Hope ya’ll don’t mind me wasting bandwidth on this topic but it’s been quite the learning experience for me.
See “Client Trouble 1,2 &/or 3” for the background.
So today I get the call at another job that the rep for the doors will be at the site at noon-be there. I’m early and try to be as charming as I can and let the client vent as she see’s fit. I must admit I was a bit nervous. Having the first set of doors I’ve installed in a while put under a microscope wasn’t what I planned. It was hard not to touch them and even do what I knew had to be done to finalise the job. What made these doors harder was the fact the are french doors that are metal clad on the outside only-which means put the plane away-you have to set tham perfectly. Which I did pretty much.
The rep was very cool if himself a little unprepared-brought a 8x6x 1/8″ sheet of veneer as a straight edge. He looked at the installation and proclaimed it near perfect right away. He proceeded to do somethings I wouldn’t have including snapping off part of the weather strip housing. He slighly bent the hinges back to make the reveal absolutly perfect. he then expalined as I had tried that the 1/32″ out of plane that the doors were was due to the weather stripping and would settle in as the weather stripping gets compressed. The whole while I let the HO cast an evil on me and try to shoot my work down. I was able to laugh it all off as soon as I realised the rep grasped the situation immeadiatly-nut case HO. Kudos to Atrium Doors for having good guys in the feild.
The HO bought it all. Even got a $200 refund as the non stain grade doors are not stain grade but she wants to stain them anyway so a small crack will be tough to fill…I guess.
Anyway I’m crossing my fingers and toes and showing up in a day or 2 to finish the trim and never go back.
Now this was all a test to see if I want to get my lisence or take on bigger responsibilities with this crew. The answer is yes! As I NEVER would have agreed to this job. Never accept work from someone who is waiting on the settlement of a lawsuit to complete a remodel. I found this out later. They’ve been living on plywood subfloors for 2 years!!!
PS.. I took the rest of the day off!
N
Replies
sounds like a happy ending.
but I'm curious, what did she say to you after he said it was perfect?
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
"what did she say to you after he said it was perfect?"
Nothing! Wouldn't even look at me.
N
Glad to hear it turned out reasonably well. Thanks for keeping us up to date on the situation.
Hope you can get out of there quick.
Tell me what you need, and I'll tell you how to get along without it.
I bet you 20 milk bones that you got what i call the "the look" half amazement with half "dont I feel like a idiot" sort of look..BTW I love that look its so funny. Ah yes the sweet taste of crow, slightly bitter, strong but yet not over bearing , suttle with yet with a hint of sas a true example french haught cuisine at its best. I rate it 2 thumbs up....
Darkworks: No Guns No Butter squilla and the bling bling.
Actually the look was more:
"Don't you dare look at me-don't you dare open your mouth"
And I understood perfectly.
N
ha ha good for you! have a beer, hell have a few
I got a look today, I showed up to start repairing this lady's sagging deck, she asked when does everyone else show up, I said I'm it, she gave me a you got to be kidding look, then I told her Cory will be here tomorrow, and she had this look of relief until I explained to her Cory is the guy that will be digging the holes for the new piers and hauling of the trash.... got another look of "oh ####"
She made some comment about my age and went inside mumbling I think she was headed for the phoneNever be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
O no here we go again!
>I think she was headed for the phone
Or was it the shotgun ?
; )
A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.
Quittin' Time
Don't know don't care I am there to fix the deck, I had a dead line imposed today of Friday because she is having a party, possible but going to be tight so I don't have time to worry about it.
I will answer any questions politely and defer her any concerns to my boss, dealing with customer complaints is above my pay gradeNever be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
Good plan.
: ) A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.
Quittin' Time
Neil
"She made some comment about my age and went inside mumbling I think she was headed for the phone"
You just saw the look that we all have every time you post! ;)
Doug
The only reason she is decking is so's she has some young hotties to look at. What a diapointment you are to her.
heheheowowowow, Please don't make me laugh
SamT
that was a good shot sam, I am in stiches
I am still laughing on this one, sorry cag but he got you good.
Yeah well it's about time somebody did, I was beginning to feel I was the only real smartasz around here..Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
Age and cunning will win over youth and eagerness everytime.
SamT
yeah, bite me :)
Doug and Sam, those were good shots, but I have a memory like a women, someday when you are least expecting it the favor will be repaid :)Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
Good deal....
now ya know what kinda fun you can run into on your own!
Good that ya stood your ground and never doubted yourself outloud. Ya walked away with yer beltloops.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
Pat yourself on the back.
and now we have a clue what has been making her grumpy. Lawsuits can do that to people - or maybe she initiated the suit with her attitude...
;)
Excellence is its own reward!
ROFLOL
You and that rep just made my whole day.
Good on ya, bud !!
: )
A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.
Quittin' Time
Well, good for you! And it's great that you've still got the enthusiasm to get licensed!
Hell, you just got a very advanced lesson in the profession and got good marks! (From us anyway!)
A long time ago, someone advised me that EVERYONE should, sometime in their life, have the experience of working for a mean boss.
i'm glad things worked out alright in the end.
its fortunate that there are only a small handful of people like this. but when you get one it makes life hell.
i almost wish that there was aregister of them, or a little sign you could put on the door to warn future contractors.
i had a client from hell about 4 years ago and one of the subs on the job really screwed up on several things.
i've been going back 1 or 2 times a year since to put things right. that really doesn't help. but i gotta do it.
aleks