Y’all wish me luck
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Other Topics
Forum Name: Shops, Barns, Varmints, and Trucks
Forum Description: anything you want to talk about except politics
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=156346
Printed Date: 03 Jun 2024 at 3:33pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Y’all wish me luck
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Subject: Y’all wish me luck
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 6:19am
|
I’m on a remodel for a hippie couple from Iowa. They don’t trust us. I’m not allowed to get material on ther time. They watch us constantly and offer help quite often. The wife has sent us home a couple times due to temp to cold. She asked us to go home so they could go grocery shop last week. They aren’t allowed in a couple different lumber yards. I’m the 4th crew on this remodel. I unloaded on the boss yesterday. He begged me to give it one more chance. The husband told me last night that he would start working with us. You should have seen the look he gave me when I offered up a bet that he wouldn’t be working with us.😂😂😂 The wife is constantly storming out the door asking where my helper is? I explained to her that he does exactly as I tell him. If I was to ask for a board and suppose someone else had him doing something different the whole job would come to an end. I slept not a wink worrying about this. I’ve prayed hard for a good outcome for all. This morning I feel like there’s not a chance I’ll get along with this guys wife and finish this one. In 35 years I’ve never walked out on a customer. |
Replies:
Posted By: omahagreg
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 6:39am
|
Sorry you have 'that' customer! I do renovations for the handicapped. We get the one I call a 'cobra' every once in a while! They're all nicey nice, but they are coiled up in the corner, just waiting to strike! ------------- Greg Kroeker 1950 WD with wide front and Freeman trip loader |
Posted By: DMiller
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 7:06am
| Saw a similar experience years ago, family could not keep a contractor on site so I was curious and watched, the woman would strawboss EVERY worker and aspect of the work, finally a contractor she got to stay awhile told her to LEAVE or they would and her work would Never get completed, she did and in two days all was done but with a caveat she was NOT satisfied with the work then refused to pay the bill. Lien added to their deed and finally she capitulated. They soon sold the house where they moved a WHOLE five miles down the road to Another project house but could not EVER get a contractor to set foot in and they finally moved away completely. |
Posted By: Pat the Plumber CIL
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 7:06am
|
Thad that is the best thing about being my own boss. I cherry pick my jobs and people I work for. I cater to decent human beings. The jerks and beeeeetches can find someone else to beat up and pick on .I was worried when I went out on my own there would not be enough work, wow was I wrong. I had a full week scheduled before I woke up Monday morning. Got 13 calls before 10 o'clock Monday. Told 11 of them sorry too busy. Never liked to tell anyone no but I am learning. ------------- You only need to know 3 things to be a plumber;Crap rolls down hill,Hot is on the left and Don't bite your fingernails 1964 D-17 SIV 3 Pt.WF,1964 D-15 Ser II 3pt.WF ,1960 D-17 SI NF,1956 WD 45 WF. |
Posted By: jaybmiller
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 7:19am
|
leave... I've got the perfect 'contractor' for them !! ------------- 3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112 Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor) Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water |
Posted By: Hubert (Ga)engine7
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 7:39am
 Thad, I understand you have a boss to answer to but I would explain things to him and ask him to spend a day on the job. There is not way he will make any money on that job. You are an artisan and a craftsman and should be treated as such. I would let them have memories of my truck going out the driveway, no way would I put up with that crap. Of course being basically retarded......err...retired now I am very picky about what jobs I will do. The word will get out and no reliable contractor will deal with them. Good luck on getting this worked out. ------------- Just an old country boy saved by the grace of God. |
jaybmiller wrote:Posted By: FloydKS
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 8:00am
|
Yep, hope you can work it so you can continue to say 'never walked out on a job'... ------------- Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die |
Posted By: desertjoe
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 9:01am
|
