On 4/1/2011 7:36 PM, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,
Higgs wrote:

Sigh! In a day full of s**t. one ray of sunshine: AN HONEST
PLUMBER. (OK, down boys; I know there are many of you out there!) I
first contacted plumber that had done some work for me in the past,
but his hourly was ridiculous, and that isn't just my opinion.

Then I got a recommendation from the store where I bought the basin,
faucets, fittings. "Sid" is an older guy with know-how out to
here. He went to a lot of trouble to solve my problem -- get sink
that fits the cut-out in my antique sewing machine cabinet. Mfgrs
apparently changed basin measurements since long-ago sink install.

"Sid" sent his son "Jim" who had been in the biz for ages, and he also
took a lot of trouble and did a great job. Warned me of every
possible pitfall ahead, just to avoid surprises and give me choices.
He went back to the store with old sink; they sold him one that
didn't fit the cut-out; he went back and got the almost-right thing.
Had to gouge out of the greenwall a space behind to fit the sink.

Looks gorgeous; I always wanted dual white handles.

"Jim" said it would be less if I paid in cash, so I said drive me up
to the ATM; he said "nah, just drop it off when you get a
chance". !!! Modest bill; a fraction of what first plumber would
have charged, and I doubt if he would have been so caring& creative,
based on his first visit to check it out. OK, so now I know who to
use next time!

Reason I am posting this: "Jim" said he father was trained in the UK,
where they have to take a lengthy course of study to get licensed.
Said U.S. plumbers may know how to do stuff, but don't know what's
behind it. Hope this is clear...?

Interested in reactions.

HB

Not surprised you got a cash discount. Tax cheats come out ahead.

What a tradesman declares on his return is none of my business. I ask
for a price, and when it comes time to pay, ask if they prefer cash or
check, as they are writing up the tissue-paper thing. I never ask for a
discount.

--
aem sends...