worlds worst tool

[ironmutt]

wasnt sure where to post this so here goes yesterday a customer calls up noon and says he needs breaks on his car wants to know if we could get done before 2pm i let him know i got no openings till 330 but i could get him in first thing monday he goes in to a sob story and says he realy needs it done before sunday so i tell him we dont work weekends and he begs and i say ok but he has to have it there at 8am so get all the info order parts then finish my day go pick up my son from late stay at school arange with one of his teachers to have her teen daughter at my house at 7 am and home we go . 6 am alarm goes off i get up get ready let the baby sitter in go to the shop turn everything on sit have a cup of coffee and wait and wait and wait till about 930 turn off every thing head home pay the girl the 15 bucks i promised so after all that i award jerimy s**** worst tool status for waisting my time my money and my gas and thank you all for letting me vent

ps he comes in to get them done i am sure he will now need new calipers and hardware and any thing else i can find make him pay for

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

saturday ? not working ? wow

 

[Jamez]

Holy run on sentence Batman.

 

[ironmutt]

i got full custody of my kid and take care of both my parents so its not cost efective for me work weekends when i have to pay some one to come to my house and sit with the three of them if not for insurance i wouldnt be able to work during the week but the assited living people get in a twist whenyou have the kid there too so still have to put him in the late program at his school

 

[ironmutt]

i guess what ticks me off is not even a call to say hey i cant make it

 

[Honda guy]

theonlywaythatwouldhavebeenhardertoreadwouldbeifhehadntputspacesbetweenthewords.

Sheesh!!

 

[ironmutt]

theonlywaythatwouldhavebeenhardertoreadwouldbeifhehadntputspacesbetweenthewords.

Sheesh!!

sorry english class was the one i skipped. it was more fun down in the auto shop.

 

[MoToys]

That ***** man, he'll get his. Karma is a *****.

 

[ironmutt]

That's ***** man, he'll get his. Karma is a *****.

thank you . I just wonder what happened to doing what you say you will? especialy when some one else is doing you a favor.

 

[chris142]

we don't do weekends either. we tried it and either sat around. or only got the flakey customers. plus one of our suppliers is closed on weekends and the other only open 10-2

 

[CWP1616L]

Holy run on sentence Batman.

+1 ... I had to mentally apply my own punctuation while reading that.

 

[kams1973]

He may have had an accident on his way to your shop. His brakes may have been the culprit.

 

[Thumper]

When I had my shop...the ones that begged or pleaded and poor mouthed were the ones that usually fucked me over...or tried to.....Next time he shows up...I'd let him know about not showing up and tell him I'm booked up.

 

[DMAR]

That does ****, you stepped up to help a person in need, and they were rude to blow off the appointment. I'm sure the guy found someone that would do it for $10 less!

He was probably ignorant of what you had to do to accommodate his special request. It seems that many people are just too into themselves, and their needs, especially when it comes to doing business with service providers. Many think they are dealing with WalMart/big corps, they think the small business owner is also making billions of dollars, and they can just **** them around. I swear people are just ignorant on how to treat people with some respect and decency. To me, a service person is someone that is there to help me. Unless they 'earn different treatment,' I treat them how I expect to be treated. OP, I hope this does not taint you on trying to help the next person out...

As for the grammar of the OP, I just go with the flow on these boards, you see all sorts of grammar/usage. Not to poke at anyone, but it does surprise me when people point out these issues to a poster. Something light-hearted, maybe (the 'holy Batman' thing was funny...), but sometimes it really is rude/insulting.

I look at it this way, if you were having a face-to-face conversation with someone (that you really didn't know...), would tell them how bad they were speaking? Would you bust their balls, without really knowing the person? No, you probably wouldn't. It's another thing if someone is familiar to you, and you're just busting chops, that's cool, but a virtual stranger...? I know what I'd do if someone insulted me face-to-face... Does the Internet make everyone that brave, that callous?

A good friend of mine is practically illiterate. He has a learning disability that was never diagnosed while in school, and got by because he was an excellent athlete. Anyway, he's a great guy, very smart, and one of the best mechanics I know...

Final thought, Ironmutt, good on you for stepping up with your son and parents. That's a huge responsibility, and commitment to take on by yourself. Hang in there.

 

[Hex173t]

That does ****, you stepped up to help a person in need, and they were rude to blow off the appointment. I'm sure the guy found someone that would do it for $10 less!

He was probably ignorant of what you had to do to accommodate his special request. It seems that many people are just too into themselves, and their needs, especially when it comes to doing business with service providers. Many think they are dealing with WalMart/big corps, they think the small business owner is also making billions of dollars, and they can just **** them around. I swear people are just ignorant on how to treat people with some respect and decency. To me, a service person is someone that is there to help me. Unless they 'earn different treatment,' I treat them how I expect to be treated. OP, I hope this does not taint you on trying to help the next person out...