Dang,,Thad,,you into another toughie there,,My Friend,,,,, But don't beat yourself up worryin bout walkin out on them AH's. In my mind, they got it coming,,,!! And this will give you the perfect opportunity to "raise Your Price" when they come back wantin you to come back. I did exactly THAT on a A/C clutch job that I did not want to do to start with. The AH started in telling me what and how to do the job till I threw the wrenches down and told him to take his friggin trk and go home. He got pee'ed but did leave,,,but he was back the very next morning tellin me he was ready to get his trk fixed. I told HIM the job was now gonna be $60 higher than my original quote,,,,,for the hour HE wasted. He got this green lookin look on his face and after gulpin a few times, he nodded OK. Then I told him to call for a ride as I would NOT start till he left,,,,he took off walking and I finished the job. He ain't been back for more work since. Sometimes you gotta just treat them AH's like they treat you. Life's toooo dang short to keep changing cheeks,,,,,
 |
Posted By: Bob D. (La)
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 9:02am
|
MY two cents worth, {it's worth Less}. That's not a job your on. She and he both want to be the contractor. Walk out and let them do it themselves, or hire a bunch of misfits that know nothing and let them be crew leaders as they apparently wish to do. ------------- When you find yourself in a hole,PUT DOWN THE SHOVEL!!! |
Posted By: mdm1
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 9:31am
|
People that think they know how to do it are looking for someone to blame. Bosses tend to promise the world and expect the worker to give it to them. But he is the boss. Bosses sometimes jack the price in these situations but still don't make anything. Never a win deal. The boss would have been better off not starting it. ------------- Everything is impossible until someone does it! WD45-trip loader 1947 c w/woods belly mower, 1939 B, #3 sickle mower 1944 B, 2 1948 G's. Misc other equipment that my wife calls JUNK! |
Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 9:42am
|
Damn Hippies.....Don't you have a Blacksmith Hammer Mill to be workin on anyway? Tell her "Baby, it's cold outside" and head out! ------------- D17 Series 1 Allis B- 1939 Allis B- 1945 |
Posted By: Ted J
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 11:08am
I think #1 would be to ask YOUR boss to go out on the job. Whatever his answer is, that gives you an out. #2 ask her WHO IS the contractor on this job. I'm sure you can take it from there..... sure wish I could be there as either a mouse in the corner, or a co-conspirator against this beeeeech.... I'd have a ball with her. Which reminds me, ask her what color her balls are,,,,,,,,,,,,she's acting like a man who knows how to use em.... duck fast as you might get slapped, I did. ------------- "Allis-Express" 19?? WC / 1941 C / 1952 CA / 1956 WD45 / 1957 WD45 / 1958 D-17 |
Posted By: ACinSC
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 1:20pm
| I had privacy fence put up a while back . Fence company owner told me he can tell pretty quick if he can work for someone . Said he gave one woman a job quote . She didn't wanna pay for 8' 4 by 4's when the fence was 6' . Guy couldn't make her understand that 2' has to go in the ground . He had quite a few similar stories |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 6:21pm
|
The boss called me this morning and we had words. He said we’ve had good customers in the past. He told me we have to take the good with the bad . I told him that was true but this wasn’t bad but unbearable. I let him know that there was no possible way I’d proceed as is. He met with the people and wecame back after lunch. They were much different and apologized. I’m not holding my breath but I feel like prayers were answered. On the flip they had an insurance adjuster out. Trying to get a free roof while they’re roodfing the porch we built. They were denied and not happy. As of now this is a load off my chest. My help have kids at home and need to be working regular. Were it just me this would put out of work I’d have already loaded up and gone. Thanks y’all for the advice.👍👍👍 |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 6:56pm
|
I think a lot of times, just explaining the FACTS OF LIFE to the customers goes a long way. Many want to be a part of the crew and direct traffic.. EXPLAIN that YOU are in charge.. Remember an old sign at the local Auto Shop..... LABOR = $20 hour , $25 if you give advice, $30 if you help..... ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: JW in MO
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 7:32pm
|
I only worked for one guy that would always take the customers word over employees, couldn't leave due to a contract, but he couldn't fire me due to the same contract. I never changed him but he damn sure cringed every time something came up. Hope everything works out, life is too short. . . . . ------------- Maximum use of available resources! |
Posted By: LouSWPA
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2018 at 10:20pm
|
Funny this comes up now because I and my coworker both had a similar problem at work. We both agreed that we should be permitted to carry a horse whip and get to use it once a quarter, no questions asked! Just kidding, a horse whip may not be heavy enough. we work with a lot of internationals, huge cultural differences. We will walk into a lab on occasion, and before we can even get tool box open, each person in the lab will take it upon themselves to come over and ask "what wrong"....everyone of them! for many of them, that's probably 30-40% of their entire English vocabulary! then, at least one will shadow us, so close we keep bumping into them, watching everything we do. I did "accidently" give one young girl a pretty firm nudge across the bridge of the nose with my elbo on one occasion. She got the message. I had one guy asking questions like a five year old, leaning over my shoulder, and poking at things....and I am working on live 220 equipment! I pretty quick told him politely but firmly I would stop working if he didn't get back ------------- I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Ps 27 |
