Do customer's give you food and drinks? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Flawless Finish · 10-02-2006, 07:33 PM

I do mostly residential repaints and some commercial repaints and for a long time now almost all of my customers either make or buy me lunch along with give me drinks. A couple of weeks ago I was painting this young couple's condo and not only did they keep bringing me beer, they started giving me shots of vodka even though I'm 19. Needless to say, that was pretty much the end of that day.

I'm not sure if this type of thing is normal for painters or not.

Brushslingers · 10-02-2006, 07:34 PM

heh, ya it is.

**ProWallGuy** · 10-02-2006, 07:45 PM

Yes, its offered quite a bit. Food, drink, beer, whatever.
After having to eat the world's worst ham sandwich, and drinking the nastiest cup of coffee, its company policy to never accept food or drink from a customer. Plus, its highly unprofessional to say the least.

BTW, I've had a customer cut me up a line of blow the size of a husky pencil and ask me if I'd care to indulge. I just roll my eyes and say no thanks.

mdshunk · 10-02-2006, 07:51 PM

Usually when I'm not thirsty at all, I'm offered something to drink. When I crawl down out of an attic in the middle of summer and every square inch of my clothing is soaked with sweat, they just comment, "Hot up there, huh?" A drink would be really nice on such occasions. I try to have my own stuff to drink, because depending on an offer of a drink is unprofessional. Sometime you need to accept a drink just to make the person feel good. Often, saying, "Yes, thank you.", is the courteous thing to do even if you're not thirsty.

Some houses are so nasty, I don't want to put anything in my body that ever came from that home; in a can or not.

CE1 · 10-02-2006, 08:00 PM

Not very often, most of the time it is water from the hose outside. I usually always bring something with me or go to the local store to get what I want. One time I did score a big bag of homemade bagels, best bagels I ever have had.

Brushslingers · 10-02-2006, 08:28 PM

I will have to agree with the rest though... although it is a normal practice of H/O's.. I normally politely refuse unless it's a little old woman. Or end of day and a hottie offers me a beer... heh

painterjim · 10-02-2006, 09:09 PM

Company policy not to accept food or beverage from HOs, although its offered quite often.

Joewho · 10-02-2006, 09:36 PM

Depends on the people. I get little old ladies who want me to have lunch and then want substantial free work.

A pop or water is harmless. Booze is 100% unacceptable.

One time a little old lady wanted me to stop working so hard and take a nap

paint slinger · 10-02-2006, 09:44 PM

He He Joe

**ProWallGuy** · 10-02-2006, 09:51 PM

Crap! I wish someone would let me take a nap now and then.

reveivl · 10-02-2006, 09:57 PM

Called a potential yesterday after work to have a look-see and she offered to make me dinner while I was there. I said that I had lots to do but thank you for the offer. Got there and did the estimate and as I was leaving she went to great lengths to explain that she 'wasn't coming on to me' just had dinner and didn't mind sharing. This woman is taller, broader and heavier than I am, so thank god for that!

mdshunk · 10-02-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reveivl

Called a potential yesterday after work to have a look-see and she offered to make me dinner while I was there.

I've had a few dinners during evening estimates. If they're feeding you, it's a .......SALE!

jwaldman97 · 10-02-2006, 10:01 PM

One of my employees was offered breakfast. I think the HO wanted to try out her new $ 3,000 cooktop.

He passed.

**ProWallGuy** · 10-02-2006, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

I've had a few dinners during evening estimates. If they're feeding you, it's a .......SALE!

Definitely.

There is a huge difference in accepting food/drink during the sales call, and the actual job. If they ask you to sit at the table, and have some of Mom's pumpkin bread while you try to make the sale, your in. But, if they offer while I'm working, no thanks.

paint slinger · 10-02-2006, 10:34 PM

Took a nap on a ladder once woke up on the...........ground with a bad head ache.

Mr. D · 10-03-2006, 06:59 AM

home owner is buying me lunch today. i don't mind when they are cool people, but its hard to eat with someone you dont like and they offer up food. lunch breaks are are necesary get-a-way sometimes. i guess what i'm saying is i'm not sure if i want to have lunch today.

copusbuilder · 10-03-2006, 07:25 AM

My guys just finished a bathroom and when I called the customer yesterday she was almost in tears at them leaving. Said she made coffee every morning and will now have to get used to making smaller amounts.
I of course, in my infinite wisdom commented that she would get over it

I do not have a problem with guys getting coffee but have experienced the "I gave you something now you give me something" mentatlity.

Of course it is possible they give a little back that I do not know about?? But if the ship is sailling smoothly why change course

RussellF · 10-03-2006, 08:12 AM

I work alone and once in a while I will catch the HO off guard and offer to buy lunch for them. "If I am buying you are flying though". They don't expect it that is for sure.

steve-in-kville · 10-03-2006, 06:14 PM

Beyond the a cup or two of coffee, I don't accept anything.

Many people tell me to help myself to whatever is in the 'fridge. No thanks... I don't dig through your dresser drawers, I ain't diggin' through your food. Just a good policy.

steve

Richard · 10-03-2006, 06:24 PM

Guys, there are no right answers here, just personal opinions, that being said.....

I'm always offered drinks and occasionally food. Homeowners always leave keys while on vacations, to the house and shed. The frig. is always offered, as well as the bathroom.

I've had the pleasure of having a world class New York chef invite me for dinner, after a long day of work. God, that was a good caesar salad and lobster ravioli. Fantastic wine too. I also (after working) enjoyed about 2 hours of wine and appetizers with another very nice couple. Left right after the buzz wore off. Good wine there too!....

I dont enjoy painting for folks if I cant sit and chat with them about myself. It earns trust and builds relationships. This is what my business relies on to stay busy. I am usually in peoples homes for weeks/months at a time. They want to know me enough to trust me~and they always do.