I am not smiling. I have a feeling I should never have gotten involved. Only time will tell:mad2::mad2::mad2:
- Thread starter village idiot
- Start date
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R
Rickster123
Well, I have just been given a contract by a landlord who has over 150 properties. So far, so good. So there are a good number of boilers that needs replacing, a lot of CP12's, servicing and new installations in houses he is converting to flats.
There are 5 boilers to install next week. Two are replacing combi to combi's and three are new installs in house being converted to flats.
Trouble is he sent me a mail today informing me he will be buying all the materials, parts, etc. I must only just charge the labour element. I can see problems. Missing parts, wrong materials, etc. OK, I will have my materials I can fall back to and finish the jobs, but I can just see him arguing that I am making up the materials??? Then there will be the question of wanting to pay a lot less for the jobs as he says I will not be short of work? Yeah, SO???
I think there is going to be tears
Attend job, parts supplied are wrong or missing = invoice for waste of time.
Plus all warranty problems are chargeable.
Plus all warranty problems are chargeable.
R
Ray Stafford
#
You say he has given you a contract. Is there actually a contract? A document that defines what each party are going to do?
Because if not, then I fear you are right - it will end in tears.
And landlords with 150 properties don't appear from nowhere. Have you had a chance to speak to whoever used to do his work? That could be most illuminating.
We have not exchanged any contracts, so nothing in ''stone'' yet.
As for the type of boilers Erm, you would be surprised. He insists it he only fits Worcester Bosch boilers. I have informed him I'd prefer Ideal logic+ Combi instead. I am amazed at the number of landlords I work for who only fit Worcester Bosch boilers?????? I hate them with a passion. The new compact ones are even more of a pain to fit. Even removing the front cover and accessing innards is one big joke.
As for the type of boilers Erm, you would be surprised. He insists it he only fits Worcester Bosch boilers. I have informed him I'd prefer Ideal logic+ Combi instead. I am amazed at the number of landlords I work for who only fit Worcester Bosch boilers?????? I hate them with a passion. The new compact ones are even more of a pain to fit. Even removing the front cover and accessing innards is one big joke.
You can say that again. Every single one of the new compact ones I have fitted has managed to cut me somewhere when I pick up the jig?? But no need phoning WB as they will say; ''if you had bothered to read the case cover before removal, you would have seen the warning about sharp edges''. great
I had a similar landlord do that until one of his parts went under warranty and needed changing and I slapped him with a bill for doing it. When he questioned it I said the part wasn't supplied by me and the warranty doesn't lye with me it's between him and his supplier I am just swapping it over. After a bit of to and throwing it was agreed I supply all parts in future.
he only wanted to supply them so he could claim back the vat against his commercial properties and off set the costs the naughty boy!
he only wanted to supply them so he could claim back the vat against his commercial properties and off set the costs the naughty boy!
Nope. Why go to all that trouble of screws here and there, when with the old ones, you remove clip at top, undo two bottom screws and slide out. Simples. But oh no. WB needs to make their product look superior by giving you hell to install it. ffftttttt.
BTW, When I spoke to the landlord earlier today, I made him aware that I will not be prepared to wait for 28-30 days for payment. I expect to be paid after every job. He said if that is my preference, he will do that. That being the case, I can always walk away if he starts to drag his foot with the payments.
He wants to only pay £140 daily rates and £42 for each CP12. I've informed him I charge £200/day and £50 for CP12. Just have to wait and see what he comes back wit on that issue. He claims he used to pay the other chap £120/day. Yeah, right. It aint gonna happen with me. Period.
He has between now and Wednesday to convince me or I am walking.
E
Ermintrude
Bet he's got some great carrots.dangle dangle. Was in local corner shop, he pipes up about services and cp12s.... Can u do them we have hundreds of houses...... We just paid BG 7k for cover....... ( ok so why are we talking I'm not BG. Keeps on. Not interested. We service and maintain loads of boilers. Only deal with landlord if it's lucrative.... But usually find you service and repair and cp12 and some illegal will be doing installs. " oh he's really good, fitted boiler in 2 hours for £100." No stat, no benchmark, undergassed plastic. It's all there. But he can't change a thermo on a bbu! Assholes!
