dealing with irrational people

[ncnurseryman]

So, I have this customer who wants some landscaping done and she wants trees planted down the water and sewer lines. I told her she will need to have the lines located to prevent any accident. Simple thing, just call to schedule for a locator service. Well, two weeks now and for whatever reason she is just not doing it, claiming all kinds of excuses. So, she tells me Friday she will take care of it, today she says says that she didn't do it and to just come and plant them anyway. I told her I will not do that and be liable in the event something happened and that I would be glad to do the rest of the work and come back to plant the tree when the lines are located. Still waiting to hear back, she seems to want all or nothing.

So, what kind of irrational people have you dealt with?

[schmism]

So, what kind of irrational people have you dealt with?

In my experience, they arnt irrational. they know they have fudged something and dont want to get called out on it on an "official" inspection. Like bypassing a water meter or tieing into the neighbors water line etc.

[brin]

In my experience, they arnt irrational. they know they have fudged something and dont want to get called out on it on an "official" inspection. Like bypassing a water meter or tieing into the neighbors water line etc.

BINGO !

[RoyJackson]

Mostly in TBN's "Friendly Politics" forums...anti-gun rights terrorists

[bigtiller]

The business person doing the work is one responsible for calling the locate service. He is the one taking the risk.

[rmk700]

Actually, is'nt it the contractors responsibility to call the locator service?

Edit: Oh,bigtiller types faster.

[pacerron]

So, I have this customer who wants some landscaping done and she wants trees planted down the water and sewer lines. I told her she will need to have the lines located to prevent any accident. Simple thing, just call to schedule for a locator service. Well, two weeks now and for whatever reason she is just not doing it, claiming all kinds of excuses. So, she tells me Friday she will take care of it, today she says says that she didn't do it and to just come and plant them anyway. I told her I will not do that and be liable in the event something happened and that I would be glad to do the rest of the work and come back to plant the tree when the lines are located. Still waiting to hear back, she seems to want all or nothing.

So, what kind of irrational people have you dealt with?

Ask her if she wants you to call the inspectors for her and see what she says.
If you need her business that bad...

[rmully]

I would dump her like a hot potato because this type of person "IS" never happy and you could be asking for problems later. Find a good customer ...you will be happier in the long run.

[RobertN]

I think these guys are right, although it may vary state to state?

When we had a little landscape company, I always called for the locator service. It was my behind on the line if I hit something... Especially things that were not where the customer remembered. Saw some cable tv stuff buried only a couple inches....

I would make the call, and CYA. This on the assumption, your and her will have a signed contract for the work. Otherwise, I would not do the work...

Actually, is'nt it the contractors responsibility to call the locator service?

Edit: Oh,bigtiller types faster.

[Western]

I think there are "irrational" people on every corner, whenever their interest outweigh anything else, even common sense, they can be "irrational". Anyone could appear irrational to anyone else that doesn't agree.

In your case, she may be irrational, but she may think you are. Since your the contractor she may expect you to do all that is required to complete the job as they guy's have already said. At the very least you could have her sign some kind of total liability release, but dont know how much water that would hold.

I'd either get it done myself (the inspection) or pass on the job, either way she can pay the inspection fee.