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

[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.