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REDSAW
heard that figure before, must be trending?
find the bloke who used to do it and contract him?
Only did one job for a landlord, well tenant, who told me that he was in touch with his landlord and "ok'd" me to install at the property. Turns out he didnt "ok" me and the tenant has ripped me right off. Lesson is kids, there are no friends in business and get everything in writing.
You are sounding very cynical about this person.
Personally, I would try and get the work!!.
You make it sound like the guy wants it all his way.
Why don't you try and meet the guy and have a discussion.
It sounds like a person worth getting a working relationship happening.
Express your concerns - have him voice his concerns - and see if you can work out a mutually agreeable compromise.
Personally, I would work on the prospects - at least in the interim.
It may go sour - better to find that out prior to starting any work that finding out after you have completed some work.
Keep it professional - you never know where it will take you
Personally, I would try and get the work!!.
You make it sound like the guy wants it all his way.
Why don't you try and meet the guy and have a discussion.
It sounds like a person worth getting a working relationship happening.
Express your concerns - have him voice his concerns - and see if you can work out a mutually agreeable compromise.
Personally, I would work on the prospects - at least in the interim.
It may go sour - better to find that out prior to starting any work that finding out after you have completed some work.
Keep it professional - you never know where it will take you
I'm a great believer in your gut instinct or my problem radar as I call it. The couple of times I've gone against it, it's cost me money. To me, you are already arguing about money and you've not even started. The jobs have a going rate and try taking promises about 150 houses to Asda when you need the weekly shop.
I
iain85
Just quote each job on price work for what its worth to you. Stand your ground and be prepared to walk. These landlord clowns don't allow for time taken to register boiler, survey job etc. etc..
Also can anyone think of a single reason why a customer would supply materials (not including sanitaryware or something where design is a preference) other than a tacit implication that they don't trust you not to rip them off? that's a great starting point for a business relationship. As has been said before, try doing that at your local garage and see what happens.
G
Gray0689
If the Old plumber was being paid on time and no problems
He would still be doing the work
If it looks to good it normally is
He would still be doing the work
If it looks to good it normally is
I have been in the situation where failing to follow my gut instinct has turned out to be a disaster.
Last night, I sent him details of all the materials I will need for the job (including pipe clips). He replied querying my need for a length of 15 & 22 mm copper pipes? Said all I need to do is take out old glow-worm boiler and fit the one he provides.
As if it's as easy as that, ffftttttt. When I rang to tell him there is more to replacing a boiler than just taking old one out and replacing with new, he said I must email him details of the exact work replacement procedure. I am happy to do that, but if this is how every other job is going to be, then I think this relationship will end before it even begins. I am more than happy to leave behind any off-cuts and left over copper pipes etc for him to retrieve at his convenience.
Apparently, BG (with whom he says he has a Service Contract) have asked him to replace four boilers in the last two months all of them fitted 4-5 yrs ago. I wonder why??? If you are paying £120/day to an RGI, chances are there will be no incentive to properly flush the system
T
tamz
If a tenant wants work doing tell them they pay on completion (cash) and claim it back off the landlord. Let them do the arguing about money.
Don't waste your time with clowns.
Just goes to show what Ray S said at the very beginning. Find the previous plumber and ask what went wrong. The fact he is this involved, signals problems. Besides, do i really want to put myself in a position where my regular customers will take second place?
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Ermintrude
He might be the inlaw! We used to work for a family who own a fair proportion if the business parks and retail space and even an old train station or two, they own platforms the lot and lease back to nexus. It has an antiques fair on it (pure tat) he runs this too. He drives a vogue and an r8 when not in his t5 for work! Nice really but he's the inlaw and they have a lot of wonga. Just built a tesco on some land and now building 400 houses in co Durham .
My main reason for wanting to take on the jobs was that I could take on the responsibility of ''training one or two kids from college as they are constantly asking for help in getting their foot in the door, seeing that the job will be steady. But considering how it is lookig as if he wants to watch every penny, I am tempted to walk away
G
Gray0689
In fact approach him that way, on the basis of - we don't know each other lets work together for a couple of weeks and see how it works for both of us, if after that time either of isn't;t happy, let's review and give each other the opportunity to walk away with no bridges burnt.. He'll get to know your standard of work and amount of recalls, and you get to see if he's a penny pinching b**t**d or a fair an honest guy..
