Since Your Already Here......

G@PC

Guys, I'm sure you have all had to deal with the age old saying of "Since your already here and set up, could you just....(insert odd job here)". Depending on the request I usually try to accomodate the customer however, the first thing leads to the second an third and so forth. What is the most tactfull way you have come up with to stop the phrase "By the way..."?

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If you can't fix it with a hammer.....You've got an electrical problem!

mdshunk

Sure, I'd be glad to do that for you. Let me run to the truck and grab a change order.

Sure, I'd be glad to do that for you. It will only be X more, since I'm already here and all.

Ahren

What he said.

Chris Johnson

I've always said there is room for a company called 'Can You Do Me A Favor Construction, INC.'

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Chris

wizendwizard

Agreed 100%

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Michaeljp86

Thats what I do, fill out change orders all the time for opening a pickle jar.

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mdshunk

Well, I don't think that's what the OP had in mind. I'd certainly hope that anyone would open a pickle jar for someone if they could. Sure wouldn't be me, however. I have a touch of RA, and can't open many jars myself.

mickeyco

Are you taking Meds? I have soriatic I use Prednisone occasionally, but I have a friend that has it really bad and was using Remicade for years and it destroyed some of his organs so watch out if you're using it. If you've had luck with something post it, always trying to find something that works, especially in the winter months.

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mdshunk

Methotrexate. Oddly, the last batch came in childproof bottles that I can't open. I have to have my children open them for me.

kbsparky

WHat? You don't have a large pair of Channel-locks in the truck to attack that jar lid with?

PA woodbutcher

Usually depends on the timing of the next job I'm going to. Good chance to make up a couple of extra bucks if I missed something on the original estimate. Also depends on the attitude of the customer while I'm there. Had a customer ask 1 time if she paid the guys $20 a piece if they would move her TV. Sure....... they moved it for the cost of the pizza she bought for lunch. Other customers....sorry I don't have time for that right now, already running behind.

dayspring

I get that alot. Depending on the job, my schedule, my mood, etc. If it's a small task, I may not even charge, just depends. If it's over 30 mins, I will for sure.

I will normally say, "That wasn't included and I'll go ahead and do it for time($) it takes.

Most people expect to pay. I'ts up to me how much.

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JohnJ0906

I keep a pair of channel locks in my kitchen drawer just for this reason...

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"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

threaderman

Funny this should come up now.I installed a new gas supply to an exterior lamp post a few months ago and I got hammered on the job.Officials went anal on thier requirements and the job was a break-even deal for me.During the last ice storm a branch wasted the globe/mantel area.THe owner won't buy a new one [less than 100.00]and wants me to try and fix the broken one.30 miles away ,one way.He and wife both close to 80.Then he starts in that there is no gas in my line I ran for him [1/2" csst for just a lamp]. I was in the neighbor hood and stopped by his home and the 1/4" copper inside the lamp has bein tweaked from the branch and is cutting off flow.It will take approx 2 hrs to dismantle,straighten out or re-plumb,and he wants it for free.I told him no-way,act of God,and he starts again on my line .I told him he insulted me and he appologized,then I broke a connection so he could hear and smell and feel gas pouring through the line.I was there over 45 min.,his wife offered to pay and called him a cheap sh!t.I did not accept the cash.He will be calling again .My problem is he was/says he was this big cattle baron in Texas,but the bank-account is empty.I'm such a sucker for seniors.People put the blame any where but their own worn-out fixtures,and worst,if you don't kiss their butt they will bad-mouth you to others,sometimes service sucks and is constantly filled with ...can you look at this type of thing.Good thread!

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

G@PC

Guys, Thanks for the replys. I too have started to write out alot of extra work orders for anything that will take longer than 10-15 min. and it definitely depends on mood, customer, and request.
Threader I too have an affection for the elderly however, if there is another able bodied person there (husband, son, brother...) I sometimes want to ask why they can't do it? (ie: open the pickle jar.) I guess it just gets to me when a younger couple (both healthy) request you to do things that can be easily accomplished by one of them and it always seems to happen right in the middle of what your doing that day.

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If you can't fix it with a hammer.....You've got an electrical problem!

woodmagman

If you walk to the truck, rather then run you could likely grab a whole stack of change orders.

It happens to everyone, I pulled up with a empty flat bed trailer in tow and a customer said as I left, "if you get the job I will have you move some furniture for me." I smile, turned and ran like the wind....

woodmagman

If it is not in your contract, you really need to write a work order, the words work order need to be in bold lettering in your contract for some customers.

fireguy

"Any deviation from this agreement resulting in increases costs will be done only upon written instructions"

threaderman

I do chores and help with meals for the aging services twice a week ,I try to schedule the business around it a little,but sometimes I call and have them get another volunteer when I'm tied-up.I've got a few elders who live with their kids and it's like what,can't fix your mom or dad lunch?cut their grass?take out their garbage?I've never said anything but sometimes I feel like a sucker,but their are those who truly need the service and those are the ones I'm trying to help.

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

A W Smith

as far as the op

Say "well as long as you have your checkbook open"

As far as medicine bottle cap grip. I used to have the hands of a vise grip in my thirties now I'm having trouble opening up my small bottles of apple juice I get by the case at Sam's. The harder i squeeze the tougher they are to open. I dunno if its me or the bottles are defective.

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Al Smith
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