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  #1   Report Post  
Jarkat2002
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I wanted
was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out in
an
evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we could
afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he would
not
come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two double
hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.

It's a sales tactic. He will come out and act like he knows everything and
anything about what he is selling you. He will tell you all the bad things
about the competitor's product. He will focus on that quite a bit, maybe even
more than the good of his product. He will talk numbers quietly and price
points won't come up often. Many men think they can over power the 'husbands'
decision by putting doubt in the wife's mind and that the husband will go along
with the wife to keep the peace.
IMO I wouldn't trust this guy and move on.
~Kat



There is no wisdom greater than kindness.
Lucky Numbers 1, 4, 19, 24, 29
  #2   Report Post  
Desert Traveler
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


"TOM KAN PA" wrote in message
...
Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I

wanted
was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out

in an
evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we could
afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he would

not
come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two

double
hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.



The man wants one of two things:

He wants to hit on your wife. (not likely)

He wants her there because he is a high pressure salesman who thinks he has
a better chance of getting her to sign while he is there than you. (he has
never met MY wife.)

Shop on. If he/she/it won't follow your simple request/directions, they
will ignore you on other things, too.

I hope you change your verbiage from:

As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.


to: "two sales were definitely lost by those companies for not listening to
me."

Steve


  #3   Report Post  
Desert Traveler
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


"TOM KAN PA" wrote in message
...
Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I

wanted
was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out

in an
evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we could
afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he would

not
come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two

double
hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.



The man wants one of two things:

He wants to hit on your wife. (not likely)

He wants her there because he is a high pressure salesman who thinks he has
a better chance of getting her to sign while he is there than you. (he has
never met MY wife.)

Shop on. If he/she/it won't follow your simple request/directions, they
will ignore you on other things, too.

I hope you change your verbiage from:

As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.


to: "two sales were definitely lost by those companies for not listening to
me."

Steve


  #4   Report Post  
RamblinOn
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????



TOM KAN PA wrote:

Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I wanted
was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out in an
evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we could
afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he would not
come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two double
hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.




Wisdom borne of experience? He knows men don't give a damn, or know a
damn, what color goes with the drapes or the flowers? If he lost two
sales, it is probably far less, in terms of time, than he loses because
hubby picks out a color the wife doesn't like. No way on earth would I
let my hubby pick out anything with the word "color" in it. He doesn't
know his puce from his taupe. )

  #5   Report Post  
RamblinOn
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????



TOM KAN PA wrote:

Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I wanted
was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out in an
evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we could
afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he would not
come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two double
hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.




Wisdom borne of experience? He knows men don't give a damn, or know a
damn, what color goes with the drapes or the flowers? If he lost two
sales, it is probably far less, in terms of time, than he loses because
hubby picks out a color the wife doesn't like. No way on earth would I
let my hubby pick out anything with the word "color" in it. He doesn't
know his puce from his taupe. )



  #6   Report Post  
john williamson
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

Group: alt.home.repair Date: Mon, Aug 18, 2003, 1:25pm (EDT+4) From:
c (TOM=A0KAN=A0PA)
Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate? I
called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I
wanted was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on
coming out in an evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew
how much we could afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the
color. Nope, he would not come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two
double hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there. As far as I'm
concerned two sales could have been lost because of the bullheaded
stubborn policy.

+++++++++++++++++++
John wrote

Well, I see two sides to this, IMO both have legit reasons. I can see
the customers side but you also have to look at the contractors side.
It costs quite allot to give estimates, you require a vehicle, with
insurance, gas, and all the other expenses, then you have the sales
persons time and those expenses. I think it is somewhat reasonable to
expect the sales person to have the opportunity to see both. Don't
forget the estimates are free, if you were paying for them, the customer
has a more legit complaint.

The customer is requesting something for free, the requested can provide
it or not.

  #7   Report Post  
john williamson
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

Group: alt.home.repair Date: Mon, Aug 18, 2003, 1:25pm (EDT+4) From:
c (TOM=A0KAN=A0PA)
Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate? I
called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I
wanted was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on
coming out in an evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew
how much we could afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the
color. Nope, he would not come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two
double hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there. As far as I'm
concerned two sales could have been lost because of the bullheaded
stubborn policy.

