Trades V Pistonheads forum "Big shots"
Discussion
Have always found this funny
Quote a typical post .
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joshcowin said:
Bristol spark said:
imdeman87 said:
So he lied to you when he couldn't start on Friday?
OP I think you know the answer here, get your money back and find an honest tradesman. I personally wouldn't agree to a tradesman asking for over £1k+ as a deposit - if he runs a good business then there should be sufficient cash in his business to pay for supplies before embarking on a job. He should also have accounts in good standing with local builders' merchants so wouldn't need to get money from customers before starting.
Sounds like the business is in financial trouble.
I think your missing the point of a deposit.
Its not to pay for the materials straight away, its to cover the material cost incase the customer is a tt and does not pay the bill at the end.
These things work both ways.
I agree secures your work, I would imagine that's the only reason for the deposit.
Customers are often as unreliable as this trades person is being.
Well I personally would never deal with such tradesmen. If they want a large chunk of the money before even starting any of the work, then they can jog on. I'm clearly not the only one to have this mentality as per hman and Andehh's comments.
I pay after having had a meal in a restaurant, pay after my car's fixed at a local garage, pay after having a set of windows and doors installed, after a conservatory is built, after a new bathroom is fitted etc. - not before.
I'm not disputing the fact that there are dodgy customers out there - you can be taken advantage of in many business settings. That's just the inherent risk of having any business. If the customer doesn't pay, take the customer to court.
And besides, asking for a deposit does not guarantee that the customer will pay the remaining amount upon completion of the job.
If you do have to pay a deposit before the tradesmen lift a finger, at least make a £100 transaction on a credit card (should the business accept them).
Reply
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So "big shot" try getting a table in a good restaurant without been asked for a NONE refundable deposit ! With a car , you wont be getting it back unless you pay etc . So many "big mouths " spouting how big their balls are etc !
Its simple. Most good trades people will require a deposit and without one . The work will not start or a start date be promised. Boiler fitted ? fine, you pay for the boiler up front . Then the fitting etc on completion. Why should a HE stump up the lot? At the end of the day they dont know you as much as you dont know them (but should if they have been recommended) .At least if you get funny, they have not lost a grand or more etc . Some of you live in lala land. Also trades earning real money ! Seems so much snobbery . Want a nice kitchen painted ? Then be happy to pay about £300 a day for a good hand painter . You think it will be done for £125.00 then you live in a council house . And these painters are booked 6-9 months ahead with DEPOSITS paid.
The customer is not always right. And its silly to think if you are the customer you are etc. Good quality guys will never ever let themselves be treated badly by some "Company director with camp facial hair .
Do you pay when you have landed in plane ? do you heck ! Do Ferrari build you a car without a Deposit ? Do they heck !
Quote a typical post .
...................................................
joshcowin said:
Bristol spark said:
imdeman87 said:
So he lied to you when he couldn't start on Friday?
OP I think you know the answer here, get your money back and find an honest tradesman. I personally wouldn't agree to a tradesman asking for over £1k+ as a deposit - if he runs a good business then there should be sufficient cash in his business to pay for supplies before embarking on a job. He should also have accounts in good standing with local builders' merchants so wouldn't need to get money from customers before starting.
Sounds like the business is in financial trouble.
I think your missing the point of a deposit.
Its not to pay for the materials straight away, its to cover the material cost incase the customer is a tt and does not pay the bill at the end.
These things work both ways.
I agree secures your work, I would imagine that's the only reason for the deposit.
Customers are often as unreliable as this trades person is being.
Well I personally would never deal with such tradesmen. If they want a large chunk of the money before even starting any of the work, then they can jog on. I'm clearly not the only one to have this mentality as per hman and Andehh's comments.
I pay after having had a meal in a restaurant, pay after my car's fixed at a local garage, pay after having a set of windows and doors installed, after a conservatory is built, after a new bathroom is fitted etc. - not before.
