Unhappy customer

[Lambfulham]

Just wondering what other sparks think about this,

Last month I replaced a dimplex xl18 storage heater for a old couple as a job on the side, I reused the old dimplex bricks (as I can't use my work van as it has a tracker fitted and wasn't too keen making a mess off my car) and the old guy was happy he didn't have to get rid of the bricks, plus I've reused bricks all the time if there in good condition & never had any problems. Anyway I charged

 

[sparkytim]

All new heaters smell funny, its the dust burning off, Always point it out in instructions to customers to expect it.

 

[NozSpark]

Some storage heaters do give off a bit of a smell the first couple of times they are used, the instructions usually say set input & output to max for 2 days or so..

The smell will go

 

[Lambfulham]

I told them that it will smell as it's new but the heater has been in for 3 weeks now, but do you think

 

[Theorysparky]

[No message]

 

[Lambfulham]

How much would you charged to fit the heater?

I dont usually do jobs on the side unless it's family or friends so not so good at pricing.lol

 

[PC Electrics]

40 quid to change a storage heater?

I'm afraid I've got a proper bee in my bonnet about those who do cheap jobs on the side using someone elses tools, vehicles, diesel etc etc and put those of us who pay our dues out of work. At least charge a proper price for the job and stop lowering the customers expectations of what these jobs should cost. lol indeed !! X(

I charge

 

[Andy™]

and (responsible) disposal of old unit.

what would be 'responsible'?

most likely into scrap pile if it was mine

 

[Lambfulham]

I used my own tools, drill car & fuel etc!!!!

 

[danny7299]

I used my own tools, drill car & fuel etc!!!!

then you need to charge properly , I'm with pc on this one ,

its OK to go in a little cheaper , but you still have to be in the same ball park!

if you go around charging that little for jobs then you are not doing the electrical industry any favors ,

the reason a self employed spark like you boss charges probably 4 time as much as you charged for that job is because he has to pay all is overheads, insurance , rates, registration , wages , Tax , etc...

And if customers start thinking it should only cost

 

[Revved Up Sparky]

I stopped doing jobs 'on the side' years ago because of such hassles. I never accept them now. They always want it done on the cheap so you make next to nothing out of it and then you might get called back.

 

[Theorysparky]

Why do you think plumbers charge

 

[a1]

Like OP said. He normally works for someone and not for himself, and as a result, he didn't know how much to charge.

I think he now knows.

Don't forget that a high percentage of you have agreed in the past to go in lower, when starting up to make a name and build a client base up for himself. This could be classed as that.

OP, I would go back and have a look at it, and sort it out for him. If that means a little mess in your car, then so be it. Put a cover down in your car and it won't get so messy.

Go back, repair/replace* and keep a good name, put it down to experience with regard to price.

* delete as appropriate.

 

[ProDave]

Just make sure IF you are going back to change the bricks, that he turns the heater off 2 days before and leaves it off.

If you go there and find it was on the night before, you won't be able to change the bricks as they will be too hot to handle.

I doubt changing the bricks will make a difference, apart from "humouring" the customer.

As to cost? how long did it take to change the heater? about an hour? so

 

[revjames]

Job on the side = they want it done cheap. For me, the only people who would benefit from that would be close family. A true friend would want to pay you for your trouble.

 

[kernow]

Well if you have done the job that's it. With any job you should do the best you can and if the customer is unhappy then it is in your interest to try and sort the problem. If this means you don't make much coin in this case then just take it on the chin and learn from the experience.

 

[sprocketflup]

Gotta agree with that, never leave a customer unsatisfied. I'd make a loss rather than do that, tales of bad service get told for years afterward Im afraid

 

[Dunx]

Mmm way too cheap, I do loads and charge

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Gotta agree with that, never leave a customer unsatisfied. I'd make a loss rather than do that, tales of bad service get told for years afterward Im afraid

Now that reminds me of what my old headmaster used to say at school.....

(when trying to get us all to behave and be polite on the way to & from school, while in our school uniforms..)

"It takes years to build up a reputation and 5 minutes to knock it down!"

Cheap job... Little or no back up or support...

(assisting customer with any 12 month warranty issues.. you as supply could be involved with?)

The answer is all quite simple, basic rules on economics and business...

You either

a)

Tell customer.. Sorry the cheep price did NOT include any after sales back up or support. !

If you want me to come back its another

 

[Lambfulham]

I wasnt to bothered about going back to fit the new bricks, it was more the guy phoning me & being an ass & saying I had messed him about! Although I didn't I done the the job inside of two days of being asked to do it, & i saved him