+++++++++++++++++++
John wrote

Well, I see two sides to this, IMO both have legit reasons. I can see
the customers side but you also have to look at the contractors side.
It costs quite allot to give estimates, you require a vehicle, with
insurance, gas, and all the other expenses, then you have the sales
persons time and those expenses. I think it is somewhat reasonable to
expect the sales person to have the opportunity to see both. Don't
forget the estimates are free, if you were paying for them, the customer
has a more legit complaint.

The customer is requesting something for free, the requested can provide
it or not.

  #10   Report Post  
Edwin Pawlowski
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


"john williamson" wrote in message
I think it is somewhat reasonable to
expect the sales person to have the opportunity to see both. Don't
forget the estimates are free, if you were paying for them, the customer
has a more legit complaint.


The customer is requesting something for free, the requested can provide
it or not.



It is a sales tactic. He has both people and can play on the soft side of
the wife. He then has both people thee to sign the contract.

Fact is, he can give a free estimate over the phone. All he has to know is
the number of square feet of the house. He won't do that because he is
going to ask a lot more than the customer expect, but in the excitement of
the moment, they will sign the contract.

When I was looking to replace the roof with a metal roof, I had the same
thing. They wanted to come when we were both home. The estimate was for
$14,500. When I said no, he made a counter offer. He would give me a better
price if I signed tonight, but he would not tell me how much the reduction
would be until I agreed. Rational was that he did not have to make another
trip to finalize the deal.

I sad no again and had a standard 30 year roof put on for $4000. It will
probably outlast me so the extra $10,500 is not much of an incentive to get
another 20 years.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome





  #11   Report Post  
Edwin Pawlowski
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


"john williamson" wrote in message
I think it is somewhat reasonable to
expect the sales person to have the opportunity to see both. Don't
forget the estimates are free, if you were paying for them, the customer
has a more legit complaint.


The customer is requesting something for free, the requested can provide
it or not.



It is a sales tactic. He has both people and can play on the soft side of
the wife. He then has both people thee to sign the contract.

Fact is, he can give a free estimate over the phone. All he has to know is
the number of square feet of the house. He won't do that because he is
going to ask a lot more than the customer expect, but in the excitement of
the moment, they will sign the contract.

When I was looking to replace the roof with a metal roof, I had the same
thing. They wanted to come when we were both home. The estimate was for
$14,500. When I said no, he made a counter offer. He would give me a better
price if I signed tonight, but he would not tell me how much the reduction
would be until I agreed. Rational was that he did not have to make another
trip to finalize the deal.

I sad no again and had a standard 30 year roof put on for $4000. It will
probably outlast me so the extra $10,500 is not much of an incentive to get
another 20 years.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome



  #12   Report Post  
Tom Miller
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


|
| TOM KAN PA wrote:
|
| Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
| I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I wanted
| was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out in an
| evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we could
| afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he would not
| come out just to give me alone an estimate.
| Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two double
| hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
| As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
| bullheaded stubborn policy.



1. Have your wife call and request an estimate. See if the salesman
demands that her husband be there as well.

or...

2. Call him back and say that you and your wife would like an estimate
and you will both be available. When he arrives, tell him your wife
had to leave unexpectedly. See if he stays and gives the estimate or
if he reschedules.

or ...

3. Call for an estimate. Tell the salesman you are not married.
  #13   Report Post  
Tom Miller
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


|
| TOM KAN PA wrote:
|
| Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
| I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I wanted
| was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out in an
| evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we could
| afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he would not
| come out just to give me alone an estimate.
| Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two double
| hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
| As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
| bullheaded stubborn policy.



1. Have your wife call and request an estimate. See if the salesman
demands that her husband be there as well.

or...

2. Call him back and say that you and your wife would like an estimate
and you will both be available. When he arrives, tell him your wife
had to leave unexpectedly. See if he stays and gives the estimate or
if he reschedules.

or ...

3. Call for an estimate. Tell the salesman you are not married.
  #14   Report Post  
Desert Traveler
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


"Tom Miller" wrote in message
...

|
| TOM KAN PA wrote:
|
| Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
| I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All

I wanted
| was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming

out in an
| evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we

could
| afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he

would not
| come out just to give me alone an estimate.
| Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two

double
| hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
| As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of

the
| bullheaded stubborn policy.



1. Have your wife call and request an estimate. See if the salesman
demands that her husband be there as well.

or...