I'm not disputing the fact that there are dodgy customers out there - you can be taken advantage of in many business settings. That's just the inherent risk of having any business. If the customer doesn't pay, take the customer to court.
And besides, asking for a deposit does not guarantee that the customer will pay the remaining amount upon completion of the job.
If you do have to pay a deposit before the tradesmen lift a finger, at least make a £100 transaction on a credit card (should the business accept them).
Reply
............................
So "big shot" try getting a table in a good restaurant without been asked for a NONE refundable deposit ! With a car , you wont be getting it back unless you pay etc . So many "big mouths " spouting how big their balls are etc !
Its simple. Most good trades people will require a deposit and without one . The work will not start or a start date be promised. Boiler fitted ? fine, you pay for the boiler up front . Then the fitting etc on completion. Why should a HE stump up the lot? At the end of the day they dont know you as much as you dont know them (but should if they have been recommended) .At least if you get funny, they have not lost a grand or more etc . Some of you live in lala land. Also trades earning real money ! Seems so much snobbery . Want a nice kitchen painted ? Then be happy to pay about £300 a day for a good hand painter . You think it will be done for £125.00 then you live in a council house . And these painters are booked 6-9 months ahead with DEPOSITS paid.
The customer is not always right. And its silly to think if you are the customer you are etc. Good quality guys will never ever let themselves be treated badly by some "Company director with camp facial hair .
Do you pay when you have landed in plane ? do you heck ! Do Ferrari build you a car without a Deposit ? Do they heck !
Then you must be dealing with rubbish trades . Last Job, Client gave card with £25k up front. Classy job and a good history together . Why should we have to piss about for money . We get hired for our skills and dont like been treated like 3rd world cash in hand bone heads . If a client gives a friend my number etc .I dont expect this "new" person to dictate to me how I am going to work etc . In the high end of the markets there is enough work for us to 'skip any hassle" . But it helps when we are good and have never once let anyone down .
R8Steve said:
Did you turn up when you said you would?
Regardless how good you think you are and what mad skillz you believe yourself to possess there is no way in hell i would give any tradesman 25k before they have even turned up.
Never ever let a client down. Its a great life, The Clients do all my 'advertising" for me. I do get the odd call warning me never ever to work for "their friends" As they know they will be Royal pains in da bum.Regardless how good you think you are and what mad skillz you believe yourself to possess there is no way in hell i would give any tradesman 25k before they have even turned up.
Honesty is vital.
So you need a top end Kitchen fitter . he is busy and you expect him to book out 3 weeks with little control over the main builder etc ? No way. A deposit will be asked for. Then if there is any delays , the fitter has some money to cover the gap hoping he can get the next job to start early IF POSSIBLE . Why should he be out of pocket when the clients plans go adrift or they want to go on holiday etc . Or even worse the client father drops dead ......
El stovey said:
You sound great. You even said so yourself.
No need for you to be complaining about people not wanting to pay large deposits to people they don't know on the internet then surely?
As you said perhaps those people, not wanting to pay deposits have had to deal with these "rubbish trades" you mention,
I'd happily pay Ferrari or an airline a deposit because I don't think they're going to go bust. Their financial situations are usually well known to customers. Trades are massively different and there are many many dodgy tradesmen around.
Your initial post would actually put me off hiring you, I hope you're not linking your business to your post history.
Just sick to death of "Jonny bog bNo need for you to be complaining about people not wanting to pay large deposits to people they don't know on the internet then surely?
As you said perhaps those people, not wanting to pay deposits have had to deal with these "rubbish trades" you mention,
I'd happily pay Ferrari or an airline a deposit because I don't think they're going to go bust. Their financial situations are usually well known to customers. Trades are massively different and there are many many dodgy tradesmen around.
Your initial post would actually put me off hiring you, I hope you're not linking your business to your post history.
ks types" thinking they control "trades" and how crap they all are etc . when all they are is "customers" and the trade is a bone head. A good "Skilled craft person" does not have customers, we have "clients" .Muncher said:
What happens if the kitchen fitter can't make the slot and gets called away to another job, for a bigger, regular client and starts a week late? Does he compensate his customer? No chance!
