schedule dread

[ceagle]

Sometimes I'm eggcited about getting things fixed and achieving goals, but when it involves getting a trades-person, in RECENT years I've often had a bit of dread initiating it.

And that's because there are SO MANY flakes out there. :|

Over the last few months I've gone to the trouble of researching service places, then setting up appointments, and arranging for time off from work... only to be sitting there and waiting for people who NO-SHOW. About a half dozen times in just the last few months.

What makes it so hard for some people to communicate if they can't make it? Well, you just don't matter to them. Flakey flakity flakes.

Unfortunately any time we hire people for services, there's a learning curve about their Ability, Reliability, and Cost.

This is why I like to stick with known entities because of established Dependability.

But in some cases we all have to start fresh (someone has moved or retired, etc)... and it puts us back at the starting gate all over again. Alas, it's this frustration that makes me shake my head a little before making those initial calls... ;P

Comments

[smraedis.livejournal.com]

I know this feeling all so well too, been trying to get some house work done, seems like everyone is too busy and never wanting to turn up too, constant rescheduling and nothing happening. Do wish I had better contacts!

[xolo.livejournal.com]

Allegedly, there's a service called "Angie's List" that provides honest feedback on tradesmen. I've never used it, though.

[hastka.livejournal.com]

I used it for a couple years when it was a pay service. The "honest" feedback is a little bit like what you'd find on google reviews or something... it's directionally useful but it seems kinda like ebay where 5 stars is "they didn't burn down my house" and anything lower than that is "I had some petty argument with them so time to get even."

Having said that, I do think it is a useful service for seeking help, as you can do geographical searches, and at least there is SOME recourse if the person is a total jerk.

[allaboutweather.livejournal.com]

They just changed the name to Angi.

[mondhasen.livejournal.com]

Here is the reason I try to do things on my own... where possible. Luckily the plumber and electrician I use have been dependable. The company that did my roof had just done my brother's house. But I need someone to hook up a gas stove at some point, and I'm unhappy with that search.

[hastka.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it is really weird that for all the BBB and Angie's List type places, people seem to still be able to thrive despite horrible business practices. I guess ultimately it must be because "enough" people tolerate it, but it definitely is really unprofessional. :-\

Good luck with everything!