I would love to be writing about and plugging the quality of work by a local business person. I really would. The people and local businesses I have written about love the posts, love the publicity (free), none have said "no thanks, I think I would rather you NOT write something about me and my services that might be read by potential clients". And today I would LOVE to be writing about another local business, specifically a stone mason, chimney repair type of business.
I am in need of a repair to a chimney, the clock is ticking away, time is of the essence. I have googled chimney repair, I have called other agents and inspectors, I have called masonry supply companies, wood stove type of stores and was given a name or 2 by each place I called. I have left messages for these people to call me back.
No such luck. I can only assume they are all so busy they don't need any more work. Today I will take the circle out further than local and semi-local people. I will probably look to a state wide or national type of chain company. I will leave more messages that I hope will be returned in a timely fashion. And I won't be writing about a local person or business today.
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson
Andrea, good luck with your search. Loved your post and your humor and yes, it always amazes me as well when business people fail to return your calls.
Jan 31, 2010 11:17 PM
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT
Leah, guess they don't need the work? Thank you, humor is what gets me through the day!
Jan 31, 2010 11:22 PM
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland
This was the topic of conversation between myself and my client this weekend. She had called 4 companies to fix a closet and none have bothered to return her call. I guess they are not suffering in this economy!!
Jan 31, 2010 11:35 PM
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ
Hi Andrea ! Amazing how these folks stay in business especially now, when they continue to lose business like yours by not picking up the phone !
Good luck finding a Chimney Specialist today !
Jan 31, 2010 11:37 PM
Prudential CT Realty - Manchester, CT
REALTOR® 860-748-8900, Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate
Hi Andrea - I had to get an estimate for a chimney repair last September and the chimney guy was great but he told me that to repair a chimney in winter is more expensive because they have to erect a tent around the chimney to keep the mortar warm enough (or something like that). So maybe they are not calling you back because they are Florida because they don't get much work in the winter anyway. I'm just thinking there has to be a reason they are not returning your calls.
Jan 31, 2010 11:43 PM
Select Realty Professionals - Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga Homes for Sale
Trying to arrange for home repairs (of any kind) is the absolute worst. I hate it more than anything else. In addition to not returning the first call, I had lots of times that someone came out and gave me an estimate and then never returned my calls trying to hire them (??!?). Why would you waste your time giving a (free) estimate but then not show up for the paying part of the job?
Jan 31, 2010 11:54 PM
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate
Andrea, it is just mind boggling to hear that you cannot find a chimney expert to help you with your needs....there have to be some that work in your area! After all you are not out in the wilds!
Feb 01, 2010 01:08 AM
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT
Ellie, yep, same thing here. I guess they socked away enough money to make it through the long cold winter!
Shel, thank you. I called a state wide chain, and are waiting for a call back to set the appointment. I always prefer locals, but guess this time NOT.
Peggy, we have indoor work to be done as well, so that would not be an issue with this. I am getting a complex.
Julia, isn't it just the pits? Your scenario is amazing to me... simply amazing.
Caren, who knows the reason, all I know is now a state wide chain could be getting a boost with a post, LOL.
Feb 01, 2010 01:29 AM
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic
I guess these service people are somewhat like realtors. Some of them don't call back either.
Feb 01, 2010 02:20 AM
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor
Hi Andrea ~ It's pretty amazing nowadays not to get a call back. The contractors around here are waaaay more accomodating than in the past. Peggy makes a good point - perhaps they're down south. When I bought my house I needed to get two chimneys rebuilt since the house was leaking like a sieve. I just managed to find one who would do the work in November before the season ended. Good luck!! Maybe you'll get calls tonight or first thing in the morning - the guys could be up a chimney right now.
Liz
Feb 01, 2010 05:25 AM
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth
Andrea, some have other business models that somehow work for them, so it is hard to explain they do not need your business!
Feb 01, 2010 06:36 AM
The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO
Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder
When clients say they want to buy a 'fixer upper' and I know they don't have many skills or a lot of helpers, I advise them to call a few repair people, just for fun and see how many call back. That usually cures them.
Feb 01, 2010 08:24 AM
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally
Okay Andrea, maybe it's the cavalry. Cement repairs this time of year are tough. Too may chemicals needed to have the cement dry properly and it could end up being a double repair with an attitude. After short order, if the cement didn't dry properly and the ice sets in, then when it thaws it falls apart and causes more damage. Anyway, I called a friend who is from the Danbury area and hopefully you'll get a toot within the next day or so. Good Luck
Feb 01, 2010 09:14 AM
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566
I would call local Builders you know. They could put you in touch with someone.
Feb 01, 2010 10:04 AM
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
Andrea, looks like it is Ed to the rescue, but I share your frustration. A few years ago my hot water heater bit the dust on me. So I figured no problem I will go out and purchase another one, call a plumber, and I will be back in business in no time. WRONG. I could not get a plumber to call me back at all, it took several days without hot water, and even after I found one, it still took a few more days. Must be nice to not need business.
Feb 01, 2010 11:51 AM
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate
It's amazing how often you can try to hand people business and they just won't take it no matter how hard you try.
Feb 01, 2010 01:42 PM
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT
I got a call back finally from someone last night, then I got a call from the person Ed rousted out of the woodwork. Wow, thank you Ed! Now let's see where all this takes me.
Robert, well, that is true.
Liz, yes, they can't do the outside, but they can do the inside now. And without a proper exam by a qualified person we are dead in the water. But now I have that set up for.... today!
Gary, you are right. But I think for many self employed people there is no business model!
Joetta, now that is a great idea! I bet it cures them.
Ed, your cavalry called! You Rock! I had already gotten a call from one of the guys I called, but I told him he is now.... ON THE LIST!
Cheryl, I did. That produced name/numbers that didn't call back.
George, yikes! You have to know a plumber, don't you have one as a client? I have plumbers and electricians, but... no stone guys....
JL, LOL, it is true for many.
Feb 01, 2010 09:07 PM
Coldwell Banker Lazier Realty - Middletown, NY
I've lived in my town my entire life --- all 48 years of it... There are days when I feel like I "know everyone" --- but I still can't find a good, reliable contractor!
Feb 03, 2010 12:09 AM
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector
San Diego, CA
When I'm in that situation, I always go to the BBB, Angie's List, and Done Right.
Feb 04, 2010 07:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,044,624
1,044,624
Andrea Swiedler
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT
Service Areas
Real Estate Resources
Licensed in Connecticut.
Real estate and local area information for Southern Litchfield County CT. I assist buyers and sellers in New Milford, Bridgewater, Roxbury, Washington, Warren, Kent & Sherman.
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Real estate and local area information for Southern Litchfield County CT. I assist buyers and sellers in New Milford, Bridgewater, Roxbury, Washington, Warren, Kent & Sherman.
My current listings
Search for homes
Comments(24)