As someone mentioned earlier, I'd have a face to face meeting and iron out the details. You go with all your conditions written down and see what he has to say. Nothing annoys me more than being on a job and having to go off and get bits. I think it might be hard work but i'd have a go, if he can agree to enough of what you want to make it worthwhile.
If he is being that fussy over a couple of lengths of pipe then he isn't going to find it easy to find someone else to take on the work.
I admit I'd be tempted to get in with him if he does have that much work going.
Interested to see what happens but I could easily see village idiot passing it up if it will be too much stress. I swear some people think it's possible to do a boiler swap just by looking at the boiler on the wall in a certain way.
If he is being that fussy over a couple of lengths of pipe then he isn't going to find it easy to find someone else to take on the work.
I admit I'd be tempted to get in with him if he does have that much work going.
Interested to see what happens but I could easily see village idiot passing it up if it will be too much stress. I swear some people think it's possible to do a boiler swap just by looking at the boiler on the wall in a certain way.
there's so much ill feeling towards big time landlords that there might be a niche in it.
Do you own "lots of properties?" Has the demanding, corner-cutting, money-driven mentality you worked so hard to cultivate made it difficult to keep a tradesman playing fetch for more than 5 minutes? We at Bend Me Over Plumbers know our place. Only fast track engineers, half the going day rate, no request refused, no bodge below us.
Do you own "lots of properties?" Has the demanding, corner-cutting, money-driven mentality you worked so hard to cultivate made it difficult to keep a tradesman playing fetch for more than 5 minutes? We at Bend Me Over Plumbers know our place. Only fast track engineers, half the going day rate, no request refused, no bodge below us.
Village Idiot,
I think you, with the help of others, have convinced yourself not to take on the work.
What the....is wrong with you and others!
Has there been a positive post about this thread...no...all negative.
From what i can gather, you don't have any confidence in yourself or your ability to undertake the tasks requested, then you advertise the fact in a public forum.
How about being positive, go see the bloke and nut out a deal that suits you both.
I don't see the situation very different from quoting a customer for a boiler changeover.
You are most probably quoting against other contractors, offering the same services at around the same price. Who wins - the Plumber whom the customer feels most comfortable with.
This situation is no different - just on a larger scale.
You thinks this bloke has got you by the balls, by what definition.
You haven't even sorted out a price yet - nor a contract.
If you agree to a deal, that you believe you have been had, then you are only to blame.
I think you, with the help of others, have convinced yourself not to take on the work.
What the....is wrong with you and others!
Has there been a positive post about this thread...no...all negative.
From what i can gather, you don't have any confidence in yourself or your ability to undertake the tasks requested, then you advertise the fact in a public forum.
How about being positive, go see the bloke and nut out a deal that suits you both.
I don't see the situation very different from quoting a customer for a boiler changeover.
You are most probably quoting against other contractors, offering the same services at around the same price. Who wins - the Plumber whom the customer feels most comfortable with.
This situation is no different - just on a larger scale.
You thinks this bloke has got you by the balls, by what definition.
You haven't even sorted out a price yet - nor a contract.
If you agree to a deal, that you believe you have been had, then you are only to blame.
As said landlords that big don't appear from no where.
nor do they change engineers unless the engineer throws in the towel from the crap.
VI will quote then be told what he's going to get paid regardless, if he refuses he will lose the lot.
cousin has over 80 properties, he won't even offer me the work as he knows i won't play ball with him.
Nor put up with the crap his current guys takes.
15 quid a cert + boiler service.
he also farms the installs to anyone thats cheaper than his current guy.
carrot on the end of the stick, have to put up with bully tactics to get a sniff of it.
I hope your landlords are more agreeable in oz!
hope your government is also harder on em
Oz-plumber and Worcester put the case for exploring it further and as usual Ray makes a sensible comment.I would think it worth some of your time to see if it WORKS FOR YOU.The signs are not good,bordering on cheap rates and control of materials.He would need to understand boilers are not fitted on day rate.He needs to understand if you don't supply it he is on his own re-any future issues.
