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View the thread, titled "What would you do?" which is posted in UK Plumbers Forums on UK Plumbers Forums.

Meady

Plumbers Arms member
Plumber
Gas Engineer
Installed a boiler earlier in the year, all was fine but now he is saying he is unable to program the heatiing. I explained how to work it all when I was there and he was happy.

If it's a case of he can't figure it out and nothings wrong would you charge?
 
Happens to me all the time and I have to go back and sort their programmers. To be fair, some programmers are not very user friendly. I never charge, but usually fairly local.
Also regularly get people needing their oil boilers going again after running out of Kerosine, or folk not using the filling loop to keep systems in pressure.
Very frustrating is people asking me to check their oil level in their tank, despite many having sight gauges!
Doesn't matter what age group, folk just won't learn.
 
Last edited:
No, I wouldn't charge although it pains me.
Regular customers need looking after. My business is old and that is down to loyalty from them and good customer service.

TBH, I tend to stick to conventional controls if I suspect the new stuff may baffle the customer.
I also make a point of discussing controls before I start.
I feel for you though, it's hard work. Especially when they stand there saying " oh yeah, ah right yeah yeah, got it mate "
 
No charge if not too far out the way and cust not a bell end. If the latter then I make a point of charging.

The only problem with not charging is the fact that they will be on the phone time and time again. In this case I normally drop in 'well i have shown you x amount of times. I might have to charge you next time.' They'll not call again for the same thing.
 
I wouldn't charge for that. The mark up you make on materials throughout the year should cover the odd call back for silly little things like this. Yes its annoying, but I try to help my customers as much as I can as most of my work is recommendations.
 
I have considered getting the basic instructions (in my abbreviated wording) for time controls and having them printed in big lettering on A4 laminated pages to reach out to every customer that struggles with learning.
Would save repeating the same old words over and over.
 
I'd call twice and then tell there's b a charge.
As 1 of d lads say if ye don't charge they'll ring ye day and night
 
I pick simple to use controls and usually gauge on the type of customer, but most of these come with instructions they should just have a read of them! If they don't and you know model you can always email it to them, we all hate the small callbacks when your already rushed off your feet.
 
No, I wouldn't charge although it pains me.
Regular customers need looking after. My business is old and that is down to loyalty from them and good customer service.

TBH, I tend to stick to conventional controls if I suspect the new stuff may baffle the customer.
I also make a point of discussing controls before I start.
I feel for you though, it's hard work. Especially when they stand there saying " oh yeah, ah right yeah yeah, got it mate "

My sentiments exactly.
 

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Meady

Plumber
Gas Engineer
Plumbers Arms member
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What would you do?
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