Yesterday I completed a fairly difficult job. I was paid according to the agreed price. Originally, last week, after discussions with the client, I submitted a rough verbal estimate for the work to be done and they agreed on the price. later that day I telephoned the client and informed him that I had forgotten to take into account a certain aspect of the job when I gave him the estimate. I gave him the revised figure and he was happy with that and asked if I could start the work the following day which would enable his carpenter to complete his task. I was then to return to complete my work yesterday, which I did. The client was to purchase two light fittings for the job, aside from my estimate. All the work was completed but whilst I was there, an electrician from the electrical supply authority came to change a faulty meter. He informed me that the installation was not earthed. He meant that there was none supplied by the supply authority. He also reported that the client’s supply unit should be fitted with a safety switch (called a trip-switch, actually an RCD). Giving this advice is normal procedure for anyone involved in carrying out electrical work at premises that may require upgrading. I told the client that I would check his earthing status and inform him of the results. This I did and found that an earth did exist which electrically wasn’t as good as it should be but not as bad as it could be. I informed him that sinking an earth rod or two may solve that problem but in the meantime he should consider having the RCD unit to replace his existing unit for safety reasons. Whilst checking the earthing system I discovered that many of his power sockets in the kitchen were not earthed. This was something that he should have resolved immediately and I informed him of that. He paid me for the work I had done and said he would be in touch at a later date. It’s all about money of course!
Later in the evening his partner called me at home and asked why I had charged his partner the amount I had done. Yes, they were two guys living together. I told him that the price was the same that he and I had agreed and in fact was slightly lower than what it should have been. He moaned about having to pay for the two light fittings which cost him £22. He wanted a written guarantee for the work I had done; this is something I never refuse if asked but I would still honour any guarantee even if not asked and I told him so. He relented and said ok. I explained that he had agreed to buy the lights, which I said I could do for him if he wanted me to so they were not part of the estimate I gave him. Given that I had spent about nine and a half hours over two visits to the job and buying in materials plus checking his earthing system, I don’t consider my payment too much. In real terms it is probably a little under what I would normally charge so I was a little annoyed at his attitude. I assured him that I will honour the twelve month guarantee I give should anything go wrong but other than that I want no further contact with him. He can employ somebody else to do his electrical work!
Over the twelve years I have been self-employed I have had but three dissatisfied customers. It seems you cannot please everybody no matter how hard you try.

Shirley Anne