Clearly many have similar experiences to me,cheapest rates,want it done now etc.In some ways I find estate agents worse than landlords.They have their own agenda and want a mark up on everything.I have found they will use you when desperate but any further work is on their terms.Bigger jobs e.g boiler swaps go to the cheapest bid even if you have spent time diagnosing and trying to solve a problem for them.They often regard visiting and diagnosing a problem and quoting as a freebie-'You haven't actually done anything have you?'At least if you are dealing direct you can form sort of agreeable relationship or walk.What happened to the other guy who did his work would be worth knowing.
Clearly many have similar experiences to me,cheapest rates,want it done now etc.In some ways I find estate agents worse than landlords.They have their own agenda and want a mark up on everything.I have found they will use you when desperate but any further work is on their terms.Bigger jobs e.g boiler swaps go to the cheapest bid even if you have spent time diagnosing and trying to solve a problem for them.They often regard visiting and diagnosing a problem and quoting as a freebie-'You haven't actually done anything have you?'At least if you are dealing direct you can form sort of agreeable relationship or walk.What happened to the other guy who did his work would be worth knowing.
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I have worked for quite a few landlords over the years a few have been good most are not worth talking to.
150 properties is a lot of work and could be very lucrative but could also be a pain.
If it was me I would be going to see them at a quote and talking through what needs doing on a job. I would then also be discussing prices and timescales. I my self would be happy to do cp12 only for £42 for anyone with a large number of properties as that would be a good little money earner. But for a day rate I wouldn't drop below £200 and who is deciding how long a job takes as he might think a full heating system can be done in a day. So give him estimate of timescales (combi-combi swap horizontal flue no gas run and short condense run- 1day anything else is extra).
I would do it but you have to be firm with landlords if they think they can push you around they will! That's what he is doing at the moment testing what you will tolerate.
150 properties is a lot of work and could be very lucrative but could also be a pain.
If it was me I would be going to see them at a quote and talking through what needs doing on a job. I would then also be discussing prices and timescales. I my self would be happy to do cp12 only for £42 for anyone with a large number of properties as that would be a good little money earner. But for a day rate I wouldn't drop below £200 and who is deciding how long a job takes as he might think a full heating system can be done in a day. So give him estimate of timescales (combi-combi swap horizontal flue no gas run and short condense run- 1day anything else is extra).
I would do it but you have to be firm with landlords if they think they can push you around they will! That's what he is doing at the moment testing what you will tolerate.
B
buckley plumb
I have a landlord and they have their own pts account - I have authority to order the parts on it . I just charge for my time when ordering etc . to be honest it can be a big plus as no worry about the outcost of parts .also on boiler breakdowns no fear of ordering parts you need or think you need
P
pipefitter
I've had regular work from a landlord for the last 10 years & it's been all good....I have access to all accounts if & when there is a problem he just wants it sorted & never ever queries my charges ,I do tend to put my self out a bit for him ,if there is a call out I do go there ASAP & I don't over charge him for this .i look after around 60 properties for him and at one point it was a bit full time but now the heating and plumbing is upto a better standard the call outs have virtually stopped & it's mostly just maintainance now which is all nice & simple ....... I would say have a chat with him & try & come to an agreement
Well Oz plumbah, you are 100% correct. I mean, with a name like Village Idiot, how on earth do you expect me to know much? I come here and put it in a public forum because I need help doing things and building my confidence. What other reason will they be of me joining a forum if not to look for help?
Well, even though myself and the landlord had agreed 5 boiler installation jobs, The first a Combi swap was to be today, I have decided to follow my gut instincts and bail out of it. I had up to mid-day yesterday to make up my mind. People have their own way of doing work. I have mine. My standards remain mine, and I have no intention to deviate from them just to please anyone. Obviously, if I realise someone's else's way of doing ''work'' is better, then I will follow that.
As an example, for every boiler that I fit, I ensure that the flow and return pipes directly below the boiler are fitted with drain valves. Even for Baxi boilers whose flow and return unions have drain valves. I also fit a full bore lever valve to the cold feed to boiler. Are these requirements, NO, but it is my way of doing things and the drain valves assist me with my flushing the system.