2. Call him back and say that you and your wife would like an estimate
and you will both be available. When he arrives, tell him your wife
had to leave unexpectedly. See if he stays and gives the estimate or
if he reschedules.

or ...

3. Call for an estimate. Tell the salesman you are not married.


And add, "Oh, Gee! You know it is so lonely out here in the country. I DO
wish you would come and visit me. Maybe you could spend the night, and we
could discuss this in the Jaccuzzi?"

steve


  #15   Report Post  
Desert Traveler
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


"Tom Miller" wrote in message
...

|
| TOM KAN PA wrote:
|
| Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
| I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All

I wanted
| was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming

out in an
| evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we

could
| afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he

would not
| come out just to give me alone an estimate.
| Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two

double
| hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
| As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of

the
| bullheaded stubborn policy.



1. Have your wife call and request an estimate. See if the salesman
demands that her husband be there as well.

or...

2. Call him back and say that you and your wife would like an estimate
and you will both be available. When he arrives, tell him your wife
had to leave unexpectedly. See if he stays and gives the estimate or
if he reschedules.

or ...

3. Call for an estimate. Tell the salesman you are not married.


And add, "Oh, Gee! You know it is so lonely out here in the country. I DO
wish you would come and visit me. Maybe you could spend the night, and we
could discuss this in the Jaccuzzi?"

steve




  #16   Report Post  
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

On Mon, 18 Aug 2003 22:26:22 -0700, "CBHvac"
wrote:

Couple of things come to mind...

1- PERHAPS the state that you live in requires both parties to sign a
contract to validate it, both parties being those with a vested interest in
the property, being, husband and wife.


They do this specifically to be able to get a contract at the time of
the visit - avoid any opportunity for the homeowner to get comps or
check up on references (although I would never take the
recommendations of a reference the contractor gave me without
questioning why would they ever give one that would NOT recommend
them?????).
  #17   Report Post  
 
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On Mon, 18 Aug 2003 22:26:22 -0700, "CBHvac"
wrote:

Couple of things come to mind...

1- PERHAPS the state that you live in requires both parties to sign a
contract to validate it, both parties being those with a vested interest in
the property, being, husband and wife.


They do this specifically to be able to get a contract at the time of
the visit - avoid any opportunity for the homeowner to get comps or
check up on references (although I would never take the
recommendations of a reference the contractor gave me without
questioning why would they ever give one that would NOT recommend
them?????).
  #18   Report Post  
john williamson
 
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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

Group: alt.home.repair Date: Tue, Aug 19, 2003, 2:13am (EDT+4) From:


(Edwin=A0Pawlowski) wrote:

It is a sales tactic. He has both people and can play on the soft side
of the wife. He then has both people thee to sign the contract.
++++++++++++++++++
John wrote:

"Soft side of the wife", glad you said that not me! Usually only one
needs to sign is my experience.
____________________
Edwin wrote

Fact is, he can give a free estimate over the phone. All he has to know
is the number of square feet of the house. He won't do that because he
is going to ask a lot more than the customer expect, but in the
excitement of the moment, they will sign the contract.
++++++++++++++++++
John wrote

"he is going to ask a lot more than the customer expects"
Happens to me all the time, I expect everything to be less than it
really is. How you verify this is to get multiple estimates.

"in the excitement of the moment, they will sign the contract"
I guess the salesman could be this good but if enough questions are
asked by both parties and are accepted and they have other estimates to
consider, get on with it.
----------------------------
Edwin wrote:

When I was looking to replace the roof with a metal roof, I had the same
thing. They wanted to come when we were both home. The estimate was for
$14,500. When I said no, he made a counter offer. He would give me a
better price if I signed tonight, but he would not tell me how much the
reduction would be until I agreed. Rational was that he did not have to
make another trip to finalize the deal.
I sad no again and had a standard 30 year roof put on for $4000. It will
probably outlast me so the extra $10,500 is not much of an incentive to
get another 20 years.
++++++++++++++++++
John wrote

You don't say if you had other estimates for the metal roof, do you know
if the price was excessive? If it was and not justified, both of you
could have told him so.

Your price difference of $10,500.00 is comparing "apples to oranges"
and has nothing to do with the topic.

I would guess the amount saved on another trip would be about:
2 hours labor @ $ 50.00 ----------$100.00
est 40 miles round trip--------------$ 15.00
About $115.00 for 2 total hours and 40 miles.

