What do you say when...

[jaydebruyne]

When you come up against a problem you have no idea how to fix, and no one is answering their phone to give advice, what do you tell the custard without sounding like you've no idea what you're doing? :/

Sometimes - ok ok, often - I come across things I've don't know much about (like fan convectors today for example). Some of them worked, but others just seemed to be air con units (there was no sun icon on the programmer). So I said they were air con units but wasn't 100% sure - time was running out and I had to get out of there.

And this is part of the job I hate - having to rush and then hating myself for just giving any old answer - makes me feel like a cowboy and I don't want to do it.

Is there anything wrong with saying "Miss, I don't know what that is. I'm relatively new to the trade. But I will find out and let you know"???

 

[dancinplumba]

Don't say relatively new to trade, otherwise OK 🙂

 

[Chalked]

You do t need to know everything.....

just a a bit more than the customer.!

 

[jaydebruyne]

That's my downfall mate.. I put so much pressure on myself that I make myself think I need to know the answers to all customer questions.. If I don't they'll think I'm an idiot :/

 

[plumben]

Theres nothing wrong with that, I find the best thing to do is to
say what you think it might be and then say im not 100% or I haven't done too menny of these (something along them lines) then say but ill speak to ...... and see what he says, most people will be happy with that because your not just messing around with something your not 100% on and your not just saying I cant fix that byee

 

[jaydebruyne]

Don't say relatively new to trade, otherwise OK 🙂

Noted. Cheers dancinplumba

 

[Worcester]

In the land of the blind the one eyed man is king..

We regularly come across old kit when fixing custards heat pump installs (not ours) and every single on is different, and usually no manuals on site, so we make it clear that we'll have to make some calls, being straight up an honest is the easiest.

I was also taught as a kid, that if you don't tell porkies, you don't have to remeber what you said, and I have a c**p memory 🙂

 

[PlumbersMate]

I just say I'm not 100% sure on this brand because most of their parts and faults are model specific so I'd need to get hold of their Manual to be sure

 

[wetdrip]

Like the above, say you need to look at the correct tech spec/manaul or contact manufacturer to chase up one or two things before you fault find/fix.

My nipper had a few weeks out with a company in Coventry, just as a help out/fetch and carry boy, and the plumber gas fitter told Matthew that he often has sleepless nights worry about the job he's on.

 

[Millsy 82]

You can't know everything. I generally tell the truth and if it is something I really have no clue then I say sorry can't help you but if it is something that you can speak to someone then I used to say I will return with them and we can work it out together.

I used to get sent out to air heat source pumps when I have never worked on any. I used to make a phone call check the controls then that was it I couldn't do more. Most people liked the honesty and they rather that than I guessed.

 

[rocketmanbkk]

This happens to me a lot

I've a sore chin from rubbing it!!

 

[rocketmanbkk]

That's my downfall mate.. I put so much pressure on myself that I make myself think I need to know the answers to all customer questions.. If I don't they'll think I'm an idiot :/

I agree
I've been told I over think things.

No disrespect to anyone but a plumber said to me, kids in school in the mid 80's when we left, those that weren't that great at academic stuff went into the trades & good for them, so he said how hard can it really be.

He tells me every week, KISS, keep
It simple, stupid,

Don't overthink it.

I'm trying.