If your boiler broke down, you don’t need a boiler service...

[Jim09876]

...you need a breakdown repair! No better way to rub up a plumber the wrong way folks 😉

 

[snowhead]

Is that,
Hi I've come to service your boiler
To be met with, you'll have to fix it first.

 

[EvilDrPorkChop]

When it's a customer that's new, or doesn't have their boiler regularly serviced I always now make a point of asking is it working correctly? Funny how many usually say no and think a service will magically fix it!

 

[SimonG]

That's why when you go into the property the first job is fire up the boiler.

 

[Gasmk1]

as mr pork chop says i laways ask what the problem is with the boiler, with new customers who say they want boiler service

 

[OffshoreGas]

...you need a breakdown repair! No better way to rub up a plumber the wrong way folks 😉

I’ve found calling them a plumber these days is probably the number one way 🤣🤣

 

[firemant]

When it's a customer that's new, or doesn't have their boiler regularly serviced I always now make a point of asking is it working correctly? Funny how many usually say no and think a service will magically fix it!

as mr pork chop says i laways ask what the problem is with the boiler, with new customers who say they want boiler service

This job actually is not rocket science. We can command a decent charge, and most jobs are straightforward.

The least we can do is treat punters with respect - it is amazing how often it is reciprocated. Why talk to or about them as if they are all morons? As per the above, most awkward situations can be avoided at the initial enquiry stage. My first phone contact will reveal parking situation, whether the caller is a tenant (!) and the nature if the fault or otherwise. I explain HOW I charge, and the fact that I expect payment on the visit and, if parts are required, at least a deposit for the materials. Sometimes the response to the money side will be "Thanks, I will call you back". I respond with, "that's fine, but leave a message if you don't get an answer". I KNOW, however, that almost 100% of those wont call back as I have charged "too much". But that is fine, I have wasted a bit of time on the phone. Those that say yes will know exactly the score and life is easier.

Anyway, and my actual point, why would a punter not expect a service to make a boiler work properly? People take their cars for a service when it is misfiring or generally running poorly. It is not their job to know about boiler servicing issues. It is not difficult to ask about symptoms, and advise that a "standard service" will not rectify, and explain the (your) procedure.

Every one seems to want to start the day with stress. Work out your gameplan and don't be afraid to share.

 

[OffshoreGas]

This job actually is not rocket science. We can command a decent charge, and most jobs are straightforward.

The least we can do is treat punters with respect - it is amazing how often it is reciprocated. Why talk to or about them as if they are all morons? As per the above, most awkward situations can be avoided at the initial enquiry stage. My first phone contact will reveal parking situation, whether the caller is a tenant (!) and the nature if the fault or otherwise. I explain HOW I charge, and the fact that I expect payment on the visit and, if parts are required, at least a deposit for the materials. Sometimes the response to the money side will be "Thanks, I will call you back". I respond with, "that's fine, but leave a message if you don't get an answer". I KNOW, however, that almost 100% of those wont call back as I have charged "too much". But that is fine, I have wasted a bit of time on the phone. Those that say yes will know exactly the score and life is easier.

Anyway, and my actual point, why would a punter not expect a service to make a boiler work properly? People take their cars for a service when it is misfiring or generally running poorly. It is t their jib to know about boiler servicing issues. It is not difficult to ask about symptoms, and advise that a "standard service" will not rectify, and explain the (your) procedure.

Every one seems to want to start the day with stress. Work out your gameplan and don't be afraid to share.

Some great advice and nice to see such a positive post.

Treat people how you wish to be treated and be honest and up front, everyone knows where they stand and it’s a great way to start a relationship on a basis of trust.

 

[Scott_D]

This job actually is not rocket science. We can command a decent charge, and most jobs are straightforward.

The least we can do is treat punters with respect - it is amazing how often it is reciprocated. Why talk to or about them as if they are all morons? As per the above, most awkward situations can be avoided at the initial enquiry stage. My first phone contact will reveal parking situation, whether the caller is a tenant (!) and the nature if the fault or otherwise. I explain HOW I charge, and the fact that I expect payment on the visit and, if parts are required, at least a deposit for the materials. Sometimes the response to the money side will be "Thanks, I will call you back". I respond with, "that's fine, but leave a message if you don't get an answer". I KNOW, however, that almost 100% of those wont call back as I have charged "too much". But that is fine, I have wasted a bit of time on the phone. Those that say yes will know exactly the score and life is easier.

Anyway, and my actual point, why would a punter not expect a service to make a boiler work properly? People take their cars for a service when it is misfiring or generally running poorly. It is not their job to know about boiler servicing issues. It is not difficult to ask about symptoms, and advise that a "standard service" will not rectify, and explain the (your) procedure.

Every one seems to want to start the day with stress. Work out your gameplan and don't be afraid to share.

But would you book your car in for a service and not mention the issues, noises and faults, expect the garage to find it themselves and fix fit the same cost?

 

[Jim09876]

Or put your car in for a service one year then feel you have a imaginary contract including 24/7 free breakdown repairs!

GAS SAFETY WEEK...enjoy but respect some gas protocol 👍

 

[firemant]

If course not. But surely you have the ability to ask the punter? And explain the “rules”.

There may be the odd punter that is out to con you, and that will always be tough, but properly constructed T&C’s and a professional start will alleviate most issues.
[automerge]1568753958[/automerge]

Or put your car in for a service one year then feel you have a imaginary contract including 24/7 free breakdown repairs!

GAS SAFETY WEEK...enjoy but respect some gas protocol 👍

Or put your car in for a service one year then feel you have a imaginary contract including 24/7 free breakdown repairs!

GAS SAFETY WEEK...enjoy but respect some gas protocol 👍

I also wouldn't expect a tradesman to work in a house smelling of cats pis% or *** smoke.
I wouldn't object when asked to move my car off a drive just wide enough to accommodate the said car, even if the RGI had to carry a full marble mantle up the non existent gap (yes, that happened 😉 )
I wouldn't let my little kids "watch the man working" then bugger off god knows where.

The point is, most issues are predictable, so rather than get stressed when they occur, try to manage them out of your life. $hit will still happen sometimes, you just have to try to minimise it.

 

[OffshoreGas]

Or put your car in for a service one year then feel you have a imaginary contract including 24/7 free breakdown repairs!

GAS SAFETY WEEK...enjoy but respect some gas protocol 👍

It’s surprising how lucrative doing someone a small favour can be. An hour of your time can get you more good publicity than £1000 of advertising.

 

[Stigster]

But would you book your car in for a service and not mention the issues, noises and faults, expect the garage to find it themselves and fix fit the same cost?

Or tell them it needs servicing when it won't even start.