airdvr 210 #1 April 11, 2011 in my neck of the woods. So far this year I contacted 3 companies to provide snow plowing service at my home. 1 responded. He got my business by default. Last week I contacted a company that had a huge full color, 1 page ad in the local paper about power washing our house. Their webpage matched the ad. No response yet. http://www.perfectpowerwash.net/ Talked to a man about having a dead tree taken down and the stump ground up. Said he would be out that night to look at it. That was also last week. Nothing yet. Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heatmiser 0 #2 April 11, 2011 Quote in my neck of the woods.So far this year I contacted 3 companies to provide snow plowing service at my home. 1 responded. He got my business by default. Last week I contacted a company that had a huge full color, 1 page ad in the local paper about power washing our house. Their webpage matched the ad. No response yet. http://www.perfectpowerwash.net/ Talked to a man about having a dead tree taken down and the stump ground up. Said he would be out that night to look at it. That was also last week. Nothing yet. It's because you keep offering to pay in U.S. currency. Offer in Chinese yuan, they keep buying all our debt anyways, probably gonna work out pretty good for them. Or, it could be because you are speaking English. Speak spanish, you have a better chance of finding someone willing to do some work.What you say is reflective of your knowledge...HOW ya say it is reflective of your experience. Airtwardo Someone's going to be spanked! Hopefully, it will be me. Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #3 April 11, 2011 Go to the Home Depot parking lot, hire two Mexicans, and they'll take care of all three jobs in one day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,593 #4 April 11, 2011 The slogan around where I live is that the secret to success in any sort of home servicing, remodeling, etc. is to show up on the agreed-on day, on time. I will say I was very, very happy with the job done by the remodelers who did that... Wendy P.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #5 April 11, 2011 I have to admit, I'm surprised, too. The power-washing company even has a good BBB report (I looked) - go figure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freethefly 6 #6 April 11, 2011 You didn't tell them that you are a lawyer, did ya? To be honest, going by your avatar picture, you do have a striking resemblance to a shark. Try not to smile so big. The teeth are frightening."...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #7 April 12, 2011 it's amazing how poorly many small businesses are run. They often are friendly and enthusiastic, necessary to survive, but clueless about running a business. It's especially bad in the recreational industries - diving, skydiving, motorcycle shops. They tend to be people who love the sport and want to make a living staying within. You really want to establish a personal relationship there so you're not constantly frustrated by the odd behavior. (In contrast, the 'professional shop' has billing and scheduling down, but the bottom line is #1, and you are further down the priority list. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaVinci 0 #8 April 12, 2011 Quoteit's amazing how poorly many small businesses are run. This. I have a buddy that does AMAZING renovation work. I have seen him turn a house into a palace. His wood working skills are incredible, his stucco work amazing. He has great skills... what he does not have is a work ethic. He works hard till he has enough money to buy food, smokes, and beer. And then quits showing up for work and gets fired. He currently lives in another buddies rental house. Has not paid rent in 5 mths. But he always has beer, smokes, and food. I wanted to hire him to do some work at my place, but told him that the first part of his pay was going to his back rent. He said no thanks. Shame really. Good guy most of the time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #9 April 13, 2011 I think you're right. Great at what they do but clueless about how to run a business. And yet I see those cheap plastic bandit signs everywhere advertising "power wash your home for $200". That's not what I'm looking for. Hell, I can buy a power washer and a ladder and do it myself if all I want was some water under pressure sprayed on my siding.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #10 April 13, 2011 QuoteQuoteit's amazing how poorly many small businesses are run. This. I have a buddy that does AMAZING renovation work. I have seen him turn a house into a palace. His wood working skills are incredible, his stucco work amazing. He has great skills... what he does not have is a work ethic. He works hard till he has enough money to buy food, smokes, and beer. And then quits showing up for work and gets fired. He currently lives in another buddies rental house. Has not paid rent in 5 mths. But he always has beer, smokes, and food. I wanted to hire him to do some work at my place, but told him that the first part of his pay was going to his back rent. He said no thanks. Shame really. Good guy most of the time. Is your friend even aware that he has Attention Deficit Disorder? If so, has he tried Ritalin or a similar medication? I'll bet 50 bucks that I'm right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #11 April 13, 2011 QuoteSo far this year I contacted 3 companies to provide snow plowing service at my home. 1 responded. He got my business by default. Last week I contacted a company that had a huge full color, 1 page ad in the local paper about power washing our house. Their webpage matched the ad. No response yet. http://www.perfectpowerwash.net/ Talked to a man about having a dead tree taken down and the stump ground up. Said he would be out that night to look at it. That was also last week. Nothing yet. They're all in the bar complaining about the Mexicans. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldwomanc6 60 #12 April 13, 2011 Quote in my neck of the woods.So far this year I contacted 3 companies to provide snow plowing service at my home. 1 responded. He got my business by default. Last week I contacted a company that had a huge full color, 1 page ad in the local paper about power washing our house. Their webpage matched the ad. No response yet. http://www.perfectpowerwash.net/ Talked to a man about having a dead tree taken down and the stump ground up. Said he would be out that night to look at it. That was also last week. Nothing yet. I recommend the Amish. Their work ethic is amazing; they will do the job promptly, properly, and politely. Obviously, not all jobs are ones that they will do, but two of the three jobs you mentioned qualify for most of them (depending on their bishops). Obviously, not all areas of the country have them around, but Ohio definitely does. Also, where there are Amish, there usually Mennonites (who are just as reliable), and since they drive, they might even be able to handle the plowing contract. Ask around, you might be surprised. lisalisa WSCR 594 FB 1023 CBDB 9 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaVinci 0 #13 April 14, 2011 QuoteIs your friend even aware that he has Attention Deficit Disorder? If so, has he tried Ritalin or a similar medication? I'll bet 50 bucks that I'm right. You a Dr now? Why does EVERYTHING have to be the fault of something else? Fact is he lives a life he likes. He gets away with it since he sponges off of others, and we let him.... I'd prefer a swift kick to his ass, but my other buddy is so much the 'nice guy' that he has 3 deadbeats living in his rental units. Yes, there are people with mental issues.... But there are also lazy people who if they have beer and food are fine with life. Knowing this guy for 9 years, I'll trust my observations over your internet prescription. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #14 April 14, 2011 Too late. I'm sending you my bill. I've still got my $50 on being right. Embrace it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #15 April 14, 2011 Quote Quote in my neck of the woods.So far this year I contacted 3 companies to provide snow plowing service at my home. 1 responded. He got my business by default. Last week I contacted a company that had a huge full color, 1 page ad in the local paper about power washing our house. Their webpage matched the ad. No response yet. http://www.perfectpowerwash.net/ Talked to a man about having a dead tree taken down and the stump ground up. Said he would be out that night to look at it. That was also last week. Nothing yet. I recommend the Amish. Their work ethic is amazing; they will do the job promptly, properly, and politely. Obviously, not all jobs are ones that they will do, but two of the three jobs you mentioned qualify for most of them (depending on their bishops). Obviously, not all areas of the country have them around, but Ohio definitely does. Also, where there are Amish, there usually Mennonites (who are just as reliable), and since they drive, they might even be able to handle the plowing contract. Ask around, you might be surprised. lisa Funny you should say that. Our boat is at an amaishman's place right now getting a camper top fabricated. And for 66% less than another quote. I agree...Amish if you can find them.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #16 April 14, 2011 Called a guy yesterday I found on Craigslist. Hye came out last night. $75. Job done. Go figure Craigslist.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #17 April 14, 2011 QuoteCalled a guy yesterday I found on Craigslist. Hye came out last night. $75. Job done. Go figure Craigslist. So that plus the $50 you'll owe me, you're only out $125. Not bad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #18 April 14, 2011 QuoteQuoteCalled a guy yesterday I found on Craigslist. Hye came out last night. $75. Job done. Go figure Craigslist. So that plus the $50 you'll owe me, you're only out $125. Not bad. this discussion is billable hours too, right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #19 April 14, 2011 QuoteQuoteCalled a guy yesterday I found on Craigslist. Hye came out last night. $75. Job done. Go figure Craigslist. So that plus the $50 you'll owe me, you're only out $125. Not bad. I already knew I was ADHD.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #20 April 14, 2011 QuoteQuoteQuoteCalled a guy yesterday I found on Craigslist. Hye came out last night. $75. Job done. Go figure Craigslist. So that plus the $50 you'll owe me, you're only out $125. Not bad. this discussion is billable hours too, right? Watch your mail. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites