Cheeky customers

[enduro]

Im doing a job for a builder mate of mine, and the customer asked if i could do two more bathrooms and kitchen direct to them and not go through the builder...anyway i explained that as the builder got me there any other work has to go through him, They said dont tell him and i said NO!!! Cheeky monkeys......

 

[mz30]

Not cheeky ,but very wise if you'd have gone for it they would have saved money on the job.
Don't know about you but if i can get the same job done cheaper by cutting out the middleman ,i would,would'nt you?.

Now you run the risk of not getting the job's ,if i was you i would have said yes and added a few quid on for your builder mate, that way the customer think's they are getting a deal when in fact your probably charging what your mate would have anyway(if that makes sense)

 

[Gazzer]

Just tell your mate what has happened. Cant see it being a problem, either you do the job or someone else.

 

[enduro]

I have told him, he said if he gets the jobs of fitting them then i can do them direct for the customer. Thats what he is going to tell them. He had a painter who he gave six months a year work too, and the painter went direct to customer on another job without telling builder...and he wondererd why the builder said he wont give him anymore work.

 

[Matthew77]

I had this happen to me not too long ago, the customer was going around asking all the trades if they'd work direct & not go through the contractor (who was my boss). He ended up letting most of them go to keep the peace & was still expected to run the job & organise them all...not great if your a contractor, but like mentioned already if the customer can see that if they cut out the contracter they can save alot of money then i guess some will be cheecky enough to ask:yes:

Thing is the customer asked me to do the rest of the tiling that needed doing directly which was a bit awkward, but it was either i do it or the customer would go get someone else in to do it, ( I was leaving to go self employed anyway) my boss was alright about it when i told him and so far that customer has passed alot of work my way since i've been self employed Which has been a great help to me & i'm very grateful for.

If your boss is ok about it then i guess its fine lol

 

[Gazzer]

But if the client doesnt use your mate (the builder) does your mate (the builder) expect you not to do the work?

 

[Fekin]

But if the client doesnt use your mate (the builder) does your mate (the builder) expect you not to do the work?

Good point.

I don't really know what I would do as I can see it from both points of view, you wouldn't be there if it wasn't for the builder, but both you and the builder would most probably lose out if you don't do the work.

I guess it all comes down to what the builder is like, and how well you know him as to wether you knew how he'd take it if you took the work on cutting him out.

 

[sWe]

I agree with you Enduro. It's not worth losing a business partner, who may get you more or less steady work, over a single customer.

 

[enduro]

The builder gives me loads of work, so i stick by him if i lose that customer so be it, as i will get a hell of alot more work of the builder

 

[IvegotsTILE]

Good for you mate,loyalty is a great attribute to have

 

[NickH]

Ive had this before myself and i refused to do it , they are the builders client not yours, I think its a matter of principle and I personally wont do it.

 

[White Room]

Agree with Nick, If it was'nt for the builder you would never had made contact with the client anyway