Working weekends

michael_15

What is your policy on working weekends, both for (a) site visits to make estimates/proposals and (b) actually handling the wrenches?

I've found that one of the biggest obstacles for both me and many of my neighbors/colleages (I'm just a homeowner) is finding time to meet with a contractor.

It took me months to get someone to pipe a hot water system off of our steam system, not because I didn't know who I wanted (it was always going to be someone from the Wall), but because I could get myself free on weekdays during working hours to show them the hours. Once we met up once, I was fine handing over the keys so the professional could work when I was out, but that first meeting was long in waiting.

Even for small jobs, though, it's tough. For example, I've got some minor problems -- say, my toilet leaks (not heating, I know). We've been forced to use the other bathroom for ages now because we've been busy at work and haven't been able to get a day off that matches when local plumbers are available. Or, for example, I want to toss a TRV on my hot water radiator. I've wanted to for quite a long time now, but again, I only get maybe 1 day off every month, and if the contractor isn't free that day, I'm out of luck. As it is, for contractors in general (electrical, plumbing, or otherwise), if they'll show up at 7am, 7pm, or on a Saturday, they are far more likely to be the ones I'd being working with.

-Michael

lchmb

fall

At this time of the year we go to 6 day's a week on the service side of thing's. Presently we are booked 2 to 2 1/2 month's out. As to our salesman, he work's 5 day's a week, although he is more than willing to meet with a customer later in the day or early morning if need be. It is difficult though, like you, I want to be home with my family on weekend's and in the evening when the kid's get off the bus. It might be in your interest to find a company you are comfortable with and work thing's out by phone.

joel_19

tuff call

look I hear you I really do . We do what we can to accomadate people . I have guys woking every saturday for the next six weeks at least . I go out two or three nights a week to do quotes . It's not enough , we tell people no almost every day . People all want first thing A.M. for sales appointments or at night . I understand you might need to take a morning off but we simply can't do anymore .
People get mad that they have to wait 2 or 3 weeks for an A.M meeting but what can i do ? I'm booked out all the mornings allready.

We have families that we barely see , Don't forget that when you ask me to come to your house at night I've already worked all day.I do it some nights but no way will I do it every night .

I just spent 1200$ on adds trying to hire more help , I got absolutly 0 for my investment , a couple of resumes from guys that would have to commute an hr to get here and a couple from guys with no expierence .

I'm open to any suggestions you might have as to how to free up more time , hire more , and help more folks like you

Ted_9

Internet

It has helped me to do some of the comunicating with customers via the web. You cant actually see the house, but sometime digital photos can get the ball rolling.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

J.C.A._3

If a contractor is willing......

To meet you on your schedule, shows up on time and agrees to write a proposal for the work to be completed and YOU agree, don't you think he can be trusted with the key to your kingdom?

Our company does this alot, and the work gets done without any problems. If anything out of the ordinary does arise, just leave them a phone number where you can be reached during the day and I'm sure things will work out fine.

Think about this simple rule. We work on the "one in ten rule". If we do our job well, on time and budget, you will tell one person. If we do our job wrong, and blow the budget completely, you're going to tell ten people. That's the way a great contractor gets to be one.

Food for thought? Chris

helpingothershelpthemselves_2

How often have you heard a customer say " Ya know I work during the day Monday thru Friday . I'm not going to lose a days pay or take off a day from work to have this fixed ".
We (in this industry) also work during the day Monday thru Friday and most Saturdays too. Not just from 9am to 5 pm , but from day break to FINISH !

Lets not forget all those long days and nights 7 days a week
(especially here in the cold northeast) we also work to keep our customers comfortable .

I understand fully this is the trade we all chose, but a little consideration does go a long way on both sides of the fence .

michael_15

of course

Which is why I typically give them the key. The issue is arranging the first meeting.

-Michael

michael_15

web would be great

95% of the people I try to contact via e-mail never write back. I think the bulk of the industry (persons reading this obviously excluded) isn't looking to the internet for business.

-Michael

michael_15

one thing I've wondered

About 9-5 companies is why some of them don't just run thin staffs during the day and leave themselves open later at night. This doesn't even apply just to contractors, heck, I think this about the local bank. If I had the option (though I can understand that most people don't), I wouldn't hesitate a moment to agree to work 3pm-11pm or something for one or two days a week just to give myself those "business hours" of free time. Of course, my point of view is biased since I don't have kids at school to worry about. . .

-Michael

ScottMP

Kids

add alot to the mix. Not only the responsability but the emotional pull as well.

But its a two edge sword !

How much do you want us to be available to the customer ?? I put in around 64 hours a week at the business, now granted some of that is to early for meetings ( unless your up at 5:30 am ) but I am around ALOT. If its a big enough job and important enough to you then maybe you need to go in to work a little later one day ? Maybe get out a little earlier ? I have plenty of customers who do that.

Now on the other hand you bring up goo points about being progresive. I don't do it, but have thought many times about having a staggered shift. Somebody works Sat. and not Monday, or comes in at 10:00 am and works untill 6:00 pm. Know your customer, right ? I agree that most contractors do not take advantage of the internet. I have actually had a customer send me a photo of his problem and I gave him a quote to fix it and he agreeded to the job ( small repair ) . It was done over the net and I never left my desk ( cool ).

MY two cents

Scott

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

rich pickering

extended hours

I see extended hours as opening a bad can of worms.
When do you think HO are going to want their appointment.
When you do service, an 8 hour day finishing at 5 is rare.
Now my shift is 3 - 11 and I get home at 1 am or later.

NOT.

I would also suggest that anyone working long hours constantly ask their spouse and children what they think about it.

The mechanical trades seem to have a very high divorce rate. Life is too short.

Just an opinion from the trenches before I have to go and finish a boiler on a Saturday.