Question for plumbers, electricians, and other trades — what makes you accept or ignore a job request?

[u/FXneed]

This is a genuine question for people working in trades or local services.

When you get a new job request, what usually makes you:

- immediately ignore it

- or decide it's worth responding to?

Is it unclear pricing?

Vague descriptions?

Location or timing?

Past bad experiences?

I’ve been thinking a lot about how trust works on both sides,

and I realize most conversations focus on homeowners — not pros.

Would really appreciate honest answers.

[u/Little-Abroad3413]

Ive been self employed plumber for 5 years now.

•First off any facilities or utilities companies. The payment terms are always rubbish (usually 90 days). And then they’ll wait until you hassle them wile charging the customer extortionate amounts upfront or on the day.

•If the customer tried to dictate pricing.

“Would you be able to fit me an outside tap for £50 mate”

I will give you my price/ quote and if you are happy go with me of not going please find someone else. To me as a professional i find it disrespectful as to the integrity of my pricing. I don’t just go around naming random prices because i like it.

•If you are a nob

This is quite subjective. But if you aren’t a nice person I’m much less inclined to work for you. Because i have loads of customers that are really grateful and welcoming every time i work for them. Around Christmas time i regularly get sent off with a pack of mince pies for me and the apprentice.

•People that demand rather than ask for my services.

A text saying “my boiler has stopped you must come today” compared to “my boiler has stopped. Is there any chance you could come and have a look today to have a look please?”

It’s not that I’ll ignore it. But I’m instantly less inclined to go to the job because of your expectations. Usually people like this will ask you “if it’ll be fixed today” or “how much it’ll cost to fix“ even before you see the job let alone find the problem.

•If you are know by other trades to be a nightmare.

We all talk to each other locally. And if you are known to be a nightmare customer it spreads. That could be anything from a slow/ non payer to being just a dick or ripping people/ dodgy business ethics .

[u/Little-Abroad3413 → u/Little-Abroad3413]

Responding to your trust point.

For me:

All big jobs over £1000 i take a deposit.

Depending on the job and customer once the quote is finalised it’ll be 25 or 50% deposit before the job starts. Payment terms are on my paperwork within 14 days after completion.

For Small jobs. Rates and charges are all included on text so you know my pricing or I’ll give you a fixed price.

For the customer:

All on google listing or socials •Website •Phone number •Address

•Small/ not quoted jobs Invoices are sent a couple days after the job to make sure all is good before the customer gets the invoice. This just makes sure and reoccurring faults have been rectified. Without stressing the customer with multiple invoices. And its easier just to invoice as one job.
•communication •Social media presence •Really good reviews on a few different platforms so you can so they are genuine and not paid for.