As for the grammar of the OP, I just go with the flow on these boards, you see all sorts of grammar/usage. Not to poke at anyone, but it does surprise me when people point out these issues to a poster. Something light-hearted, maybe (the 'holy Batman' thing was funny...), but sometimes it really is rude/insulting.

I look at it this way, if you were having a face-to-face conversation with someone (that you really didn't know...), would tell them how bad they were speaking? Would you bust their balls, without really knowing the person? No, you probably wouldn't. It's another thing if someone is familiar to you, and you're just busting chops, that's cool, but a virtual stranger...? I know what I'd do if someone insulted me face-to-face... Does the Internet make everyone that brave, that callous?

A good friend of mine is practically illiterate. He has a learning disability that was never diagnosed while in school, and got by because he was an excellent athlete. Anyway, he's a great guy, very smart, and one of the best mechanics I know...

Final thought, Ironmutt, good on you for stepping up with your son and parents. That's a huge responsibility, and commitment to take on by yourself. Hang in there.

Wow, now I feel like a **** for just thinking about the sentence structure stuff

 

[McFarmer]

Good post DMAR. I'm a former teacher, I have to hold my tongue a lot. I learned not to judge folks too harshly, everyone has different skills and I'm thankful for all posters who want to share their experience here.

To the original poster, yeah, I think you are owed an apology. And good for you, taking responsibility for your family.

 

[Bull]

I like the style of you two guys, DMAR and McFarmer.

 

[eborcim]

You waited an hour longer than I would have. Be interested to know if the customer is a regular or not and if he follows up.

 

[Mastermind]

when i worked at a smaller shop, we worked every saturday, and some sundays, after two customers "had" to have their vehicles on a sunday, one came monday, the other tues.,no more. the customer who came mon, we called when it was ready..."oh, can i pick it up tomorow?" they threw in last minute mud flaps friday afternoon(GM ones), wich didnt come in till tues, cost $95, they were gonna come back the next saturday, 8 months later finally brought the truck back to fix another spot and pay for and get the mudflaps installed.
I would not have sat on $100 for 8 months for some one who would do that, wasted my only day off, gas, time etc. we as "profesionals" should be telling them when,where and how much. i used to tell my old boss daily..."do you ask for a better price on your beer at the party store?" "would this guy give you a discount for his services? and come in on sunday to do it?" then why are we?
New shop locks up at 6 M-F, no saturdays, no "cash discounts", and i make more money than when i worked 60-70 hrs a week.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

ps he comes in to get them done i am sure he will now need new calipers and hardware and any thing else i can find make him pay for

No, when he comes in you say "No, thanks. I'm declining the job". And you're done with him. Refuse service.

I don't deal with customers that stand me up on a job. If a person gets on my ****list they stay there. I don't waste my time/energy/skill/material on customers who aren't worth it. And "worth it" is not a dollar figure.


Edit: ironmutt, you went the extra mile to help a guy out. That's the way to be. My reply is for after the extra effort was thrown in your face.

 

[slip knot]

Sadly I've gotten to where I only work for my preffered customers anymore. I'm not a professional wrench but do a lot of side work for extra $. I've got @ a dozen folks who get my attention. The rest get the I'm booked routine and sent on their way.

As to the OP post. I could read it with out much stress. I didn't even notice and issues until it was brought up? Some of the posts on here are jibberish and I will not even attempt to dechiper it. Give the guy a break!

 

[jhelrey]

Should have had him pay a I will show up fee... like $25.00 to cover the babysitter.

 

[NUTTSGT]

You tried to help the guy out, he burned you and I'd never consider working on his junk again.

 

[Matt018]

Yeah like others said i didnt even notice the whole punctuation thing till people brought it up just read the damn post lol

 

[RECox286]

OK, not everyone on the internet is a poet laureate, as nor am I.

Some posts are hard for me to read too, but I can usually make out the

gist of the meaning that is trying to be conveyed.

With a little patience, even the non English speaking posters'

can be understood, so just give those who need help and

understanding a bit more of your time. Or, if I may suggest,

try reading and spell checking your own posts before hitting the

send button. (Math wasn't my strong subject in school, and English

was my next less strong subject. However, I did pretty good at

lunch and recess.)

Uncle Bob

 

[Tim-Bob]

First, on topic.

This bonehead deserves some type of award. Believe it or not, there are worse tools, but his clown is definitely near the top. When he comes in, YOU HAVE OPTIONS!!! Tell him to take a hike, or you could accept the work, and that is when the real fun can start. Hideous delays, cost overruns, mechanics liens, etc, etc. Serious payback can be fun!! Let your imagination run wild!!!! I've never done this, but what a fantasy. If you have the stones, CYA, and have a blast.

Now off topic.

I understood the post perfectly. The words were there, the meaning was there, the story was successfully conveyed. If you don't understand it, why are you posting? Perhaps to elevate your own self esteem? It is a sad day when you have to criticize punctuation and grammar to make yourself feel better. Everyone has their reasons, but useless, critical replies are not constructive.

