I have been lucky enough to find a contractor that would work with me on what I want to do vs what I want him to do. The job is now done and it is beyond my expectations. The guy does great work. It has been a year in the going and now we are done. And no he was not here every day for a year, the “what I want to do” took some time.
So here is my issue, I’ve spent a bunch of money with this guy and the guy that works for him. Their work as been outstanding and well above par and at what I think is a really reasonable price Anyway I would like to do something nice for the boss and his guy. My budget is about $200 a guy and there are only two, in the scope of the project it is really minor price to pay and again, I am pleased a punch with their work. Ideas please.
Replies
Somebody once gave me a really beautiful and sharp plane with an engraving on the side of it as a special gift. I still have it.
A pocket size Leigh Nielsen low-angle plane http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=102 would likely actually be used. Spring for the Bronze #102 with the holster @ $145 you have $65 left for the engraving.
Put the engraving on the cap iron, the curved part that fits in the palm when using it. It stays shiny better than the side of the plane. Keep the text simple "thanks / your name / date"
There's a good chance they will have it for the rest of their lives, so keep it understated.
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"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."
Edited 7/3/2009 1:30 am ET by ShelterNerd
gift cert at a decent tool store
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
You have been blessed by the remodeling/building gods.
The gift is very thoughtful of you and will be appreciated no matter what you offer.
Please; do not forget how important it is to pass this gentlemans name along to all those that seek good work like he has done for you. That would be the ultimate gift in my opinion.
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." — Sherlock Holmes, 1896
I think you could come up with something to help promote his business like a hand painted job sign or a couple of jackets with their business name embroidered on them
if that is too much of a project a gift cert at a nice steak house would be appreciated
A customer of mine took out a large ad in the local paper thanking me and my crew for a job well done. One of the best gifts I have received.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Usually a good gift fit has something to do with a hobby. Although I'd appreciate a nice tool, I'd really prefer a round of golf at a famous country club where my golf budget would probably never take me. Pebble Beach for example, is $200 per 18 holes. Last time I looked, anyway.
Tickets for good seats at a favorite sporting event might be a second choice.
You can find out about his preferences by talking to his wife. Same with his helper.
As others have said, the best gift you can give is one that you really owe him, to remember to speak well of him and to carry his business cards with you. When you run into a neigbor or friend, begin conversations with a brief story about his work, endorsing him enthusiastically.
Paying sincere respect in this way is not only appropriate, it is good for the soul.
Edited 7/3/2009 9:54 am by Hudson Valley Carpenter
buy them a pocket knife, that little buck knife is great for open crackers, fingernail, those plastiv containers. they start about eight dollars.
It's been awhile since you looked--now a mere $495 per round! <G>
One of the great public courses, priced out of range for us working stiffs. There otta be a law...
buy each worker a $50 gift certificate to Hooters, no serious, that give each about four lunches, they be talking about you for years.
Edited 7/4/2009 11:41 am by brownbagg
Thats why ya gotta come back here, Bethpage is only $50 !
$50!?! Wow! I had no idea. So if I show up at 0-dark-thirty on a weekday, as a single, I may be able to get in 18 holes? Or is it like Pebble, where you need a reservation months ahead of time?
This is all hypothetical right now, because my once-was game is but a memory, needs lots of work before playing a course like Bethpage.
Thanks for the good news about the greens fees. Gives me something to shoot for.
BP takes reservations from state residents up to 7 days in advance, non residents have to wait untill 2 days in advance to reserve. As a single, walking up, you may get on, maybe not the black, but there is 4 other courses there.
Wow, five courses. Thanks again. Sounds like a plan for the future, next summer maybe.
How about a couple of ads in the local papers praising the excellent work and recommending the workers?
Or, cash. Times are tough. Despite them working for you they maybe could just use the cash!
I like the idea of taking out an add in the paper, praising his stellar work. That said, he might already be up to ears in work. As another poster said talk to his wife, and maybe talk to them separately, about the other, (the gc will know what his helper would love and vice versa), it will make a little drama in the least for entertainment! They will love any gift you get them and your greatest gift is tell all your acquaintances about how professional they are. If I were them I would like to receive some nice pictures for a portfolio, and a gift certificate to some fancy restaurant or store for something fun. The plane would be cool but I would hate myself the first time I dropped it!
I wouldn't mind something that would be around... titanium hammer? Oxy bags? Russian wives?http://www.tvwsolar.com Now I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill
I would set him in chains at the top of the hill
Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille
He could die happily ever after"
Edited 7/3/2009 1:43 pm ET by Snort
Thanks for the good suggestions. Defiantly some good things to think about. I think the guy has about all the work he can handle right now so the ad is probably out. He has a good reputation. I will have to mull it over a little bit more.
I have been given: leather jacket from lord and Taylor, big gift card to Outback, & lonestar, gift card to Homedepot, lunch every day for me but not to the painters, cash bonus a few times, lots of repeat work, recommendations a plenty..........
Still love the jacket but the recommendations are the best!