So when a ''customer'' says I should give them a list of all my materials so they can deliver them, then querry why I need drain valves and lever valves etc when all I am doing is swapping over a combi for another? I can only take so much headache. If customer is paying top dollar, then ofcourse, I'm prepared to bend backwards to please them. But for someone who is penny pinching, I do not have the time and patience for these lot. I was recomended to him by another landlord who pays top dollar, which is why I have even given him this much allowance to see reason. My patience has ran out. I AM OUT
Maybe the landlord has been done in the past which is why he is querying things. It could of been the bloke was doing the job for £120 a day then siphoning bits? I would of met him at a job and talked through what you do what you use and then take it from there. He of course could be a penny pincher and I find meeting people face to face helps spot that.
Some would say: how much is a couple of drain valves, lever valves etc? why not just throw them in and get the ''lucrative'' contract?
My theory is once you start letting them get away with it, they soon believe little bits should rightly come off your daily rate. I did meet him at the address where combi swap was to be done, and walked him through what I will be doing. But seems he constantly wants to querry things he has been asked to provide?
The tone of your posts tells me that in the back of your mind the alarm bells are ringing. I sense only financial pain and grief from this landlord. I don't mind grief, it goes with the job to a degree but not at £120 per day.
I've worked for a few like that some just want reassurance others are just a pain. I wouldn't use anything off my van for them unless their paying. I would say x amount will get you 3mtrs 22mm per job etc and add it to your rate anything over that is extra and chargeable.
I'm not saying you have made a bad choice you could of made the best decision of your life sometimes it's not worth the hassle. It's up to you what you take on or pass up that's the joy of working for yourself.
I'm not saying you have made a bad choice you could of made the best decision of your life sometimes it's not worth the hassle. It's up to you what you take on or pass up that's the joy of working for yourself.
£250-£300 a day, to be paid at the end of every week.
Explain to him why you wish to incorporate, your addons:
drain valves and lever valves etc, as it's good sound engineering, and you're adamant you will not change your work code ethic.
As it's in his long term interest as these addons will save him money.
Posted too late.
Explain to him why you wish to incorporate, your addons:
drain valves and lever valves etc, as it's good sound engineering, and you're adamant you will not change your work code ethic.
As it's in his long term interest as these addons will save him money.
Posted too late.
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E
Ermintrude
Old apprentice called me at 5, some landlord offered him loads of fiddle work, he called me for advise, said yes go for it. She has lots of houses, I said and how did she get them? By not paying full wack or what a jobs worth! Get paid in full before you start or don't bother.
Mo have not heard from him yet, so I'm hoping he has decided to let go if my 'balls' -🙂.
i did advice him to get quotes from other plumbers as it's highly unlikely I will be doing the jobs. But, at the back of my mind, I can just envisage him sending me an email on Monday or Tuesday saying: 'All materials you requested have been delivered to address, so can you please arrange a date for replacing boiler with tenant?' Now, that will really pizz me off. But as said, my mind is made up. I'm not going to do any job for him regardless.
S
Sag
So instead of even trying to sit down and negotiate, terms you walk away from thousands of pounds of regular work. Madness.
S
Sag
Not if a proper agreement could have been reached. Instead, tar the landlord with the same brush and turn away work.
In reply to my post,
VI - I personally don't think you have given this Landlord and yourself enough time to negotiate.
He may well be a ***** - he may well think tradesman are not worth the money they charge.
But at the end of the day, you have made a decision on negativity and been made to feel that you are required to meet his demands / requests.
That may be well and true.
All it may have taken is for you to stand your ground and have a decent discussion on the phone or face to face.
Some things are worth having a go at.. and my point of view is that this was something worth having a go at.
You have made a decision not to have a go at it - fair call.
But I feel you have rolled over and given up without putting your point or services provided across.
Personally, I would have put my best foot forward and tried to negotiate a deal that would be beneficial to myself and offer whatever to make it happen.
I would not have worked at reduced rates, nor would I have cut corners to get the deal.
It may not have gone anywhere - but I don't think you put enough effort in to try and benefit yourself.