Posted By: shameless dude
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2018 at 12:02am
| I know a couple people like you mention, they plan their life that way because they have learned to be "cheaper" like ole Joe, or they are hiding something illegal! one family I know was never nor will they ever be satisfied with any type hired in work, they have learned thru the years or from parents that it'll usually get them the jobs done cheaper. they tried that on me once and I didn't bite. it still isn't done what they wanted after 20 years. you did the right thing Thad! |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2018 at 6:09am
Dale I hope I did the right thing? Only time will tell. I have no problem with someone trying to save money. someone that wants something for nothing Is another story. |
Posted By: jaybmiller
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2018 at 6:27am
|
re: ...He told me we have to take the good with the bad .... No, unless you're a baker, YOU do NOT have to work for everyone.... I've turned down lots of good paying jobs, or helping some, cause I finally figured out that life is mighty dang short and STRESS WILL KILL YOU. I don't need the BS from know-it-alls or demanding types. But ask nicely, be civil and accept I KNOW what I'm doing , and I'll help . I'm on the 'flipside' here with the 'great job'( HIS words) he did on the garage roof. After 110 dayze I just shrug my shoulders and carry on with small projects. ------------- 3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112 Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor) Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water |
Posted By: mdm1
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2018 at 7:33am
|
I will have to say I just retired from the trades and don't miss any of the problems being described here. Best line I ever used was -It can be done now, I'll just go home! ------------- Everything is impossible until someone does it! WD45-trip loader 1947 c w/woods belly mower, 1939 B, #3 sickle mower 1944 B, 2 1948 G's. Misc other equipment that my wife calls JUNK! |
Posted By: desertjoe
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2018 at 10:11am
|
UMmmmm,,,what did you say your address is, Shameless,,???
|
Posted By: plummerscarin
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2018 at 10:02pm
| Thad, I think I worked for that couple a few years ago. I wondered where they moved to. I was also asked to leave the house when the decided to go to lunch. |
Posted By: desertjoe
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2018 at 5:00am
|
Hey Thad,,I'm hopin you will get this figured out to your satisfaction,,,Life's work is hard enough without havin to dread goin to go work for AH's like them,,,Good Luck,,!!
 |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2018 at 6:51am
| Joe it’s been better. It won’t last. They’re gradually resorting back to their ways. First sign of trouble and I’ll be on the phone. The boss told them that I want to see this through. They said they don’t want to lose another contractor on this. He and they brought up all my short falls then I nicely reminded him that I’ve made it much farther on this job than anyone else has. |
Posted By: LouSWPA
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2018 at 9:47am
|
I'm with Shameless. when someone is so distrustful that they feel the need to supervise every second of your time they are as crooked as the day is long and they are hiding something. And Thad, your boss should know, these are the people that will sue over everything after the job is done! ------------- I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Ps 27 |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2018 at 12:06pm
Lou no doubt in my mind you’re correct. The boss is a young buck trust fund baby that feels like he is so well liked by all that it can’t happen to him. His mom is married to my brother and I’ve known him all his life. These people spend every hour of every day looking for something for nothing. I’m done trying to protect the boss. I’ve let all my subs know ahead of time and they all know the risks. They’ve picked their own HVAC and plumbers. She told me we’ve doubled her electric bill this month. I told her maybe it was the 3 space heaters on the porch so they’re warm while they watch us. She let me know that electric infared heaters don’t use much electric. |
Posted By: Sugarmaker
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2018 at 6:22pm
|
