Is it me.......or is it Able Skills?

[Sean Kelly]

Just got off the phone to Able Skills (Dartford). They are one of the sponsors of TilersForums......so I had better be careful of what I say! I fancy doing their 5 day Intensive Plumbing course. I've lost 2 jobs this year because a potential customer wanted some basic plumbing done. In fact, I actually had one of the jobs until a few days later I got a text saying that she had found a tiler/plumber so she dumped me. Anyway, I have nothing planned next week so I rang Able Skills for some reassurance about the topics covered on their course. I spoke to a young girl (with a cold). She had no telephone manner and had to check all her answers with someone else that was standing in the office. Basically she said that all the info is on their website. Next weeks course is fully booked so I asked about availability for future weeks, I then asked (cheekily) that if I booked a course would they throw in a couple of their training DVD's. She checked the answer and the answer was "No, they are £10 each". I thanked her for her help and put the phone down. I thought to myself that that experience was not great. I felt like I was talking to the Little Britain character that always says “The computer says no”. I was about to part with £375 and they acted as though they did not want my money or business. First impressions do count and I’m afraid that Able Skills have failed miserably. I feel better now – Thanks Tilers Forums - Sean

 

[Dan]

Glad eeeeerm, we could help?

Listen, it might be a bit of a mission, but Chase Tiling do plumbing courses and they're very professional. It's just a bit far from Ruislip (just checked my google maps - tut).

I'm just looking through the contacts we have and if you were after electrical courses I could give you a few options, though for plumbing we're pretty stuck daaan saaf.

 

[Sean Kelly]

Thanks for that Dan - much appreciated. If I calm down further, then I might give them a second chance. However, if I do call them, then I'll try and speak with their head honcho. I'll mention your website, and I'll do a review. So, it's in their interest to look after me. cheers Sean

 

[Dan]

Sean, if you do manage to go through it again, when you call them ask for Angie or Gary, the owners, and say Dan from the forum said to ask for them. If you get treated the same then: i think I'll have to get onto Gary and ask what's going on.

In my recent experience with training centre's I can say most would be delighted to get your booking.

 

[Derry]

sean - it sounds like the problems with them mate not you.

if they dont want your business and money (esp in the credit crunch) then dont give them it.

sounds unprofessional and like you say, first impressions do count. i would look elsewhere.
no point spending £400 if your not happy.

 

[cornish_crofter]

It's not enough being sponsers of this site IMO to deserve your business. They have to handle themselves well.

If they can't sell themselves over the phone then the problem is them, not you.

 

[Gazzer]

Oh no here we go, I read this message a few hours ago and decided not to respond but instead just sit on my hands. Sorry i cant anymore.
The way i see this is that the whole saga started in a bad way. You were dumped via txt because you couldnt do plumbing and that hasnt helped your mood.
You are saying "a young girl" ...how do you know she was young? she may be, she may not.
You say she had a cold.... SO WHAT , you wont catch anything over the phone. I am always being asked if i have a cold, because i have a nasal tone to my voice.
Ok so she had to ask someone else in the office for advice, maybe she was new or maybe she did have a cold and wasnt feeling too well. Maybe she didnt want to be at work her self today.
But the one thing that is really bugging me here is that you seem more peed off because you didnt get the chance of a few free DVDs thrown in. I havent looked on the website so i dont know if the prices are on there but if that is their charges then thats it.
Take a look through this forum and see how many posts/threads are about customers wanting cheaper quotes or something for nothing. Isnt this the same thing?
What you really need to do is find out if by paying your money, you will end up learning enough to expand your trade. If you think yes and that they have a good reputation and they are localish to you then go for it.
The chances are you are going to meet likewise people there and maybe share the cost of DVDs...you may even not need them in the end.

Ok thats my rant over.

 

[kilty55]

they may well be a good school for learning skills sean but putting inexperienced staff for whatever reason on the phones answering your questions is not good business sense it shall only put people off. if your instinct tells you to stay away then dont book a course with them mate,good luck

 

[cornish_crofter]

The thing is that whilst Neale has a good point, the OP's main query was to seek reassurances about the topics covered in the course. He doesn't want to throw his money away, but he needs a solution to the problem he's got, ie losing work to plumber/tilers.

I can see Sean's frustation, he's pinning his hopes on this provider but they've failed to give him the confidence he was so hoping for. He's posted on here to give his account of his dealings with them, and as a result, it has been suggested that he phone them again and speak to the directors.

I would second Dan's suggestion, try them again and ask to speak to the tutor if you can. You may have to phone back later, as he'll most likely be busy but the chances are that he'll be more than happy to have a chat.

 

[Sean Kelly]

Head Grinch Sir Ramic, being young & sounding like having a cold is not a crime, but it does describe the person that I was talking to. It could well have been an old lady with an Indian accent, and I only mention those details just in case somebody else deals with this person……(while she still has her cold……and is still young!)
Being dumped by text happened months ago and believe me I have gotten over it. My gripe really is to do with how this company deals with potential customers. In my opinion it was not very professional. Unfortunately there are not too many companies around that offer what I want, and that is a 5 day course in bathroom and kitchen plumbing. This skill is not only needed as an extension to my tiling work, but would save me a lot of money as I want to move some sanitary ware & radiator around my own bathroom. This course is over 70 miles (around the M25), and £375 is a lot of money. I want to be sure that I would be getting what I am wanting. There were many ways of dealing with my call and it was dealt with the wrong way. I only asked about the DVD’s, and was not successful with my cheeky request. It would have cost them a couple of quid at the most. If I had priced a job up at £375 and a customer said would you throw in a couple of lengths of plastic trim I would say “Yes Sir/Madam what colour?”……hoping it would be white!! Anyway, thanks for your rant. It’s more than likely I will give them a call and speak to Angie or Gary. I’m sure they would welcome honest feedback. Cheers Sean