I don't have any harsh feelings towards you or your business dealings - that's your business.
Everyone has had bad dealings with landlords and estate agents, but not all estate agents and landlords are bad.
I just feel that you have let go of an opportunity that you haven't pursued fully.
No harsh feelings
Oz Plumber
VI - I personally don't think you have given this Landlord and yourself enough time to negotiate.
He may well be a ***** - he may well think tradesman are not worth the money they charge.
But at the end of the day, you have made a decision on negativity and been made to feel that you are required to meet his demands / requests.
That may be well and true.
All it may have taken is for you to stand your ground and have a decent discussion on the phone or face to face.
Some things are worth having a go at.. and my point of view is that this was something worth having a go at.
You have made a decision not to have a go at it - fair call.
But I feel you have rolled over and given up without putting your point or services provided across.
Personally, I would have put my best foot forward and tried to negotiate a deal that would be beneficial to myself and offer whatever to make it happen.
I would not have worked at reduced rates, nor would I have cut corners to get the deal.
It may not have gone anywhere - but I don't think you put enough effort in to try and benefit yourself.
I don't have any harsh feelings towards you or your business dealings - that's your business.
Everyone has had bad dealings with landlords and estate agents, but not all estate agents and landlords are bad.
I just feel that you have let go of an opportunity that you haven't pursued fully.
No harsh feelings
Oz Plumber
There are a lot of rogue plumbers about does that mean you are one too? You are tarring all landlords with the same brush? You have to take people as they come. A lot are bad but there are some good ones about too.
M
MOSSEP
As much as I like to agree with a fellow tradesman, I can see the issue from the Landlords point of view as well.
If I had a large portfolio of properties, I would know that I have a good thing to offer someone who is capable of doing the work. I would also want to be certain that I was getting this large amount of potential work done at the best price possible. Owning property is a business not a hobby and you do it to make money. I don’t suppose you shop at more expensive wholesalers unless you have a good history and relationship with them.
I would want to know that the stranger I am asking to do my work is not going to take the pish out of me, and if that meant that I wanted to buy the materials and only be charged for labour then so be it. I’m sure that after a few jobs you could have built up a good working relationship with potentially a large amount of work, and if it didn’t work out, you would not have lost anything either – other than maybe a few days where you may have earnt a bit more elsewhere.
If I had a large portfolio of properties, I would know that I have a good thing to offer someone who is capable of doing the work. I would also want to be certain that I was getting this large amount of potential work done at the best price possible. Owning property is a business not a hobby and you do it to make money. I don’t suppose you shop at more expensive wholesalers unless you have a good history and relationship with them.
I would want to know that the stranger I am asking to do my work is not going to take the pish out of me, and if that meant that I wanted to buy the materials and only be charged for labour then so be it. I’m sure that after a few jobs you could have built up a good working relationship with potentially a large amount of work, and if it didn’t work out, you would not have lost anything either – other than maybe a few days where you may have earnt a bit more elsewhere.
M
MOSSEP
Ive picked up work where the previous companies work was crap, where they became to expensive, where they were dishonest and also where they died! It hasn't got to be about the previous contractor throwing in the towel.
A
Andyswad
Too many eggs in one basket etc..
I can understand you walking away, I personally don't want too big jobs or contracts, Small jobs, quick payment or invoices.
I do work for a letting agent and do all their work but do get paid every month but when the invoice reaches £1000 I get nervous, that's my mortgage I cannot afford to loose that much.
£200 for PCB's is my biggest outlay any more than that and I get customer to buy or pay upfront, I do not hold merchant credit accounts just cash accounts. No bills at end of month to worry about then, buying boilers and waiting for payment is not for me
I can understand you walking away, I personally don't want too big jobs or contracts, Small jobs, quick payment or invoices.
I do work for a letting agent and do all their work but do get paid every month but when the invoice reaches £1000 I get nervous, that's my mortgage I cannot afford to loose that much.