The expenses and time are real to the contractors providing free
estimates, they do not appear to be so to most customers.

I hear what you are saying, but I think there is another side to it, as
I pointed out.

  #19   Report Post  
john williamson
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

Group: alt.home.repair Date: Tue, Aug 19, 2003, 2:13am (EDT+4) From:


(Edwin=A0Pawlowski) wrote:

It is a sales tactic. He has both people and can play on the soft side
of the wife. He then has both people thee to sign the contract.
++++++++++++++++++
John wrote:

"Soft side of the wife", glad you said that not me! Usually only one
needs to sign is my experience.
____________________
Edwin wrote

Fact is, he can give a free estimate over the phone. All he has to know
is the number of square feet of the house. He won't do that because he
is going to ask a lot more than the customer expect, but in the
excitement of the moment, they will sign the contract.
++++++++++++++++++
John wrote

"he is going to ask a lot more than the customer expects"
Happens to me all the time, I expect everything to be less than it
really is. How you verify this is to get multiple estimates.

"in the excitement of the moment, they will sign the contract"
I guess the salesman could be this good but if enough questions are
asked by both parties and are accepted and they have other estimates to
consider, get on with it.
----------------------------
Edwin wrote:

When I was looking to replace the roof with a metal roof, I had the same
thing. They wanted to come when we were both home. The estimate was for
$14,500. When I said no, he made a counter offer. He would give me a
better price if I signed tonight, but he would not tell me how much the
reduction would be until I agreed. Rational was that he did not have to
make another trip to finalize the deal.
I sad no again and had a standard 30 year roof put on for $4000. It will
probably outlast me so the extra $10,500 is not much of an incentive to
get another 20 years.
++++++++++++++++++
John wrote

You don't say if you had other estimates for the metal roof, do you know
if the price was excessive? If it was and not justified, both of you
could have told him so.

Your price difference of $10,500.00 is comparing "apples to oranges"
and has nothing to do with the topic.

I would guess the amount saved on another trip would be about:
2 hours labor @ $ 50.00 ----------$100.00
est 40 miles round trip--------------$ 15.00
About $115.00 for 2 total hours and 40 miles.

The expenses and time are real to the contractors providing free
estimates, they do not appear to be so to most customers.

I hear what you are saying, but I think there is another side to it, as
I pointed out.

  #20   Report Post  
Edwin Pawlowski
 
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"john williamson" wrote in message
John wrote

You don't say if you had other estimates for the metal roof, do you know
if the price was excessive? If it was and not justified, both of you
could have told him so.

Your price difference of $10,500.00 is comparing "apples to oranges"
and has nothing to do with the topic.

I would guess the amount saved on another trip would be about:
2 hours labor @ $ 50.00 ----------$100.00
est 40 miles round trip--------------$ 15.00
About $115.00 for 2 total hours and 40 miles.

The expenses and time are real to the contractors providing free
estimates, they do not appear to be so to most customers.

I hear what you are saying, but I think there is another side to it, as
I pointed out.

Ed writes:
Your $115 cost is probably low. His visit was not to "give and estimate"
but to make a sale. Much easier done when both are present.

In this case, his price may or may not have been competitive. I'd be
willing to pay a premium for a metal roof, cut not 3X the cost of a good
standard roof. If he had told me over the phone that "our prices start at
$10,000 for a small house" I would have told him not to bother. He wanted
to make the trip so he could do a selling job, not just give me a price. He
would not give me the price to decide tonight but I'm sure it was more than
the $115.

I don't shop at Jaguar dealerships as I know they are out of my price range
and I don't take up the salesman's time for no good reason.




  #21   Report Post  
Edwin Pawlowski
 
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"john williamson" wrote in message
John wrote

You don't say if you had other estimates for the metal roof, do you know
if the price was excessive? If it was and not justified, both of you
could have told him so.

Your price difference of $10,500.00 is comparing "apples to oranges"
and has nothing to do with the topic.

I would guess the amount saved on another trip would be about:
2 hours labor @ $ 50.00 ----------$100.00
est 40 miles round trip--------------$ 15.00
About $115.00 for 2 total hours and 40 miles.

The expenses and time are real to the contractors providing free
estimates, they do not appear to be so to most customers.

I hear what you are saying, but I think there is another side to it, as
I pointed out.

