Is it nasty to take advantage?

[Brown and Boris]

Of tradesmen in the current climate?

This last week I have had a number of leaflets pushed through my door from decorators, gardeners etc. Some of them I have tried to get to work for me in the past but they were 'choc-a-bloc for 3 months mate' or who did work for me at what I thought were reasonable rates given that at that time (after the floods) good tradesmen were like hens teeth.

I need a bit of work doing (building, damproofing and decorating) this spring and was tempted to leave it a month or so before I get quotes to let this downturn really bite to get the best price from them and perghaps get a few quotes and bargain a bit. This part says make hay while the sun shines and get it done on the cheap.

The other part of me says they have mortgages to pay and kids to feed as well and I should pay them the full rate, close to what they quoted when I needed them, and then they will be there to return the favour for years to come.


So, Mr Nasty or Mr Nice?

[OllieC]

Brown and Boris said:

Of tradesmen in the current climate?

This last week I have had a number of leaflets pushed through my door from decorators, gardeners etc. Some of them I have tried to get to work for me in the past but they were 'choc-a-bloc for 3 months mate' or who did work for me at what I thought were reasonable rates given that at that time (after the floods) good tradesmen were like hens teeth.

I need a bit of work doing (building, damproofing and decorating) this spring and was tempted to leave it a month or so before I get quotes to let this downturn really bite to get the best price from them and perghaps get a few quotes and bargain a bit. This part says make hay while the sun shines and get it done on the cheap.

The other part of me says they have mortgages to pay and kids to feed as well and I should pay them the full rate, close to what they quoted when I needed them, and then they will be there to return the favour for years to come.


So, Mr Nasty or Mr Nice?

everyones a in this life, no-ones there for you

make em sweat

[Jasandjules]

Just ask for quotes again? They may already have dropped the prices so you can pay what they are asking?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

You get what you pay for, so the choice is yours!

(screwing contractors generally backfires in my experience)

[nail_it]

Do it! Talking to a builder today who's laid off most of his workforce & put the rest on short weeks.
He's had loads of people he's given quotes but hardly any have converted into work.

Plus, an excellent painting contractor is sat at home making his own tea!

HTH's

[Swilly]

Brown and Boris said:

So, Mr Nasty or Mr Nice?

You daft sod... you're entering a business transaction, not a branch of Oxfam !!

Get the best price you can, it will average out the inflated cost most trademen ask for during the busy times.

[rude-boy]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

You get what you pay for, so the choice is yours!

(screwing contractors generally backfires in my experience)

A little haggle here a cheeky offer there is never going to go amiss, but screwing them for a few pounds now will backfire in the standard of work and materials.

[esselte]

Jasandjules said:

Just ask for quotes again? They may already have dropped the prices so you can pay what they are asking?

^ wot 'e said....

[Brown and Boris]

esselte said:

Jasandjules said:

Just ask for quotes again? They may already have dropped the prices so you can pay what they are asking?

^ wot 'e said....

I did think about leaving it until the Spring and getting quotes just before the work starts. I know it is a business transaction but saving £50 on decorating the dining room won't kill me but could help a small trader weather what is looking like a dark,dark place. Of courese if nobody else takes that view it is £50 I could have spent on coke.

[Eric Mc]

It's just market forces at work - and the return of realism.

[Geoffers]

Swilly said:

Brown and Boris said:

So, Mr Nasty or Mr Nice?

You daft sod... you're entering a business transaction, not a branch of Oxfam !!

Get the best price you can, it will average out the inflated cost most trademen ask for during the busy times.

Exactley, not rocket science!!!

[sebo]

Supply and demand. If they aren't supplying much you can probably demand (negotiate) a lower price.

As David Brent said, "Sometimes you're the pigeon & sometimes you're the statue".

You may be the statue this year..

[Brown and Boris]

sebo said:

Supply and demand. If they aren't supplying much you can probably demand (negotiate) a lower price.

As David Brent said, "Sometimes you're the pigeon & sometimes you're the statue".

You may be the statue this year..

Last year I was definitely the statue after the floods, but the decorator guy worked a couiple of weekends to fit me in so I will feel like a right ar5e to screw him over now.

[AstonZagato]

I tried getting a quote on building a pond this month. I called a specialist firm and they came out to look. Stuck in a huge quote that seemed to have little basis in reality. I told them that they had misunderstood the budget. I asked if they could cut the price. "No". The guy quoting said they could start immediately as they didn't have much on.

My normal builder has now sourced all the required parts for half what the specialist was quoting and the labour will be a quarter. Probably won't be as professional but it's a pond FFS.

[steven182]

Damn I thought this was a thread about the uses of rohypnol.

[Don]

When you actually want something doing phone around and get some guys to quote their best price. Choose between them based on their previous work if you can see it, references, and price.

Same as always.

You don't "screw" tradespeople. You tell them that quality and price are both factors, as is availability to do the work, and ask 'em to quote when you are good and ready to have the work done. Tell 'em you will be getting at least two quotes. That way they don't waste sales effort, you don't waste your time (I value mine highly as I am sure you do) and you get a choice of deals to make sure you aren't overpaying.

Easy.

[Plotloss]

Screw them and dont be suprised when you get a st job.

ALL deals have to be equitable for both parties, if a party leaves the deal feeling fked then the relationship twixt buyer and seller will almost certainly break down.

[Pickled Piper]

There's definitely an "adjustment" going on. I personally don't feel sorry for them. The good, honest ones will continue to get business. They are smart enough to reduce their rates and will be protected by the reputation they have built up. I know a couple like this and they will have my business for life.

I have had contact with many that overcharged, worked about 4 hours a day, did a sloppy job and really were not bothered about repeat business as they had new customers queuing up. i don't feel sorry for these people at all.

So you are not taking advantage. You are simply making the most of prevailing conditions. The shoe's on the other foot now.

pp

[rude-boy]

Brown and Boris said:

Last year I was definitely the statue after the floods, but the decorator guy worked a couiple of weekends to fit me in so I will feel like a right ar5e to screw him over now.

And this is why you should never screw a good tradesman.

If you think you can save £50 that is not a massive amount here or there to you then why bring out the thumb screws? he worked extra time (for a reasonable wage I am sure) when you needed him, this is pay back time.

I've used the same builder for the last 7 years for almost all the work I've had done. We've never had more than the customary haggle where he drops a bit before the job and adds it back on to cover the little extras which always crop up at the end. Everyone's happy and smiles all round.

A few years ago I lost a couple of roof tiles one Saturday afternoon. He was round the next morning (before going off to look at someone who had lost half a roof) to sort it out, all for the price of a good fry-up.

Karma.

[rude-boy]

Pickled Piper said:

There's definitely an "adjustment" going on. I personally don't feel sorry for them. The good, honest ones will continue to get business. They are smart enough to reduce their rates and will be protected by the reputation they have built up. I know a couple like this and they will have my business for life.

I have had contact with many that overcharged, worked about 4 hours a day, did a sloppy job and really were not bothered about repeat business as they had new customers queuing up. i don't feel sorry for these people at all.

So you are not taking advantage. You are simply making the most of prevailing conditions. The shoe's on the other foot now.

pp

Well put. I've been concentrating on the guys you know/have an excellent reputation.

The chancers can be left to sink - especially the 2 plumbers who cost me a fortune through taking the piss or being worse than I am. Point is though, they wont even be getting the call for a quote.