No Wife, No Estimate
Workmen.
For those of us who own a house or an apartment – and do not have the “handyman” skill set – we are forced to rely on complete strangers.
I came across a sales tactic this week that pissed me off more than you’ll ever know.
I had to call in a company to get a price quote on insulating my attic. (I realize this is a relatively simple task, but the thought of crouching for eight hours straight is quite unappealing.)
First the workman asks me a series of questions, all in an effort to determine how clueless I am. He figures the less I know, the more he can take me for.
He follows this up by darting around to rooms other than the one in question.
“Do you mind if I see the basement.”
On the way, screwdriver in hand, he finds a way to start removing light switch plates from the hallway wall.
After surveying the entire house (remember, I called about my attic) we get to the part that homeowners really care about: the cost.
“OK, if you’ll just call your wife we can go over some numbers.”
I explain that it’s OK. I’m the one making the decision so I’ll relay any pertinent information.
“I’m sorry. We can’t continue unless you call your wife into the room.”
This lackey won’t talk to me alone? Are you kidding?! Then it all crystallized. Get the married couple together. Scare the woman. And then watch as the man breaks under the pressure. It’s really no different than McDonald’s getting the kids to cry cause they “wanna see the clown.”
After I make it abundantly clear that my wife will NOT be joining us, even though she’s sitting a mere 10 feet away, I’m told that we’ll have to reschedule for a time when we both are available.
Companies that employ this tactic will claim they are simply looking to protect themselves. Well, whatever. I’m protecting myself and will never higher a company that wastes MY time – in MY house.
In hindsight, I should have asked to speak to his wife to make sure she approved with the price he was about to quote me.
What do you think?