RetireAge50
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2013
- Messages
- 1,660
I don’t really hate them because I barely know them. I think I’ve had maybe 4 plumbing issues in 30 years.
My experience, too. I am really only willing to pay for back breaking work like roofing and even then, I probably got ripped off.I don't hate plumbers, or any other craftsman for that matter. But I do wonder how any of them stay in business around here. They don't return calls, don't show up when they say they will, and don't finish the work expeditiously. It has become such a hassle to find a plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter etc. that I just do most things myself. A shame, really, since I'm willing to pay well for good work.
I don't hate plumbers, or any other craftsman for that matter. But I do wonder how any of them stay in business around here. They don't return calls, don't show up when they say they will, and don't finish the work expeditiously. It has become such a hassle to find a plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter etc. that I just do most things myself. A shame, really, since I'm willing to pay well for good work.
Isn’t this one of the factors that leads to half of all small businesses failing within 5 years? Strong technical skills but deficient business management.I understand and agree with everything you say. However, in the situation you describe, it would seem logical for tradesmen to raise their prices. There will be fewer customers of course. But you will be able to serve them properly, and they will be the ones willing to pay a decent rate for the work.
I really am willing to pay top dollar to reliable people who do good work. So it is baffling to me that they seem not to want to take my money.
Thanks for the link. Very interesting that PD meters probably have a magnet in them. That probably means I can use a magnet to interfere with their measuring.
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I understand and agree with everything you say. However, in the situation you describe, it would seem logical for tradesmen to raise their prices. There will be fewer customers of course. But you will be able to serve them properly, and they will be the ones willing to pay a decent rate for the work.
I really am willing to pay top dollar to reliable people who do good work. So it is baffling to me that they seem not to want to take my money.
It isn't that easy. There are still competitors of mine that are charging 30% less then we do.
... A typical customer now calls and says that they have been watching YouTube, researching on line and of course talked to several people who are truly experts like their dad and neighbors. They have it all figured out and this is going to be super easy and shouldn't hardly cost anything at all. Who in their right mind would call that person back when you have low maintenance customers to service instead. You are truly one in a million if you are willing to pay top dollar for good service. It seems that generally among most people and even on this board is that people are fine with spending money as long as it's really cheap, doesn't cost to much and they can save a little.
....I'm astonished that so few people pay so much for a plumber to disassemble a bathroom drain to clean out a trap--a 5 minute job that needs doing 2x per year. ...
My same experience.I don't hate plumbers, or any other craftsman for that matter. But I do wonder how any of them stay in business around here. They don't return calls, don't show up when they say they will, and don't finish the work expeditiously. It has become such a hassle to find a plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter etc. that I just do most things myself. A shame, really, since I'm willing to pay well for good work.