Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: Stelth
It cuts both ways. Every contractor also has a million stories about homeowners breaking appointments, changing their minds at the last minute, trying to change terms after the contract is signed, etc.
Not saying you're in any way at fault. People should keep appointments and do what they say they're going to do.
I'm a plumbing contractor, but I'm not in the consumer market. I decided some time ago that I wanted to be in a position of working more than negotiating, to be more of a craftsman than a salesman. I advertise in a B-to-B directory and get plenty of work. It costs far less than traditional advertising to consumers.
Having said that, I had a similar experience to yours when trying to get a new roof on my house. Called a bunch of guys, finally got two estimates. Went with the lower one, not just because of price, but because I trusted the contractor, and got a good, serviceable roof. However, there were a few glitches in the process even then.
A fellow contractor.The knife certainly cuts both ways, however I keep my appointments, call people back, and deliver what I promise. That's what kept me in business since 1979. I find that some customers think that because the economy is supposed to be bad that I'm going to work for nothing. Their attitude is I need them, not so. There are plenty of good people willing to pay for quality work. What I'm finding more and more of, is work screwed up by the low-ballers, and customers who were successful in beating contractors down. If I allow that to happen there will be no recovering from it, I keep running the business the way I always have, sooner or later the bad times will end. You get what you pay for.
Now I also believe the OP is a stand-up guy, and just ran into some bad apples, unfortunately they can ruin the bunch and give everyone a bad rap. I went through it with an alarm company, and a window guy.
I certainly am not trying to low ball these guys. We had several nasty hail storms this spring, so everyone is getting their roofs replaced and I've talked with my neighbors. I know what their estimates and completed jobs have cost and the one guy that quoted me was trying to rip me off. I might look like a fell off a turnip truck, but I wasn't having any of that. My neighbor across the street has more square footage and a more complex roof; he got his done for $10K and this guy quoted me over $15K.
No no, in fact I'm willing to pay a premium for exceptional service if I can find it.
As I said I think you're a stand up guy, I don't think you'd low ball anyone. You want a good job and are willing to pay a fair price for it. I was kinda venting, LOL. People stand me up from time to time. They need something done, schedule the work and then cancel at the last minute because they claim to have gotten a better price. I won't go into the whole deposit thing etc, it will take this OT. Good luck in your quest, it can be tough I know first hand exactly what you're going through. Its those same guys that help my business from time to time. After a customer has been burnt, they often come back looking for help and advise.
A 60 year old grown man used the "I'm sick" method to get out of fulfilling his commitment. 