£200 for PCB's is my biggest outlay any more than that and I get customer to buy or pay upfront, I do not hold merchant credit accounts just cash accounts. No bills at end of month to worry about then, buying boilers and waiting for payment is not for me
Being a self employed gas engineer is also a business and paying a gas engineer / business the equivalent of £ 15 per hour is taking the p@@s. It's a two way street in my opinion, the landlord gives plenty of work for which if he pays a fair rate and gets in return an engineer who jumps through hoops and is reliable allowing BOTH to make money. The old adage, of you pay peanuts you get monkeys spring to mind.
I have been to TOO MANY landlord jobs where things went wrong. Can you guess why? Because they wanted to get it done at the cheapest price??? As has been said, and as I keep reminding them: Pay cheap, pay twice.
I am 100% convinced I made the right decision.
Some would argue that this thread should not be in the open forum as landlords will see it? I'd say it is better in the Open Forum so they can access how we feel about the work we do for them and how we would like to be appreciated and compensated for the work we do.
I am all for tradesmen/women doing work ''on the cheap'' if they so desire. But one thing you need to realise is this: If after doing the job, there was a leak, etc, the customer will not consider that you were paid peanuts. He would be on your case asking that you rectify the situation. In this regard, I will always charge a ''Fair'' daily or hourly rate, and as a result, do a decent job and not rush things or be grumpy as I would be thinking I could be on another job, earning a better wage.
I am 100% convinced I made the right decision.
Some would argue that this thread should not be in the open forum as landlords will see it? I'd say it is better in the Open Forum so they can access how we feel about the work we do for them and how we would like to be appreciated and compensated for the work we do.
I am all for tradesmen/women doing work ''on the cheap'' if they so desire. But one thing you need to realise is this: If after doing the job, there was a leak, etc, the customer will not consider that you were paid peanuts. He would be on your case asking that you rectify the situation. In this regard, I will always charge a ''Fair'' daily or hourly rate, and as a result, do a decent job and not rush things or be grumpy as I would be thinking I could be on another job, earning a better wage.
E
Ermintrude
Had one today paid £10,030 invoice was £10,035. So shall invoice for the £5 tomorrow.
Another Asked for a price to do a bbu to flombay, told them on spot she hummed and made noises , so how much to fit then. Sorry supply and fit or do one. Started parping on, got in van and shouted bye!
Another Asked for a price to do a bbu to flombay, told them on spot she hummed and made noises , so how much to fit then. Sorry supply and fit or do one. Started parping on, got in van and shouted bye!
E
emergencyman
I've had landlords saying I have 100s of properties can you do me a deal?
Of course I will, I reply, Its only fair that someone putting a lot of work my way gets looked after.
(Landlord smiles nodding his head).
This is how it woks, I say, I charge you the first ten jobs/hours at my usual rate, then you get the 11th free.
(Landlord looks confused)
Like at Subway,I reply
Of course I will, I reply, Its only fair that someone putting a lot of work my way gets looked after.
(Landlord smiles nodding his head).
This is how it woks, I say, I charge you the first ten jobs/hours at my usual rate, then you get the 11th free.
(Landlord looks confused)
Like at Subway,I reply
When he gets balance of bill and pays up, drive round there at your convenience and hand him over a £4.99 bottle of wine from Asda, saying: 'this is just a courtesy call as I was in the area and just stopped by to see if everything is ok?'
Now, that will leave him very confused!!!!
E
emergencyman
By the way Village idiot, I think you did the right thing.
I very rarely work for landlords, simple reason is this.
Custard: Its his home and first and foremost is to get the job sorted to high standard, cost is an issue but not too important.
Landlord : It`s just a game. Object of the game is to collect as much as possible and spend as little as possible, even if that means treading on a few toes along the way. By working for a landlord you become part of his game.
I very rarely work for landlords, simple reason is this.
Custard: Its his home and first and foremost is to get the job sorted to high standard, cost is an issue but not too important.
Landlord : It`s just a game. Object of the game is to collect as much as possible and spend as little as possible, even if that means treading on a few toes along the way. By working for a landlord you become part of his game.
Landlord : It`s just a game. Object of the game is to collect as much as possible and spend as little as possible, even if that means treading on a few toes along the way. By working for a landlord you become part of his game.
Is this not the game we all play?
We try and charge customers as much as we can - spend as little as we can on materials.
The world wouldn't rotate financially if this 'game' was not played.
