I know this is kind of a rhetorical question, but why do people wait until the last minute? if people planned a bit better, we could help them a lot more.
Lately, we've had so many customers that want their job done yesteday. I have people that ask me if we can install their carpeting tomorrow or the next day. Don't they realize that these products need to be ORDERED? Think about how many carpet options there are...and how many colors each option has. Do you really think i stock all those options?
Yes, I suppose that we could stock a few basic options, but we focus on letting our customers CHOOSE what they want.
Also, it's a busy time for us, so even if we had all the materials on hand, we can't just turn on a time. Good work requires a bit of patience and dime.
When it comes to installing hardwood, many people don't realize I can't speed the process along (unless we went to throw quality out the door. First, hardwood needs to be delivered...sometines I can get it there in 1-2 days; other times (pending on the item), it can take 2-3 weeks. Then, the wood needs to acclimate (get used to your temperature/humidy). I can't speed up that time. From there we install (and my guys are pretty quick). But, if this is a refinishing job, we need to allow for proper drying time between coats. If we don't, it will bubble and it won't dry correctly...which means it won't look right and it won't last very long.
I just had to turn away another customer because there's no way I can drive up there to measure, order the carpet and have it installed by Saturday. I don't like saying I can do something, when we might not be able to deliver. A couple of weeks ago, I met w/ a customer who needed carpet installed within 2 days. Originally, we had an appointment set up 4 weeks before and he cancelled. Then, it was last minute and now an emergency before their movers were moving their stuff in. I gladly recommended them to that annoying guy on TV. I told them I was sorry because they would pay more for this convenience of next day service. and it will prob. be lower quality The wife then said, "Oh yeah, they have a 60% sale now." I almost choked and then started to laugh. Yeah, right, who really gives 60% off? How could anyone afford it? (esp in this economy). So, if this were true does that really mean that they normally make 60% margin? Get real. And, of course, now, they would be offering at cost...which also makes a ton of sense. NOT. Oh, yeah, and how do they fund those commercials?
Anyway, plan ahead...that way, you can use whomever you want and not be stuck with whoever is available because they can't find work or whoever has the gimmick that makes you think you're getting a good deal.
Just my thoughts for the day
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