Was bidding this afternoon, interesting spectrum of clients.
1: Middle class client, instant rapport, good days work, removal and grinding, got it on the spot.
2: Slightly drunk “space invader” couple of removals, wanted to pay half what it was worth, offered cash, not worth it, got out quick.
3: Family at war, father wants to do the work (fir removal and some black locusts fallen down a ravine to be winched up and out) wife won’t let him (recent homeowner death in the paper through a chainsaw in the neck) daughters on her side.
He sees my presence as an affront to his manhood, won’t look at me, I’m on the point of walking out as they argue in the garden but stick it out.
So we move into the house so I can write the quote, much wringing of hands and mock horror at the price. A coffee is offered and accepted, things calm down, then I explain how I would do it with the tractor winch etc. There’s some nodding and acceptance, the conversation finishes with a nice chat about dogs and we part on good terms.
I’d like to tell you they gave me the job but they’ll think about it, I think the grown up daughters will work away at them and I’ll get it, maybe I won’t.
But it’ll be sweet if I do, and I enjoyed every minute.
