I don’t know if this is an issue everywhere, but ever since we bought the house, I’ve found out how difficult it can be to find someone who will bother to return phone calls or write up estimates for work.
Example: A month ago I broke down and finally decided to make T happy and get some gravel for the driveway. I called a hauling company who was recommended to me by a few other homeowners in the area and spoke to a really nice guy who said he’d get back to me. I waited a week. I called back and left a message that said, basically, that if he didn’t call me back in another week I’d have to move on to someone else. I waited another week. Nothing. Finally, a month later, we’ve got gravel…after calling four different companies.
Example 2: Last fall we thought we needed electrical work done, so I started calling around to local electricians. Every single one of them had an answering machine message that said something like, “I’m sorry, but we’re not taking new clients.” I know that they’re busy, but wouldn’t you think there’d be one, somewhere?
Example 3: Now, we’re looking at replacing our old windows. They’re single pane, drafty and the sashes need to be propped open with sticks. Not good for a two-year-old boy, you know? We had someone come out to do an estimate on Mother’s Day. Still, no estimate. I’ve called someone else who will hopefully work out, but wouldn’t you think it would be simple to just get an estimate?
Apparently not.
I wish I was that busy with my photo card business–I might even be able to raise prices enough to cover my time ;)
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