Thats not a good guy. If he is going to run late.His first call is to the next client to notify them of any issues . If its not his fault (clients supplies units etc) then he has to work out if the next customer can wait or the customer he is working for is happy for him to come back later .As its not his fault . Thats why clever clients do not get into the "can we supply the materials " mess .As they become responsible and the "trades " hate it as when things go wrong the customer still expects them to sort it all out or have to wait a day etc (Or bloody weeks if its a bespoke German Kitchen !) who pays then ? It seems many are happy to also pay cash , therefore putting themselves before the Country . Clients paying cash be be a dangerous thing. I know a few that got to the end and the final payment was withheld .They could do very little about it as it was all "cash in hand" and no paperwork . Those pesky customers again. Just as bad as "us lot" wanting corners cut and rules broken to feed their own greed .
And No, I am not retired ! But getting old .
And No, I am not retired ! But getting old .
thebraketester said:
LOL. well played.
Most people have their own little tricks. A very good HE fits remote control switches to his systems .You would have to a expert to locate them. If any issues with final payment , he turns the system off . Amazing how they want to offer him the final amount to get it all working .He tells them straight .I have also seen the worse end of it, when "traders" have smashed some wise customer to bits , the cars the whole lot . Thats why I never do cash and always form a good paper trail . 3 times to court won one in court and 2 on the steps .
Biggest scam in London now in the building game is the Albanian Contractors . Getting the money and the works done and then going all "mafia" with the Polish workers etc .Many have been done for all their wages. Or the contractor /builder returning for the FP only to find the property has been sold "yesterday"
Exactly ! Why work for people on their terms only . Those of us that are good have no problems . Our Clients not only trust us , they need us . So are happy to pay to reserve our time etc .
Haven't seen the Beckhams for a bit . Nice people etc but not clients . So why not mention their names . And it's a lovely Porsche . Some of us roll in different ways with different people .
Haven't seen the Beckhams for a bit . Nice people etc but not clients . So why not mention their names . And it's a lovely Porsche . Some of us roll in different ways with different people .
El stovey said:
What quality stuff is it that you do though? For your clients.
Quality private "stuff" :-) Today was sorting out the subfloor for a kitchen that is nearly finished . . Its a bit "left field" as it will have very thick leather flooring. Concrete covered units including the doors etc .Works tops will Copper . Concrete has been a funny one , Its only 3mm thick but added a lot of "issues". But we found the right mix and application .
Paul Drawmer said:
custard
You really think so ! Jesus , some places you cannot take ANTHING with a camera on site , no phones , no cash nada . You want to go from one room to another ? better hope your pass says you can. Co's some eastern Bloc Goon is going to say "no" Its all about privacy . You want to see some leather etc. Go to wardour Street tomorrow night .
andy43 said:
3mm thick concrete on cupboard doors that won't crack or fall off?
I'd go with a stiff custard mix personally, with some glitter and 100's and 1000's sprinkled on.
Depends on how its formulated and what it is applied to and the look the client wants etc etc I'd go with a stiff custard mix personally, with some glitter and 100's and 1000's sprinkled on.
Think thats weird. Years ago I did one of "legs and co" ( Her husband was the biggest coke head I have ever seen) bathroom. The whole bloody lot walls /floors and bath/shower etc in Black Un stirred Hammerite paint which is very "cobweb" looking when not stirred . Despite warning her , It took FFNN ages for the smell to go :-)
OpulentBob said:
3mm concrete?
Bullst.
OpulentBob CEng (concrete specialism)
Yes . Like I said. The finish required allows for that thickness .The unit doors can carry the weight etc . The doors are first covered first with a special mesh to stop cracking and to allow for a good bond etc . Its a specialist market . And one where a lot of practise and specialists companies are used .These are not huge companies. Just guys who have taken the time to work out how it can be done. Bulls
t. OpulentBob CEng (concrete specialism)
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