We needed quite a large a ceiling skimming (room 7m x 4m, ceiling area divided into two roughly equal halves by a beam).

We asked four local plasterers to quote for the work - one day's labour, plus materials (two bags of finishing plaster).

The first said '£300 plus materials, £80' off the top of his head, couldn't be bothered to come and see the room. Didn't know when he'd be able to do it, either.

The second said, 'Well, there's never a good time for me to come and have a look. I might be able to fit you in this weekend, but you'll have to ring me to remind me or I might forget. Ring me on Saturday afternoon after the rugby'.

The third was a guy from a bit further afield whose work I had seen in a house I'd decorated. He came all the way (50 mile round trip), moaned about the distance (although I had told him how far it was beforehand - he could have said 'No, sorry, t's not really viable for me'), moaned about the irregular shape(?!) of the room (it's a 200 year old cottage and the ceiling was expertly boarded!). Drank two cups of coffee, ate a lot of biscuits, then went off - didn't submit a quote even when reminded by text.

The fourth one was recommended by a friend, came over the first evening which was convenient for us, had a good look, advised us about one or two things we could do which would make it cheaper, then rang back that evening with quote (£240 inc materials).

Guess who got the job.

The one that wanted it!

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One day it will all be firewood.

Quite.

Your soft-porn avatar says much about you, by the way, and (as is often the case) not quite what you wanted it to say about you.

Had similar problems years ago with a plumber and double glazing company.

Double glazing Company wouldnt quote us unless we took out finance so binned them.

Plumber came and had a look at what we needed which was old back boiler taking out. New combi boiler in kitchen, new gas fire and surround installing, two new rads and all piping up. Plus the future job of a new bathroom suite.

Couldn't get him to quote and after numerous calls he said his back had gone. Saw him days later running around wickes with a radiator under each arm lol.

In our case i think he probably judged us as we were quite young and living in a rough looking place. Probably thought we couldn't afford the work doing.

I had thousands in the bank. Id just remortgaged to get all the jobs done. His loss.

The one with the nicest dressing gown?

Absolutely!

Sadly, the average plasterer's grasp of the concept of sartorial elegance is nowhere near as sophisticated as yours, my dear.

Fitzy, I sympathise

Actually...there was also a fifth guy (before all the others) - who happened to be plastering our next door but one neighbour's wall when I called in to see her. I urged him to call round after he'd finished to give us a quote and he said he would - but never turned up.

Do some people not want to earn a living, or what?! I feel a dose of irrational, Daily Fail style ranting coming on...which isn't like me at all.

I had the same problem when trying to get my van sign written,one guy came round took picture,said he would email me with design to show me what it would look like.I told him he had the job there and then, six phone calls later he still did not get back in touch. So I let him know what I thought of him .
Second one was the same.
Cant understand their mentality,why waste their time and especially mine

........and dere was me finking it were just a pikcher

Quick, send for the avatar police.

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One day it will all be firewood.

OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH....Ayjay is showing ankles.... How very suggestive...

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Verwood Handyman
I Know it says I'm On-line, but I might have just left myself logged in, whilst I'm out....

It could be argued that the above statement suggests much about you

Is Ayjays avatar any excuse for you to be somewhat rude to him when he has responded to your post in a most reasonable manner?

Are we to assume from your post that you can tell he has an ankle fetish?

I suppose some people could see my avatar as a great male phallic symbol - if they were looking for it

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That Freud bloke has a lot to answer for.

I see. In the way that all words are just words, you mean?