07-03-2014, 05:06 PM
1
Conning Tradesmen
We've been looking into getting a door canopy fitted over our disintegrating one or simply to replace it and I've spent quite some time looking it up and getting prices for them.Today, after faffing about we found a reasonably-local supplier-installer so rather than my wife having to 'phone them we went over this morning.
The place looked run-down except from the outside but we went in and asked.
The man in charge was shifty - no other way to describe him - and he said he'd give us a rough price for the canopy.
My wife drew him to a display while I looked at his paperwork on his desk, pretending to look at exhibits on the wall.
One canopy we've already seen online and like we asked him about.
On his notes he had "Cost price = £350" and we've checked this out and got an email back saying cost to us plus delivery £495.
When he then gave my wife a "ball-park" figure he quoted £1100, just for the canopy and delivery, despite his notes saying how much it cost THEM!
The bloke said he had more paperwork and a list of "approved installers" so while he nipped out to get them my wife said she was positive that this bloke was the same one who was supposed to quote us for our replacement windows months ago but never rang back!
Just then the 'phone rang and he answered as a completely different company and said he'd ring them back.
That did it for me so I just told him to forget it and we walked out.
After my experience finding "iffy" tradesmen" still on various sites I no longer know what's best to do because now everywhere I turn I find con men!
Today a friend has given us two contacts which he knows are reputable so now we will probably check them out. stevmk2
07-03-2014, 05:52 PM
4
Re: Conning Tradesmen
Originally Posted by stevmk2
->
We've been looking into getting a door canopy fitted over our disintegrating one or simply to replace it and I've spent quite some time looking it up and getting prices for them.Today, after faffing about we found a reasonably-local supplier-installer so rather than my wife having to 'phone them we went over this morning.
The place looked run-down except from the outside but we went in and asked.
The man in charge was shifty - no other way to describe him - and he said he'd give us a rough price for the canopy.
My wife drew him to a display while I looked at his paperwork on his desk, pretending to look at exhibits on the wall.
One canopy we've already seen online and like we asked him about.
On his notes he had "Cost price = £350" and we've checked this out and got an email back saying cost to us plus delivery £495.
When he then gave my wife a "ball-park" figure he quoted £1100, just for the canopy and delivery, despite his notes saying how much it cost THEM!
The bloke said he had more paperwork and a list of "approved installers" so while he nipped out to get them my wife said she was positive that this bloke was the same one who was supposed to quote us for our replacement windows months ago but never rang back!
Just then the 'phone rang and he answered as a completely different company and said he'd ring them back.
That did it for me so I just told him to forget it and we walked out.
After my experience finding "iffy" tradesmen" still on various sites I no longer know what's best to do because now everywhere I turn I find con men!
Today a friend has given us two contacts which he knows are reputable so now we will probably check them out. stevmk2
07-03-2014, 07:09 PM
5
Re: Conning Tradesmen
Hi Steve
I belong to Which Local..http://www.which.co.uk/about-which/w...l/which-local/
and find their recommended Tradesmen very good.
You could also contact your local Age Concern, my local branch provide a booklet of local Recommended Tradesmen free of charge.
Not all branches do this, here is yours..
http://www.aubdmiltonkeynes.co.uk/pa...Directory.html
08-03-2014, 09:41 AM
8
Re: Conning Tradesmen
Originally Posted by Twizard
->
Why not look around at houses locally & knock on the door of one with a newish canopy and ask then who fitted it & if they were any good.
Her house is the exact match to ours.
She is a bit of a recluse though or just plain rude at times but I'll try! stevmk2
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