Getting quotes from local tradespeople
Getting quotes from local tradespeople
At some point, it is inevitable that we will need a service offered by a local tradesperson, so how do we go about acquiring this service?
Word of mouth?
Directory?
Online directory?
Local Press?
Radio advert?
Flyer through the door?
Knock on the door?
Well, we all know a knock on the door is a massive no, no! This is indeed the favourite for your local rogue traders - or cowboys if you like, this can also go for the flyer through the door, but not always, this is a valid advertising medium used by local tradespeople.
You have five options, all of which are possibilities, but surely, if they have the money, but not the skills, they could be everywhere, couldn’t they?
Word of mouth is a popular way for tradespeople to receive ongoing work, but is your friend qualified to know that the work is up to standard? Is your friend aware that all materials used are appropriate for the job done? Would your friend know whether the tradesperson has cut corners?
What can you do to ensure you are getting exactly what you are expecting?
Firstly, ensure YOU double check any memberships to any organisations that they are claiming to be apart of, remember, if relevant, it is no longer Corgi, it is now the Gas Safety Register.
No matter how you find your tradesperson, ask them, and don’t be shy as this will save any disappointment further down the track, “can I have everything written down?”
A written agreement of what IS and what IS NOT included in your quote is very important.
What deposit do they require, if any?
What hours do they work?
How much are the materials for this project?
How much is labour for this project?
How long will this project take?
Are you, as the business owner partaking in working and/or overseeing this project?
Do you offer a guarantee, if so, how long?
So you see, no matter what your questions, it is your right to ask.
This will need to be done with every single quote you acquire, three to five quotes should be your aim, you need to keep your options open, and this is YOUR project, so take your time.
If the tradesperson doesn’t turn up, don’t think “two quotes will do”, find another local tradesperson, DO NOT call this tradesperson again, first impressions count, if they cannot be bothered to even turn up to quote you as agreed, then do not chase them, this could be a sign of things to come, but at a later date, they could be holding your money!
The cheapest quote is not always the best! By following the advice above, take an informed decision of who is offering what for the quote in question, it may well be the dearest, but as the saying goes, you will only get what you paid for!
Would it help you, as a potential customer to know that local trades had already pre-provided, and proven the following?
Proof of Business Acc
Proof of Trading Time
Proof of Address
Proof of Public Liability Insurance
Proof of any trade association membership
Three references
This is what is expected from ALL tradespeople who join the Home Improvement Planner, a service offered by Yourlocaltrades Ltd, you can apply to get your quotes free online, at anytime convenient to you on yourlocaltrades.co.uk
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