Thad, I had a tough last two years on my job. Not contracting work but still was a struggle each day. Had to grin and bear it most days. I feel some of your pain. Your boss doesn't sound like he has your back on this either. Which means you are in a no win scenario. Keep plugging away at it. Have your own back up plan in place and you might have to be prepared to leave this boos too, at some point, if he is not going to back you up? I remember you mentioning this job way back when you started it. Must be a lot of work in the project? Remember you are dealing with humans! Not a easy task some days, as some are wrapped tighter than others! "He and they brought up all my short falls then I nicely reminded him that I’ve made it much farther on this job than anyone else has." You might have to at some point walk out, and nicely remind both of them Customers and your boss, that your done! I was pretty sore when I retired. we were supposed to set up all this stuff many months in advance with HR when we were going to retire. I waited as long as I could till I had a sign. The sign was a date: 11-12-13! I gave notice. I was done 1 month later! Good luck! Regards, Chris ------------- D17 1958 (NFE), WD45 1954 (NFE), WD 1952 (NFE), WD 1950 (WFE), Allis F-40 forklift, Allis CA, Allis D14, Ford Jubilee, Many IH Cub Cadets, 32 Ford Dump, 65 Comet. |
Posted By: Ted J
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2018 at 1:40am
How about maing up a sign and putting it on your tool box? $20 per hour, $30 per hour is you watch, $40 per hour if you help, $80 per hour if you give advice. One thing that always helped me was when they are saying "if you'd do this,,,,," Just hand em your hammer/screw driver/ what ever tool and say, show me how...... ------------- "Allis-Express" 19?? WC / 1941 C / 1952 CA / 1956 WD45 / 1957 WD45 / 1958 D-17 |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 10:09am
They had friends over and decided to do part of my job for me. I’ve worked around all their  for days but apparently the friends were too good for that. I’m here for my boss only. This is one of the hardest tests I’ve ever been up against at work. I’m officially job searching. I will hang here til something that suits me fine comes along. Not gonna put myself out in the cold for these folks. |
Posted By: john(MI)
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 10:48am
|
Tear out what was done. Tell them you need to go buy new material for what someone did incorrectly! Tell them, I guess I'm done here since you apparently hired a new contractor. The boss will send you an invoice. ------------- D14, D17, 5020, 612H, CASE 446 |
Posted By: DMiller
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 11:37am
| At this point call the boss, explain the Crap work you are working around and you want it documented, he won't do that then pack up tools, tell the owner of the place See Ya, you want to finish you be my guest. If that does not get their attention they NEED to be left on their own. |
Posted By: chaskaduo
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 12:40pm
Sounds like he has a plan guys. Best of luck for you Thad.
------------- 1938 B, 79 Dynamark 11/36 6spd, 95 Weed-Eater 16hp, 2010 Bolens 14hp |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 9:08am
| They got in the basement took my nail gun and now it’s broke. Everyone is being so nice today. One miss que and somebody gettin an ass whoopin. |
Posted By: shameless dude
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 10:13am
| would sum more "pretty" help? |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 11:29am
| Shameless you bringing it up has already helped.👍 you da man |
Posted By: chaskaduo
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 12:15pm
|
Hope it wasn't a Metabo, but any tool would piss a guy off! ------------- 1938 B, 79 Dynamark 11/36 6spd, 95 Weed-Eater 16hp, 2010 Bolens 14hp |
Posted By: Walker
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 12:54pm
| Make em wear OSHSHA approved safety gear. Right down to goggles, helmet and st boots 0therwise they leave the jobsite immediately. |
Posted By: DMiller
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 1:00pm
|
A fella on another forum asked my Assistance, KNEW I had worked in electrical production and needed help in buying Solar system for his Off Grid home. Wanted capability of 8000Watts. So I looked up what he would need, would be somewhere near to $25,000 for the array and a inverter in 240V to get it done, then batteries and a shed for the batteries. He was wanting to build a 24V system to feed 8000 W into his system. Told him was NOT gonna work, simple math formula, W= V x A, change one you change all the figures so start with 8000W would MIGHT be able to get 15 amps out of a system to charge the batteries so 12 is out, 24v is out even 120v is out as come in at (12v) 670 amps, (24v) half that or 335a, next up 120 is closer at 67a, 240 would be sweet spot at 34a unless can get transformers and such to get higher voltage. Wanted to argue HAD to use 24v, told him try elsewhere. Now he is asking those on that board about 24v wind turbines, and STILL needs 8000w, SHEESH!!! |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 11:46am
| We worked 10 hrs Saturday digging big piers and pouring concrete. This morning we set post anchors and 6x6’s we then framed the parimutuel of a deck they wanted and cut stair stringers and set them. They then decided to go a different route. They watched us continually Saturday and even offered lots of advice. Now negotiations as to who pays for this??? |
Posted By: chaskaduo
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 11:50am
|
Come on March!
