Last job of 2007, The Woodman

And what a contrast to the previous job in Whetstone!

Lori and Vikki of The Woodman pub had contacted me in the summer as they were compiling an application to the local council for planning consent. They struck me straight away as focused, professional and with a clear idea on where their business was going. I spent some time working through the plans and worked out the correct bracketry to hang a 4m awning with lights and heaters. They knew what this sort of product would cost, and that's knowledge that is invaluable to me. I know I'm competitive and happily pitch myself against my competitors.

The planning was accepted and we were given the go ahead, beating 2 other quotes. My only concern was that I was having nose surgery a week before the proposed installation date, and I was supposed to spend 2 weeks resting after. Oh well, that's not going to happen!

The awning was delivered and installed on time, the colour scheme was perfect and I got paid straight away, faith truly restored. Thanks to everyone concerned. I wish them the very best of luck for the World Cup in 2010, let's hope England go all the way as it'll be great for the business. I'll be bussing over there for a few games in the summer

I know the customer's always right, but...

The penultimate job of 2007 was a nightmare, I'm not sure I should even include it on here. I'd completed a great awning on a pub in central London and was recommended to visit a guy in Whetstone. Immediately I knew it was going to be a pain, he made me wait 30 mins while he flitted around looking important. His wife kindly made me a coffee and they had a large screen showing a football game repeat, so it wasn't that bad. When he finally came and sat down with me he wanted something he couldn't afford. The area they needed to shade/shelter was huge - 12m x 5m and yet he was only prepared to pay a certain amount which was impossible to work with. I gave my price by email later than evening and we were still in disagreement. I should've left it there but didn't, although I wish I had.

I didn't hear anything else for 3 weeks or so and, confident that he couldn't possibly have got a better deal than the one I was offering, I emailed to ask how he was. He said we should meet and so I made the long journey from Caterham to Whetstone for a second time. We hit upon some middle ground and I found ways to reduce material costs in order to get the job done - something that I hate to do, although I must hastily add that at no time would I compromise on safety in order to make a sale. The job started on schedule, a date set by the client so that he could be there to oversee work. He wasn't there, but there were a million other tradesman jostling for position. When he did turn up it was to criticise work and make alterations that may not have seemed too major to him, but to us added days to the schedule and snuffled out any hint of profit from the job. We got it done though, and the finished job was brilliant. I've stuck that bit in bold in case anyone misses it. We're awning installers but I'm also a man of integrity. I could've walked away at any time whilst dealing with a very awkward customer but I didn't, and never would.

12 months later I banked my final post dated cheque from the client too and on a recent visit past the site I now note that the whole facade's been changed, the awnings have gone and it's not even a pub anymore. Shame, as it looked rather good to be fair and 14 days of work were lost for nothing now.