vacation in Thailand with two kids and a pizza at Giovanni’s on Saturday?
HilfeHilfe schrieb:
Here it is again—jealousy and prejudice. I know where I come from (child of a Serbian worker) and where I am now. Maybe you never understood my posts. I always warn against being enslaved by banks. Sure, I could have a house with golden faucets. So what? Does that mean I can’t enjoy a Thailand vacation with two kids and a pizza at Giovanni’s on Saturday? Golden faucets? From an income of €100,000/year? With a car bought on credit? You want to be something you are not.