------------- 1938 B, 79 Dynamark 11/36 6spd, 95 Weed-Eater 16hp, 2010 Bolens 14hp |
Posted By: Pat the Plumber CIL
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 12:57pm
|
They sound like such nice people !!! Hopefully your boss will make a bunch of money from them. If he doesn't maybe he will learn a valuable lesson. Customers ask if they can hand my name out to friends when they have plumbing problems. I tell them that is fine as long as you realize I do not want to work for "EVERYBODY" ------------- You only need to know 3 things to be a plumber;Crap rolls down hill,Hot is on the left and Don't bite your fingernails 1964 D-17 SIV 3 Pt.WF,1964 D-15 Ser II 3pt.WF ,1960 D-17 SI NF,1956 WD 45 WF. |
Posted By: DiyDave
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 6:29pm
I know you meant perimeter, But ironically ended up with pari mutual... Betting on whether y'all gets paid?
|
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2019 at 5:33am
Dave we wouldn’t be the first second or even third to not get paid by these folks. It’s a small town/area and they have learned the hard way how that works. They frequent a bar that is owned by my brother and his wife. Just so happens that she is the mother of my boss. |
Posted By: desertjoe
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2019 at 6:28am
|
Oh Gosh,,Thad,,I really feel for you and your sitiation,,,Much as I hate to mention,,,but Family relationships CAN be the worse because some tend to try to take advantages that they would otherwise NOT do with strangers,,, Maybe I just gots piss-poor family but it's been my sorry luck that none of my "business" relationships with family have not turned out for chit and I was always the one taking the fall or the financial loss. What used to piss me off to no end was them AH's sayin "He can afford it",,,,thas family for you,,,,,, I sincerely hope yours works out for you cause you do NOT need thet stress in the everyday scheme of things,,,,Fact is,,,My Wife just told me 3-4 days ago,,,"you should try to reconcile with your family",,,I said,,,CHIT NO,,I like the peace and soltitude out here just fine,,there ain't none of them tryin to borrow money they don't ever plan on payin back,,,,,PFFFTTtttt,,,,
|
Posted By: DiyDave
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2019 at 5:49pm
|
Best way to deal wif family is to borrow from the rich side, and lend to the poor side. Thattaway, you never see any of 'em!
|
Posted By: wide
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2019 at 10:26pm
|
Better get a written record of any job changes,.. especially the changes made after you've done the job. Make them sign a paper saying they approved the changes so they know it's going to cost them and they agree to the extra cost. Probably a little over the top to start recording any encounter with them but it could help if you end up in court trying to get paid. |
Posted By: shameless dude
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2019 at 1:57am
| is yer boss gonna replace your nailer? |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2019 at 5:42am
He said he would but I’m sure that has left his mind by now. Unless I bring it up nothing will be done. |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2019 at 5:44am
|
Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2019 at 9:51am
|
Come on Thad! All those fixer upper shows on TV always got folks deciding to redo chit and get it done in an hour including commercials! And, they can even change entire floor plans with the swipe of a finger across a computer screen and add-in all the decor to boot! All they’re asking you to do is switch out the framework of deck anchored down in concrete......surely you can use some of that Razorback super magic and get it done with a wave of your finger! ------------- D17 Series 1 Allis B- 1939 Allis B- 1945 |
Posted By: chaskaduo
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2019 at 10:15am
|
I'm thinkin a specific finger would defiantly work. Present a copy of the receipt for a new nailer to the Boss while it's still fresh in his brain.
(keep copy original for warranty) ------------- 1938 B, 79 Dynamark 11/36 6spd, 95 Weed-Eater 16hp, 2010 Bolens 14hp |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2019 at 4:47am
| We worked at Nighthawk Custom Firearms for several days. They made the Drywaller mad right from the start. They drug out the job as long as they could. The break was good.👍 |
Posted By: chaskaduo
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2019 at 11:06am
|
Did you get to see any neat machines or custom work, or were you not allowed out in the shop area? Have you started your count down yet? What's the price of tea in china? ------------- 1938 B, 79 Dynamark 11/36 6spd, 95 Weed-Eater 16hp, 2010 Bolens 14hp |
Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2019 at 2:34pm
I got to see all the machines. I know several of the machinists and the owner. We built the new part of the factory and I built an apartment complex for the owner a couple years back.👍 |
Posted By: TimNearFortWorth
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2019 at 3:28pm
|
If you can't get him to spend a good day or at least 1/2 a day on-site so he can witness some of the BS, advise your boss you will only continue with all steps approved by him personally and all discussions the homeowners want to have must go thru him. You may just find him on-site so much that the job ends quicker, one way or another . . .
|