Let the flames begin.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Enough the punctuation ****. The OP should use it. It is how we as human beings in the USA are suppose to communicate in the written form. I had to read the dang thing several times before understanding it.

Everyone get over it.

 

[ironmutt]

As the original op I would like to apoligise to every one for my spelling, grammer, and puncuation. I have a tendancy to wright the way i talk , and when i am mad i talk with out taking to many breaths . I did find some of the critics quite funny tho. i will try to use more periods from now on . so with that said can every body stop arguing about my bad grammer.

 

[McFarmer]

Just keep posting, and keep the grammar rules in the back of your mind. The more you write, the better you will become.
When I was in college folks would rib me about my grades. I always told them it was people like me that made them above average. They should owe me one.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I figured the guy was on his cell phone trying to type. I find trying to post on a thread on my cell very tedious and frustrates me. I end up saving it until I can get to a computer because it irritates me so.

 

[Rogue1987]

theonlywaythatwouldhavebeenhardertoreadwouldbeifhehadntputspacesbetweenthewords.

Sheesh!!

Actually that was easier to read because you were more consistent than the OP.

To the OP - I hate people like that. Everyone these days thinks their time is worth more than anyone elses.

 

[DarkMonohue]

When I had my shop...the ones that begged or pleaded and poor mouthed were the ones that usually f***** me over...or tried to.....Next time he shows up...I'd let him know about not showing up and tell him I'm booked up.

I'll second that. I don't wrench for a living, but work at a dealership parts counter, and it's the same situation. There are people who call or come in with their hair on fire, urgently needing our help, desperately begging for priority service, wanting us to stay late or give them a discount or somehow go out of our way for them. They are usually clueless, but typically not in genuine need of our parts or service.

For whatever reason, some people simply feel entitled to your time and attention. They seem to get off on making as many people as possible go as far as possible out of their way. The more you do for them, the more they want! But when the chips are down, they are the least likely to spend money. They're only there to watch you run - just for them. Maybe it makes them feel important somehow...maybe a product of our service economy. Maybe it's because so many businesses sell service more than product, so that some consumers have learned that the job of any business is to turn backflips for any jerk who walks in the door. Who knows?

When I see this situation unfolding, I find it is best to stand firm, and to do what is fair to myself and the people I work with. These people have learned that others react to their demanding attitude. So it is critical to tell them, in simple terms, when they are asking for something we cannot do.

They say 80% of your problems come from 20% of your customers. If you can identify your problem customers before they cause too much trouble you will save yourself a lot of grief. It's been a tough lesson to learn but it does pay off.

 

[RCStocker]

Some people are real tools. I have gone out to give estimates on work and had the people not be there. I have had people come to my cabinet shop and repair shop wanting things done now. I never do it now. I learned a long time ago that I was not here to save or make thier day. If people want the service they will come in when you have time.

I have a degree in architecture. I have my lisence and a contractors lisense but don't do much work anymore. I have gone out to talk things over with people and had them hours late or end up a no show. I send them a bill for my time. They think I am nuts but as I tell them my time is money and you can't waste it. I add the fee on to the bill and if they don't pay I walk away from the job. When I had the antique mall I would work in it durning the winter. People would want me to order lamp parts or other parts for things and I always made them pay up front. If they did not pay for the order I never ordered it. It was a hoot. The little old women would gett ticked. They would come in and ask if thier crystals were in and I would tell them no. They asked way and I would always tell them you did not pay for them and I only oreder when things were paid for. They never believed me. I got burnt one 45 years ago on an order and have never done it again.

Just sent the bloke a bill for your hourly wage, gas and baby sitting.

Way to go taking care of the family. My hat is off to you. I have been the with my kids and parents.

 

[sfckiddo]

they are all over. Like the guy that calls at 445 on a Friday and wants me to stay an extra hour so he can pick up a part. When i tell him we are open all day Sat. his response is but i'm going fishing tomorrow. Some people think they are the only ones with a life besides work.

 

[Jamez]

Good post DMAR. I'm a former teacher, I have to hold my tongue a lot. I learned not to judge folks too harshly, everyone has different skills and I'm thankful for all posters who want to share their experience here.

To the original poster, yeah, I think you are owed an apology. And good for you, taking responsibility for your family.

Whatever happened to English throughout the curriculum? As a teacher, former or not, you are on the front line of educating and preparing people for everyday life. Holding your tongue helps no one but you, because it makes your job easier.

Enough the punctuation ****. The OP should use it. It is how we as human beings in the USA are suppose to communicate in the written form. I had to read the dang thing several times before understanding it.

Everyone get over it.

My grammar is terrible and my spelling is atrocious, but I put in the effort.

USA be damned, human beings in all countries are supposed to use it, Granted it is different for different languages. I get it if you have a learning disability or are English as a second language. It is a skill that is learned, but at the same time, the effort as to be put in. Most of what I see is just ignorance and laziness.


About the OP. You broke your own rules. You agreed to work a Saturday. ***** the guy stood you up, but in my experience that is what happens when you don't play by your own rules.