Losing out on work lately ? ? ?

[king of pipes]

Is anyone noticing that customers are tightening their belts a bit ? I have recently been beaten on price by other local tradesmen still winning more than I loose but they seem to be very competitive, not to worried for now but I would like you thoughts gentlemen . Cheers kop

 

[Millsy 82]

With the rise in fuel prices, gas electric and food all rising over the past 5-6 years at a greater rate than peoples wages people are starting to run out of money. I think the average uk household debt excluding mortgage is something ridiculous like 30k.

The fact we have a stagnant housing market as well due to 1st time buyers getting good deals on new builds those that managed to buy non new builds cant move on as first time buyers need 10-20% deposits.

Add in all the scandals like VW the horsemeat etc people no longer know who to trust what to trust so stick with what they know.

Some people will blame it on Brexit but the rest of Europe have also been in recession at some point over the last year. Brexit or no brexit we are heading into a huge recession.

 

[SimonG]

Not noticed anything yet, but who knows whats around the corner.

 

[Ben-gee]

I have noticed that people are getting more quotes for a job than they used to, this will inevitably lead to what you are experiencing KOP.

I find it frustrating as wastes more time, however on a some occasions the customer has shown me other quotes and this has allowed me to win jobs (a couple of times at a slightly higher price than I would have quoted blind) so swings and roundabouts.

I’m also getting more bath out/ shower in where the customer wants making the best of what’s there rather than complete re-tiling/ overboarding.

But again, at the moment, this puts some installers off I think - we (all?) prefer to do a job from scratch- I think I’ve noticed it’s getting more important to be willing to do what a customer wants rather than what I think/know would be best - as long as it’ll work and has longevity I’m learning to be ok with that.

 

[townfanjon]

Its the Brexit effect pal

 

[Harvest Fields]

Its the Brexit effect pal

I agree. I think everyone is worried and not quite sure what to do. Luckily I am still quite busy due to back log. Haven’t kept a track of what new stuff has come in.

 

[king of pipes]

Problem I am finding is you dont know if they are pricing like for like we can all all trim a quote using cheaper materials and maybe cutting corners but it's not something I want to be doing? , some good points above and agree with you there is definitely a slow down in my area and tradesmen seem to be working cheaper . Cheers kop

 

[Millsy 82]

Its the Brexit effect pal

Dont think it's anything to do with brexit. Especially around me rents are high house prices are high wages are poor and seasonal council tax has gone up 10% in 2 years peoples wages are lucky if they get any pay rise.

The people have been ripped off by big companies for years and we haven't properly got over the last recession using house building to bring us out of it.

A lot of European countries including the likes of germany and France have been in recession over the last year and apparently brexit doesnt worry them as we need them more than they need us.

 

[Harvest Fields]

What a load of absolute tosh. The whole of Europe is scared of us leaving the EU. That’s why we are getting such a hard time of it. This should show you that it isn’t us that needs anybody. It is them that need us. (In my opinion obviously)

 

[Harvest Fields]

Can you tell that I am a leave voter Town?

 

[townfanjon]

Br

Dont think it's anything to do with brexit. Especially around me rents are high house prices are high wages are poor and seasonal council tax has gone up 10% in 2 years peoples wages are lucky if they get any pay rise.

The people have been ripped off by big companies for years and we haven't properly got over the last recession using house building to bring us out of it.

A lot of European countries including the likes of germany and France have been in recession over the last year and apparently brexit doesnt worry them as we need them more than they need us.

Brexit is a massive uncertainty and everyone is just been cautious

 

[townfanjon]

Can you tell that I am a leave voter Town?

Lol , yes it crossed my mind . I voted remain simply because I knew what **** would happen , and it did , and is still doing .
My heart wants out , and if we vote again, I am out . But I am pretty sure a lot of people will suffer .

 

[Harvest Fields]

I think we will be a right mess for about 10/15 years mate. But I am willing to sacrifice for what I believe will be a stonger England for my children.

I also liked your post as there is no agree yet.

 

[Sharp Point]

I think we will be a right mess for about 10/15 years mate. But I am willing to sacrifice for what I believe will be a stonger England for my children.

I also liked your post as there is no agree yet.

I think nobody knows what really lies ahead of us ....IF we leave. I strongly believe another recession if coming very shortly AND brexit will be blamed for it, maybe that’s why trump and bojo were put there, so the fingers can be pointed in that direction😎

 

[Harvest Fields]

I think nobody knows what really lies ahead of us ..IF we leave. I strongly believe another recession if coming very shortly AND brexit will be blamed for it, maybe that’s why trump and bojo were put there, so the fingers can be pointed in that direction😎

I agree about borris and trump

 

[townfanjon]

This is what happens when you loose out on your quote and some other muppet is cheaper

 

[king of pipes]

I voted out and knew that things would get worse before they get better, I would rather we make our own choices than be dictated to, Europe are terrified we will be a success and be their downfall thats the reason they are making it so difficult to come to a deal. Kop

 

[Welder]

I think nobody knows what really lies ahead of us ..IF we leave. I strongly believe another recession if coming very shortly AND brexit will be blamed for it, maybe that’s why trump and bojo were put there, so the fingers can be pointed in that direction😎

I agree a serious recession is approaching and I believe its roots are entirely Brexit based. Its long past caring whether we stay or leave we just need to act. Its the vacuum of inactivity & uncertainty leading to poor or no business decisions that will trigger the recession.

Sheer unadulterated fear is whats stopping people spending.

 

[Harvest Fields]

I voted out and knew that things would get worse before they get better, I would rather we make our own choices than be dictated to, Europe are terrified we will be a success and be their downfall thats the reason they are making it so difficult to come to a deal. Kop

I have liked your comment KOP as there is no agree button yet.

 

[Sharp Point]

I have liked your comment KOP as there is no agree button yet.

Yes, all I can see is a like button. I’ve gotta get use to this new platform

 

[Welder]

I certainly miss the diff emojis to reflect how one feels about a post. Currently the forum is poorer for it being missing. 🙄

 

[Millsy 82]

Yes, all I can see is a like button. I’ve gotta get use to this new platform

Press and hold the like button you get a few more.

 

[Sharp Point]

Press and hold the like button you get a few more.

Lol, so you do Millsy🙂

 

[Harvest Fields]

Also in the actions boxes above where you type your text. If you press the smiley face you also get more.😛

 

[king of pipes]

Had a few issues since Dan upgraded the sites often not able to access them tiling forum has been down all day often seeing this like you H I would have liked a Agree button but hey ho . Kop

 

[Burger]

Had a few issues since Dan upgraded the sites often not able to access them tiling forum has been down all day often seeing this like you H I would have liked a Agree button but hey ho . Kop

Same for me, we need @Dan to let us know the secret handshake 😉😀😀

 

[Harvest Fields]

They are definitely working on it and know there is an issue.

 

[RoryD]

I will not compromise my pricing structure, I will not barter, the larger companies don't! I walk but leave on decent terms and leave the door open always. Tbh none have come back as yet but who knows down the road. My main issue would be that these who are price driven would never be happy and would cause me sleepless nights!

 

[RoryD]

Br


Brexit is a massive uncertainty and everyone is just been cautious

If buying is affected - and it's not- then people have more work done. The teality is that the holiday period is here and by some twist of freakery it is quieter than normal. I've just been to Ireland to lay an extensive UFH system. That's what it takes I'm afraid.

 

[Harvest Fields]

If buying is affected - and it's not- then people have more work done. The teality is that the holiday period is here and by some twist of freakery it is quieter than normal. I've just been to Ireland to lay an extensive UFH system. That's what it takes I'm afraid.

Long way from brum that mate.😉

 

[hammers4spanner]

Approximately every 10 years a recession looms and we are in that area again, mind you with Mark Carney in charge of the bank of England we will probably be in a right mess soon.

 

[Jock Spanners]

I was just thinking today about a customer I've looked after for ten years. I'm very competitive on price - many say too cheap so I took umbrage when he wanted a fixed price quote from me to fix his knackered shower cubicle. He said he was going to get three quotes. I told him I was too busy.
Most of my work comes from my established customer base and referrals. It's all these idiots on the telly telling everyone that they need three quotes. I don't get three quotes when I get my van fixed - I go to a mechanic I trust and know will do a good job. All the negativity about tradesmen on the telly and all those parasitic companies like Don't Trust a Trader.Com and Unchecked and Vetted are driving down our rates under the pretense of protecting customers whilst enriching themselves at our expense. I bet they're all owned by solicitors!

 

[Best]

I was just thinking today about a customer I've looked after for ten years. I'm very competitive on price - many say too cheap so I took umbrage when he wanted a fixed price quote from me to fix his knackered shower cubicle. He said he was going to get three quotes. I told him I was too busy.
Most of my work comes from my established customer base and referrals. It's all these idiots on the telly telling everyone that they need three quotes. I don't get three quotes when I get my van fixed - I go to a mechanic I trust and know will do a good job. All the negativity about tradesmen on the telly and all those parasitic companies like Don't Trust a Trader.Com and Unchecked and Vetted are driving down our rates under the pretense of protecting customers whilst enriching themselves at our expense. I bet they're all owned by solicitors!

I always thought the same about the 3 quotes advice.
A customer could still end up with 3 idiots giving 3 quotes and all too expensive.
It also wastes time for at least 2 companies who will not get the job.

 

[Welder]

I always thought the same about the 3 quotes advice.
A customer could still end up with 3 idiots giving 3 quotes and all too expensive.
It also wastes time for at least 2 companies who will not get the job.

The fundamental problem here is that people (customers) have no idea of a) what they actually need & b) what a 'good' job actually is.

The whole point of the 3 quotes thing assumes that the job will be assessed as being exactly the same by the quoters. Thats ok in some circumstances but mostly not when it comes to plumbing because we each have our own way of achieving the same end goal.

I for one let people know this. My advice to them is to pick someone they trust and just go with it. 😎

 

[Phil]

I had to smirk toady when I got the old "can I pay you on Thursday when I get paid" and yet there's a 18 plate Audi on the drive.