Bill, I think some of them just like to sit behind a table at home shows.
Valerie, you may be correct, but I'm leaning to it being a career with a good percentage of brain free operators.
It always seems that it's hit or miss with contractors. We're actually looking for a good one in our area too. Wonder why they bother showing up at these events???
Valerie, part of the risk is the uneven demand levels. In that respect, it's a little like real estate in that, when business is good, everybody moves into it. When things turn down, it's back to flippin burgers. The other issue is the risk of losing your livelihood with one slip and fall. Feast or famine.
Larry & Sheila, why they buy space at these shows is a mystery to me.
I can't believe that you haven't heard from more than two contractors. I would think these guys would be pounding down your door to get the business. At least that's the way it would be in my area. These guys are hungry where I live.
It's hard to figure out why their marketing attempts are so poorly executed. Some of them undoubtedly just plain lost or misplaced their list of leads. Some may be too busy collecting leads to consider that the older ones are already stale.
Makes you wonder how these guys stay in business or if they ever will.