Friday, April 17, 2009

Assumptions

Today was a day not unlike many others. We had a funeral this morning and naturally, that took up most of the morning. I had MANY personal errands to run today (getting ready for my big trip next week) and got that out of the way as soon as the funeral was over.
Mother found her checkbook (hiding from her in the dirty clothes basket), the dog Belle is healing from her little surgery, bank deposits made, prescription drugs picked up, laundry picked up and I am actually beginning to think about packing.
I leave on Tuesday for a whirlwind trip to Europe with my brother, his wife along with their son and daughter-in-law. I will prove to be the epitome of the phrase "fifth wheel".
A situation developed today at work that became rather sticky and led me to today's title. We had hired someone to do some work for us, straight out. While doing this work, he discovered another, larger problem. He finished the other jobs today and presented me with an invoice which I promptly paid.
Prior to this particular situation, we had customarily used another person to do this kind of work. When we initially needed the work done, this man was in the hospital and unable to help us, hence we called the man who DID the work ( Iwill refer to him as #2).
Okay, #1 comes to the office today to ask about why #2 did the work and received the explanation. He had heard about the new and larger problem and called #2 to ask for a meeting to assess the damage so that an estimate of the work could be prepared. WHOA, #1 just assumed since he had done that work for us in the past, that he would do this also. #2 assumed that since he had done such a good job while #1 was out, that HE would do the job. Everybody made an assumption and everybody was wrong. You know, just while typing this, I have come to the conclusion that I think they should BOTH give us separate estimates and lowest bid wins. Just like the big boys do, I think it would work.
Nobody has to be upset and we give them both an opportunity. Wish I had a picture of a light bulb to post here "bright idea". After work I went to check on Mom since her phone will not be turned on in the new place until Monday. Then home to hastily change clothes and on to Mike and Gail's for a scrumptious home-cooked beef roast with all the trimmings. She is such a great cook.
Of course there was a special reason for a feast in the middle of the week. Their long-time friends Cecil and Carol are there for a few days from Alabama. They were here for my Mardi Gras party and I just love them. It was good to catch up with all their news tonight.
Now back home and procrastinating with the checkbook and shower. Checkbook, shower, checkbook, shower? Well, I will go now and do _________.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

yep, take bids if they are BOTH competent workers. If one performs better then the other, then use him even if he is a little higher.

Though I think there is SOMETHING to be said for loyalty, and sticking with someone you have used a long time..... in this economy, you have to step back and look at the big picture.

Let them bid the job (and future jobs) and go with the best priced contractor.

Now, with that said. That will be $39.95 for my non-expert opinion and of course I am available for personal seminars and lectures.

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Me.