Why is it that contractors don't return phone calls?

11/6/2015 at 1:12:47 PM

Sometimes they are just too busy to deal with every phone call that comes. I don't think it's a great excuse as I make sure to call everyone back, even if it's to say I'm too booked at the moment. That being said, if you're talking cash as in "cash jobs" under the table style, some contractors, me included, don't like to deal with that as we like our business's run 100% legitimate with all our i's dotted and t's crossed. If you simply mean, you have the money and are ready to pay, I can't say I have many excuses for them, other than busy/laziness. Being a customer as well as a contractor, I know both sides of your story :)

11/8/2015 at 6:52:41 PM

Hi Rose.

First off, contractors screen calls and depending on the job type, if it's not working within their schedule, it will not go to top priority and contractors simply run out of time most of the time. It's not that you are important or not, they just can't find enough time.

If you call a larger contractor who has sales staff and estimating staff you pay more money for these companies and but get better service. Most people don't want to call these companies because of the cost. If you call three small contractors who can still do the job, but not have the time to see you. It's kind of like, if you connect and they do come, maybe they are not what you want or need. So best thing to do is post your job here if you have not already and wait for a response from the contractors. Last but not least, many (not all of course) are simply tire kickers and many contractors simply waste their time with people who just want to get a price from 5 contractors and don't even award the job because they changed their minds.

Thanks

Marcel

11/9/2015 at 1:12:29 AM

Hi Rose,

Just wanted to let you know that's not professional ignoring a customer's phone calls. First off a general contractor can never be to busy when it comes to having to give a quote or booking a job that's not an excuse. Simply go out look at the work that needs to be done and give an estimate. There are many general contractor who are great at running there business and know how to keep customers happy.

Best of luck

11/10/2015 at 8:10:44 AM

Although in theory you would think everyone should return your calls, the reality is this doesn't happen for several reasons.

1. Size of Company: "larger", more reputable companies will provide the service you are looking for as they are set up to provide what clients expect with respect to service. These are the companies you should be calling.

However, pricing from these companies will be higher.

So the real question is are the savings you are getting from a smaller contractor worth the decreased service.

Just because a company works in residential construction doesn't mean they are all the same. The client decides on the quality of company they want to work with.

It is very similar to the fact the Mcdonalds, Harvey's, The Keg, Milestones, all sell Hamburgers. Are you surprised if they all have different prices and quality?

11/10/2015 at 9:35:18 AM

Thank you for your response. It is so appreciated. My faith in contractors has been renewed based on the number of responses I have received. By cash I meant we have the money and we too prefer to pay the legitimate way.