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Traders - don't want the work?
I'm not sure why but it seems traders don't want or need the work these days.
They have websites showing their products and services but either are too busy to reply (even after several months) or just don't want to sell? I've been trying to get a price for a new sectional garage door for months with no luck, filled in all the forms on several websites advertising free quotes and surveys but no-one has got back in touch? This is an expensive product (to me at least) and they must make several hundred profit, it's their only product line as i go to garage door specialists not a general builders, etc so i don't know why they aren't bothered? A couple of weeks ago i read about more and more break ins of homes by thieves snapping off standard euro locks so decided to change to the anti bump/ snap locks, found 2 or 3 local locksmiths who specialised in them so asked for prices inc fitting - no-one has replied! WTF - even asked 1 company to come and fit them without asking for a price just do them as i want to upgrade - never turned up? A couple of weeks ago i had a dent on my car - emailed several mobile companies local, filled in their on line forms inc photos as requested and only 1 reply which i ended up using as it seems the others didn't want the work Does anyone else find this happening? |
Have you actually rang anyone and asked, all the information you have supplied seems to suggest you sit and fill in online forms then wait ?
Most companies get hundreds of online applications, as a small company I get around 50 a week, from people just asking silly questions, the ones that ring me get the time, as they have taken the time to make contact with me direct, not just the online forms, So I suggest if it was that important to you, that you pick up the phone, speak to Bob at Bobs Garages, so he knows you are genuine, see how you get on. |
Yes i called a couple of garage door suppliers who said they would arrange for someone to come out - never showed up? 1 who said they would come out to do a survey just asked me to take photos of my current setup from different angles, take measurements then send all details in - i thought that was what they would do during the survey?
I usually look online 6pm> after work, most places are closed which is why i fill in their online forms - i thought with them having an online form that meant they would look at it and get in touch? |
Online contact is a waste of time for non-Internet based services. Especially with sole traders or small/medium businesses that employ no admin staff to manage that kind of stuff, as mentioned online contact forms often become mixed in with bots, spam, scam and timewasters. I know the business I work for treat online contact as something to mess with in during spare time...and we are never quiet so there is little or no spare time. I would imagine most busy some traders and small businesses are the same. Our online presence/contact mainly comes via trader referral websites. If it's a sole trader you possibly may have more luck making online contact via Facebook. But phone or customers visiting in person will always be a priority. If they ignore phones or end up as No-shows, they are businesses you don't want to deal with anyway. Anyway, Eurocylinders...held in by one screw, slide out old, slide in new...takes 30seconds to change a lock (less with a 'leccy screwdriver). Just need the correct length...plenty of online guides on replacing and measuring (as the existing lock maybe the incorrect length...it's not uncommon for a lazy door fitter to fit whatever lock they have on the van...the outside facing side of the lock should not protrude more than 5mm from face of the door handle trim (it's locks that protrude that invite lock snapping). |
Facebook is just the worst for complete time wasters, asking pointless questions like their your best pal from childhood.
Phone calls are always the quickest way to get things done. I've not found a way to stop spam bots so I'm considering taking the online form down from my website altogether as it's become a spam problem. |
Where are you. I got mine from here http://www.johnbriarsgaragedoors.co.uk/ and I love the stitching |
Originally Posted by robby
(Post 12023157)
I'm not sure why but it seems traders don't want or need the work these days.
They have websites showing their products and services but either are too busy to reply (even after several months) or just don't want to sell? I've been trying to get a price for a new sectional garage door for months with no luck, filled in all the forms on several websites advertising free quotes and surveys but no-one has got back in touch? This is an expensive product (to me at least) and they must make several hundred profit, it's their only product line as i go to garage door specialists not a general builders, etc so i don't know why they aren't bothered? A couple of weeks ago i read about more and more break ins of homes by thieves snapping off standard euro locks so decided to change to the anti bump/ snap locks, found 2 or 3 local locksmiths who specialised in them so asked for prices inc fitting - no-one has replied! WTF - even asked 1 company to come and fit them without asking for a price just do them as i want to upgrade - never turned up? A couple of weeks ago i had a dent on my car - emailed several mobile companies local, filled in their on line forms inc photos as requested and only 1 reply which i ended up using as it seems the others didn't want the work Does anyone else find this happening? If you're only looking to tidy it up, consider covering it. This is what I currently have - certainly beats looking at a the old door https://www.style-your-garage.com/en...ge-poster.html |
Its a classic case of supply and demand. If there are more people needing the trade than there are tradesmen, then they simply can't handle the amount of work. They can pick and choose the jobs they do and also get away with hiking the prices. I'm afraid this is only going to get worse with Brexit as many of the EU tradesmen are now leaving the UK and creating an even bigger shortage.
