What a way to run a business

[shaking]

This morning my central heating broke down so I rang the plumber at home (he works for himself) to be told by his wife that he was out working and gave me his mobile number. I rang this number, explained the problem and he told me that he couldn't get out of his drive due to the snow so couldn't come.
Needless to say he is no longer my plumber.

[keyplus90]

Chances are that he was not in the driveway of his own house, most probably delivering the GOODS somewhere else.

[Twenty20]

Sorry, but what was your question?

[shaking]

Think you have hit the nail on the head there keyplus

[buildersmate]

So you pay him a monthly retainer such that he is at your beck and call, whenever you want?
Otherwise, I'm afraid you take your turn.

[Panic Button]

Has the possibility occurred to you that he can't get out of his drive due to snow?

[shaking]

He wasn't at home panic button according to his wife yet according to the plumber he was.
These tradesmen like the cream jobs but don't want their bread and butter. I just hope he goes bankrupt.

[haysi06]

I used a central heating engineer recommended by a mate about 6 months ago. Fixed my boiler, charged a fortune and never returned my calls when the part he replaced broke down within weeks. Flipping cowboy. Grrrrrr

[shaking]

Feel in the same position haysi06, this plumber installed the new system, makes me mad.

[albaqwerty]

is hes gas safe registered? if he installed it a few months ago, then it should surely bu under guarantee.

[haysi06]

yep albaqwerty but he wont return my calls. I've left a load of messages. anyway, I'm now with British Gas, they replaced the part free of charge as I took out cover with them. Will be paying through the nose longterm, but at least I've got peace of mind.

[shaking]

It was installed 3 years ago but could never get him to come and service the boiler, will be spreading the word though and no doubt lose him some business.

[albaqwerty]

haysi, no price for peace of mind surely ? :D

shaking, word of mouth is powerful advertising (more so I think if it's negative)

[haysi06]

yeah, thats true albaqwerty, I'm now covered for any breakdown of my boiler, central heating and gas fire. AND they'll send a nice young man out to service me once a year....:P I mean, my heating LOL!

[albaqwerty]

sssh don't let crafty hear you say that, lol

[shaking]

I live in a small town albequerty, as you say word of mouth is good advertising, it can also make or break!!

[albaqwerty]

there's a plumber who lives in my small town who doesn't do local jobs anymore.

[shaking]

Speaks for itself then

[Coobeastie]

We signed up to British Gas when our heating system started boiling over into the header tank.

Took them several years to realise that our thermostat on the boiler was bust, kept trying to flog us a power flush for the radiators even when it was apparent that it was doing it with only the hot water on.

[carrot99]

I've got British Gas for the lot - central heating, electrics, plumbing and drains and I've been very pleased with their speed and efficiency when I've had to call them out.
I suppose I pay about £450 a year but like Alba and Haysi said it's worth it for the peace of mind. I'd recommend them to any woman on their own like me.

[shaking]

Thats a lot to pay Carrot, albeit British Gas wanted £164 to come out, + parts, try a comparison site.