Ed writes:
Your $115 cost is probably low. His visit was not to "give and estimate"
but to make a sale. Much easier done when both are present.

In this case, his price may or may not have been competitive. I'd be
willing to pay a premium for a metal roof, cut not 3X the cost of a good
standard roof. If he had told me over the phone that "our prices start at
$10,000 for a small house" I would have told him not to bother. He wanted
to make the trip so he could do a selling job, not just give me a price. He
would not give me the price to decide tonight but I'm sure it was more than
the $115.

I don't shop at Jaguar dealerships as I know they are out of my price range
and I don't take up the salesman's time for no good reason.


  #26   Report Post  
 
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On Tue, 19 Aug 2003 17:09:21 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:


I don't shop at Jaguar dealerships as I know they are out of my price range
and I don't take up the salesman's time for no good reason.


Do you avoid all Ford dealerships? Here the salespersons are assigned
customers as they enter the door (Unless the customer requests a
specific salesperson). They will provide the assistance to the
customer regardless of whether they are shopping for a Ford or Jaguar.
  #27   Report Post  
 
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On Tue, 19 Aug 2003 17:09:21 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:


I don't shop at Jaguar dealerships as I know they are out of my price range
and I don't take up the salesman's time for no good reason.


Do you avoid all Ford dealerships? Here the salespersons are assigned
customers as they enter the door (Unless the customer requests a
specific salesperson). They will provide the assistance to the
customer regardless of whether they are shopping for a Ford or Jaguar.
  #28   Report Post  
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 09:50:40 -0400, Trent©
wrote:


In most states, you and your wife are both equal owners of your
property. You (or your wife) cannot sell the house...or even put in
on the market...without the other's signature.

So...

If he comes out...and only one of you is there...he has absolutely NO
chance of making a sale when he's there. If both of you are there, he
MAY be able to make a sale...even though you don't want to buy at this
time. So why should he waste his time on a definite no-sale?



But you are missing the point since he is not coming to buy the house
and neither you nor you wife intend to sell it - your argument is
lost!

There have been occasions when either my wife or I have contracted for
materials and labor for things related to our house INDIVIDUALLY with
the other not being a party to the contracts (in three states). Your
point is missing the target - the "Traveler" is looking to make a hit
and run!
  #29   Report Post  
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 09:50:40 -0400, Trent©
wrote:


In most states, you and your wife are both equal owners of your
property. You (or your wife) cannot sell the house...or even put in
on the market...without the other's signature.

So...

If he comes out...and only one of you is there...he has absolutely NO
chance of making a sale when he's there. If both of you are there, he
MAY be able to make a sale...even though you don't want to buy at this
time. So why should he waste his time on a definite no-sale?



But you are missing the point since he is not coming to buy the house
and neither you nor you wife intend to sell it - your argument is
lost!

There have been occasions when either my wife or I have contracted for
materials and labor for things related to our house INDIVIDUALLY with
the other not being a party to the contracts (in three states). Your
point is missing the target - the "Traveler" is looking to make a hit
and run!
  #30   Report Post  
Jeepnstein
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

I've actually had a car salesman call me at the office to inform me that my
wife was buying a car. It seems that they wanted me to come over and save
them from her. You never have to worry about her paying too much or making
an uninformed decision. A salesman who doesn't know his product or is
trying to pull a fast one doesn't stand a chance with her.

Jim

"Trent©" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 19 Aug 2003 02:13:01 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:

It is a sales tactic. He has both people and can play on the soft side

of
the wife.


Edwin...Edwin...Edwin...

SHAME on you!

You haven't met my wife! lol And I'm sure she's not in a league of
her own!

Soft side indeed!!


Have a nice week...

Trent


Cat...the OTHER white meat!





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Jeepnstein
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

I've actually had a car salesman call me at the office to inform me that my
wife was buying a car. It seems that they wanted me to come over and save
them from her. You never have to worry about her paying too much or making
an uninformed decision. A salesman who doesn't know his product or is
trying to pull a fast one doesn't stand a chance with her.

Jim

"Trent©" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 19 Aug 2003 02:13:01 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:

It is a sales tactic. He has both people and can play on the soft side

of
the wife.


Edwin...Edwin...Edwin...

SHAME on you!

You haven't met my wife! lol And I'm sure she's not in a league of
her own!

Soft side indeed!!


Have a nice week...

Trent


Cat...the OTHER white meat!