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I can totally agree. I have been trying to get some rendering done at home and no one ever turns up to quote.
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Originally Posted by beanbaby
(Post 12023450)
I can totally agree. I have been trying to get some rendering done at home and no one ever turns up to quote.
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Originally Posted by urban
(Post 12023454)
But have you actually talked to people, or relied on electronic means of communication.
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Originally Posted by urban
(Post 12023415)
Whats wrong with the current garage door?
If you're only looking to tidy it up, consider covering it. This is what I currently have - certainly beats looking at a the old door https://www.style-your-garage.com/en...ge-poster.html |
As someone who prefers online contact it's very disappointing to hear so many traders dismissing it. I like to put down in writing what I want or need and get a reply back I can work from.
Must lose a lot of business this way .. |
Originally Posted by pimmo2000
(Post 12023570)
As someone who prefers online contact it's very disappointing to hear so many traders dismissing it. I like to put down in writing what I want or need and get a reply back I can work from.
Must lose a lot of business this way .. It's better to get a price via email so you have it in writing, getting a price over the phone hmm - that can change when it comes to paying or you might forget the quote unless you write it down (i can't remember several verbal quotes and who said what) As most of us work during the day evenings is when we shop (online) so filling online forms is usually the only option |
Just to add a little balance, not for the first time, I have turned up to price a job today and no customer, no answer on their phone,
I always take a picture incase they scream no show and just send that, with the time and date on, and say well I was there lol |
Originally Posted by JDM_Stig
(Post 12023652)
Just to add a little balance, not for the first time, I have turned up to price a job today and no customer, no answer on their phone,
I always take a picture incase they scream no show and just send that, with the time and date on, and say well I was there lol |
Originally Posted by robby
(Post 12023653)
Bet you wished you'd quoted online :)
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Originally Posted by JDM_Stig
(Post 12023669)
....as a small company I get around 50 a week, from people just asking silly questions
Originally Posted by JDM_Stig
(Post 12023669)
In my trade you cant unless you just bang a huge price in, this was another online enquiry, so it`s why I hate them lol
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Originally Posted by ALi-B
(Post 12023166)
Anyway, Eurocylinders...held in by one screw, slide out old, slide in new...takes 30seconds to change a lock (less with a 'leccy screwdriver). Just need the correct length...plenty of online guides on replacing and measuring (as the existing lock maybe the incorrect length...it's not uncommon for a lazy door fitter to fit whatever lock they have on the van...the outside facing side of the lock should not protrude more than 5mm from face of the door handle trim (it's locks that protrude that invite lock snapping). |
What I did was ordered all mine 'to pass' so one key fits them all (4 doors in total). So much more convenient now :) Some of mega-secure cylinders like the Avocet ABS cannot have keys cut from the original...need the security card for the code. |
Originally Posted by ALi-B
(Post 12023704)
What I did was ordered all mine 'to pass' so one key fits them all (4 doors in total). So much more convenient now :) Some of mega-secure cylinders like the Avocet ABS cannot have keys cut from the original...need the security card for the code. |
Originally Posted by coupe_20vt
(Post 12023701)
So it begs the question, why do you offer the facility to enquire online?
I have recently stopped on ebay and the like, but no email and you look proper old hat, be like turning up with a raw plug tool and hammer to make holes. |
Originally Posted by ^Qwerty^
(Post 12023730)
I have the Avocet ABS locks, hence my note above about recording which lock/door is associted with which card. Never thought about getting all six doors on one key, but if you lose a key it sounds expensive.
Gaffer had the works keys stolen, which after the insurance company played funny beggers ended up with me removing all the locks and racing off to the locksmiths for replacements with getting duplicates cut as well...all in all it cost £600 in locks and keys :eek: |
Originally Posted by JDM_Stig
(Post 12023731)
Why not?
I have recently stopped on ebay and the like, but no email and you look proper old hat, be like turning up with a raw plug tool and hammer to make holes. |
Contacted FOUR builders for a quote for internal structural changes due to my wife's now disability.
ONE has responded. |
If only there was a source of labour that could make up for the shortage of traders in the UK :wonder:
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There is no shortage. Over 100 builders for me to choose from on the yell.com website.
I chose four. No reply from three, one agreed to come yesterday, never turned up. Will be doing the job myself now. |
Gone back to Poland ?
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Nah, I'd not be ringing any Po-scum. :D
The only one who responded was a firm I used many years ago. He never turned up. The job will now be mine and my son's. |
Sumo Power replied to my website inquiry the moment that they opened this morning, having contacted them late last night. Top job Rob!
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