Just when you hope you have found a reliable contractor....
About a year ago, I called Harry, from Loyalty Plumbing, to replace and move my main water shutoff. A guy showed up, and after evaluating what needed to be done, ran to the store, came back, performed the work, and done. No issues, no complaints. Was not the cheapest, but gave a price I could live with.
Last week, on Friday, I was given an appt between 12-4 for another main water replacement, at a different property. The day prior they called to remind me about the appt, so I was assured that I'd be good for Friday.
At 135pm, I called to confirm, just so that if there was an issue, I would not be sitting around waiting, only to find out at 4pm that there was an issue. I was told, at 135, that my assigned plumber was in town and wrapping up and that we were on track for my window of 12-4.
At 355 I called the office and it was then that I was told they were on the freeway, on their way......
At 430 the actual assigned plumbers called and reported that they had to go the shop and had no idea that they had a window for service between 12-4. They claimed to be 20 minutes away......They arrived at 435 and were done by 515. Friendly, efficient, and got the job done. I went back this week to check to see if there were any leaks, which there were not.
Annoyed that they were late. Annoyed that I was not given a courtesy call or notice. Annoyed that there was a disconnect between what was scheduled and what was delivered. Had I been called or told at 135pm WHEN I CALLED: Sorry, it looks like we will have to re-schedule I could live with that. I can work with that, but not letting the whole day go wasted with nothing but a: Sorry, they will be there when they can. But, I was not called. It is insulting to be given a reminder call the day prior about the appt only to be stood up the following day.
I was left sitting there after waiting 4 hours wondering: How good of a job will actually be done at 5pm on a Friday...... Fortunately, the folks performing the work are not the ones scheduling it.
I'm finding more and more that businesses are overbooking, or overcommitting and expecting customers to accept it. At least airlines give upgrades or accommodations. I don't need to reschedule, I needed the service when planned and agreed upon and made time out of my schedule based on your availability.
Hold up your end.