  #32   Report Post  
Jeepnstein
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


wrote in message
...
On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 10:53:40 -0400, "Jeepnstein"
wrote:

I've actually had a car salesman call me at the office to inform me that

my
wife was buying a car. It seems that they wanted me to come over and

save
them from her. You never have to worry about her paying too much or

making
an uninformed decision. A salesman who doesn't know his product or is
trying to pull a fast one doesn't stand a chance with her.


Fantastic. Can I hire her to be my negotiator next time I buy a car
or a house?


I could almost write a book about her house buying tactics. We are getting
ready to move into one that she pursued relentlessly for two years. She
even baked cookies for the seller and sent holiday cards.

Nothing would make her happier than to get to haggle over something with
someone else's money. You would have to negotiate the fee for yourself, I
don't want anything to do with it.

Jim


  #33   Report Post  
Jeepnstein
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


wrote in message
...
On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 10:53:40 -0400, "Jeepnstein"
wrote:

I've actually had a car salesman call me at the office to inform me that

my
wife was buying a car. It seems that they wanted me to come over and

save
them from her. You never have to worry about her paying too much or

making
an uninformed decision. A salesman who doesn't know his product or is
trying to pull a fast one doesn't stand a chance with her.


Fantastic. Can I hire her to be my negotiator next time I buy a car
or a house?


I could almost write a book about her house buying tactics. We are getting
ready to move into one that she pursued relentlessly for two years. She
even baked cookies for the seller and sent holiday cards.

Nothing would make her happier than to get to haggle over something with
someone else's money. You would have to negotiate the fee for yourself, I
don't want anything to do with it.

Jim


  #38   Report Post  
DaveG
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I

wanted
was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out

in an
evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we

could
afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he

would not
come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two

double
hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.


Probably because he wants to close the sale right then and there. If only

one spouse is home, then you can use the "I'll need to check with the wife
before I sign" dodge.
This is a sign of a high pressure sell type of operation. They know that
once they are gone, there is very little likelyhood of a sale. I'd steer
clear of this type of operation.
I used to work in telemarketing, setting appointments for salesmen to sell
those adjustable beds. We were not allowed to set the appointment unless
both spouses were home. We said it was to insure that both people sleeping
in the bed could learn about it, but it was really just to keep the salesmen
from wasting their time.

Most legitimate contractors could care less who's home. I've had estimates
done for exterior work when nobody was home. They either left the bid in
the screen door, or sent it in the mail. I had my irrigation system done
this way, and some landscaping work, and rain gutters. Nobody home for any
of it.
Dave



  #39   Report Post  
DaveG
 
Posts: n/a
Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????


Why won't a contractor come out to the house to give me an estimate?
I called a company that is applying that *liquid vinyl siding*. All I

wanted
was an estimate. Wasn't going to pick a color. He insisted on coming out

in an
evening when the wife was home. I told him that I knew how much we

could
afford and if we go with it, then she can choose the color. Nope, he

would not
come out just to give me alone an estimate.
Same for windows. We knew exactly what we wanted. Three sliders, two

double
hung in white. Nope, we both had to be there.
As far as I'm concerned two sales could have been lost because of the
bullheaded stubborn policy.


Probably because he wants to close the sale right then and there. If only

one spouse is home, then you can use the "I'll need to check with the wife
before I sign" dodge.
This is a sign of a high pressure sell type of operation. They know that
once they are gone, there is very little likelyhood of a sale. I'd steer
clear of this type of operation.
I used to work in telemarketing, setting appointments for salesmen to sell
those adjustable beds. We were not allowed to set the appointment unless
both spouses were home. We said it was to insure that both people sleeping
in the bed could learn about it, but it was really just to keep the salesmen
from wasting their time.

Most legitimate contractors could care less who's home. I've had estimates
done for exterior work when nobody was home. They either left the bid in
the screen door, or sent it in the mail. I had my irrigation system done
this way, and some landscaping work, and rain gutters. Nobody home for any
of it.
Dave



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Default Contractor has to see you AND the wife????

On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 19:12:15 -0400, Trent©
wrote:


But, again...all this is different from real estate law.

Of course it is all different from real estate law - the job the OP
wanted an estimate for has no relationship to the sale, rental or
purchase of real property it is for a service!

That is about as close as you have gotten to the meat of the subject
in any of the artri8cles you have posted in this thread!
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