Oh - by the way - this game is not a new thing -!!!
Is this not the game we all play?
We try and charge customers as much as we can - spend as little as we can on materials.
The world wouldn't rotate financially if this 'game' was not played.
Oh - by the way - this game is not a new thing -!!!
If that be the case, why is Ray giving away things for free?
R
Ray Stafford
Option a) Because I am a generous soul, who believes in charity and goodwill to all men OR
Option b) Because it is in my commercial interests to persuade product manufacturers that it is in their commercial interests to give me product, which I then distribute for free in order to generate reviews for the manufacturer, and drive traffic to my website. Incidentally, this is also in the commercial interests of those who get the freebie (obviously) AND those who read the reviews, thereby gaining free information from a source which they trust. A rare case of win-win-win.
Its one of the above. Damned if I can work out which. 🙂
H
Heith
Well after waiting 11 weeks for £250 which was only paid today after a threat of a small claims court, I can personally guarantee I won't touch another letting/estate agent with a large pointy :nono: stick again
R
Ray Stafford
Virtually every bad debt we have ever suffered has been from a plumber.
By that logic, we would stop dealing with plumbers!
If your bad debtor had been (for example) an accountant, would you stop dealing with all accountants? 🙂
H
Heith
No but I'd make sure I was paid in cash before touching the job! - please don't try and defend the undefendsable!
Well I can work out which one.
Grrrrrr.
I find it amazing in my neck of the woods that i can order a white hopper, down pipe and fittings one day and get it delivered less than 24 hrs later from a company, Williams, at the other end of the country when all the merchants around here are quoting me 3 to 4 working days delivery.
VI, have you ordered anything from Williams?
Hats off to Williams again. Cheers Ray.
Does that really need explaining?
It's not because he is a nice guy and thinks that Plumbers need a break every now and then.
No Simon, I have not ordered anything from Williams but have bought above counter. Would have ordered when the £20 voucher was on but shower panel I needed was not one they stock. As it happens, it was only delivered yesterday???? 10 days after it was ordered? I was told two working days. Madness.
I am going to my local branch on Monday to buy some chrome pipes and fittings. As for the freebies on here, I genuinely wish all those who win my regards, but as for myself, I hold no hope of getting one. Please, no need for anyone to start calling me names. I know I will not be ''fast'' enough to get through, so have no intention of trying.
Ray, I prefer to collect most of my stuff from branch. My worry is, when I need summat delivered at a work address, it might be declined as your website says first order must be to home (registered) address. May be I should order something to be delivered at home just to be on the safe side.
Very strange things happen. I have just received an email informing me that everything is at address and tenant is expecting a call from me to say what day I can replace the boiler?
Strange, very strange. All this while, and he still is grabbing at my balls? Amazing
R
Ray Stafford
I'm not trying to defend the indefensible.
If Mr Smith pays badly, it makes Mr Smith a bad payer. It doesn't make everyone in his road a bad payer, it doesn't make everyone called "smith" a bad payer, and it doesn't make anyone who shares his occupation a bad payer.
The only way to be sure you never get a bad debt is to never give credit. Thats a business decision that will work for some people and not for others. If there was only one "perfect" business model for all plumbers, there would only be one plumbing company, and we would all work for them. 🙂
R
Ray Stafford
Hi VI.
Don't worry about that - the "first order must go to home address" is just a security measure to make sure that the user isn't taking a stolen credit card for a walk.
It may trigger a security call, but if you mention that you are known in the branch, and Alan or Abby vouch for you, we will work round it.
R
Ray Stafford
A
aligorgon
Now is your chance......grab him by the balls.
Just like chess...dangle the carrot...just have some 2 or 3 moves up your sleeve.
Pretend you are going to do him a favour...and crucify him.
How you do or manage this is up to you..
The ball is in your court now!!!
Do the job and keep all the paperwork till he pays up. No money, no papers, no warranty. You've only lost time if he doesn't pay then you'll know if your instincts were right. With customers I don't know, I always work like this (on larger jobs) Let them supply the gear and charge a day rate that you both can agree on then get paid before you do the next job or no more workee mistah landlawdee!
E
Ermintrude
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