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Re: Who’s Minding the Shop (II)
Oldtog wrote:Dave Pannell known as OT (Old Tog)
Even an Old Tog can remember his name 😉 and welcome indeed to an ever increasing group of ‘not so shy’ members Dave 😆
Martin
Re: Use Of Funds
Perhaps we should shove all our money in this pot to ensure the database no longer goes ‘belly up’ for lack of space and loss of vital info?
With the greatest respect to Ken and the endless hours of his life devoted to this site anyway, it needs greater investment for it to continue its upward climb. The something big you have started Ken needs more funding I reckon.
Martin
Re: ted becomes kheath
kheath wrote:“why do I need a pseudonym”.
A discussion we have aired on many occasions here as to why so many take this option ❓ A practise I think that should be used in moderation and that the majority should also ‘come out of hiding’ and show themselves as bonefide people running and part of, bonefide businesses 🙄
I refer specifically to those that are in business like myself, grass roots domestic appliance servicing and not wp’s, wholesalers and manufacturing staff members etc etc. The Whitegoods ‘dirty fingernail brigade’ in essence 🙂
Anonymity does has many advantages. Many choose this option to hide from their competitors, frightened to reveal themselves, others wish not to make ‘song and dance about it’ as to who, what or where they are, preferring a low key presence. Many enjoy this approach simply to access what information they want without recognition, fuss and bother. Some are just a small cog in a big wheel that cannot show themselves for obvious reasons 😉
All of the above is fine and I have no problem with that, but I often wonder as to why the majority do still take this option. When as Kevin suggests, you can simple “come out” and show yourselves, and put your cards face up on the table….. eh, why not 🙄
Lets hear it for Kevin Heath, the man behind the mask 😉
Martin Russell
(name and address supplied…see my www)
Re: Free Estimates
A number of interesting additional comments were posted here last week but sadly lost. 😥 However I think I can summarise that the general feeling amongst members was simply DON’T PUT YOURSELF DOWN BY DOING FREE ESTIMATES😉
MartinRe: Local Trading Standards Authority
Copy of posting lost last week: –
At last the Hampshire Trading standards have me listed on their web pages as an approved trader : –
http://www.hants.gov.uk/regulatory/bsp/electric.html
We shall see what extra business this brings in 😯 and it is a comfort to know that my business listing is only 1 out of only 5 in the entire county 😆
Martin
Enterprise Domestic Appliance Services
“Trading Standards Approved Company”Re: ted becomes kheath
kheath wrote:I’ve decided its time to come out
I must say Ted, err Kevin, we’re all a bit dissappointed that you have really, as is was more fun thinking you were a night club pole dancer with a penchant (that’s French by the way 8) ) for Whitegoods 😆
Martin
Re: Who’s Minding the Shop (II)
Penguin45 wrote:IT WASN’T US – HONEST!
Penguin was fishing and I was locked in my garden shed all day, so there!
Martin
Re: Local Trading Standards Authority
I just realised that when the site went down recently one more of my postings was lost 😕 So here is a summary of the latest happenings with my application:-
In fact I was approved as part of their scheme on April 30th which means I can freely advertise their logo in my advertising and on my web site (which I have already done).
I also have been invited to a ‘Formal Presentation’ of my ‘Certificate’ to be presented by the Head of Fair Trading for Hampshire County Council on Friday June 11th. Several new recruits from various trades will be attending as well. Quote… “the local Press on hand for photographs, and light refreshments will be provided”.
So it all sounds pretty civilised but to be fair to fair trading for a moment, I do take a terrible photograph as a few of you have already discovered 😥
Martin
Re: MP3 Players
Owain84 wrote:Could anyone tell me which is the best to buy?
There all pretty good at making you deaf, some quicker than others thats all 😉
The ‘Tinnitis Mark 11 Earblaster’ is my favorite 😉
Martin
Re: Free Estimates
Cornwell40,
This is a nationwide problem in our trade. I do not do free estimates or advertise ‘no call out charge’. Several times a day I get the same question…”how much do you charge to………..?”
Most towns are full of small ads from one man bands willing to do it for b****r all just to get their foot in the door, there’s no way of competing with that I’m afraid. Just appeal to a wider clientell by advertising “Fixed Rate” charges and possibly “Same day service”….it works for me 😉
No way will I turn up to a job ‘cap in hand’ like a bloody double glazing salesman in the hope of possibly earning a bob or two. My time is needed elsewhere by those that will I know will pay me 😆
Martin
Re: BLOOD!!!!
Penguin45 wrote:Somewhat confused and disappointed in human nature,
We all give blood freely and often daily. My donations are mainly given to Hotpoint though a lot of my ‘DNA Profile’ can be found on the Indesit Evolution Range when I have to get at those sodding spigot bolts 😥
Only advice I can give at this point whilst I still have a lot of it left is to charge highly for every drop you spill 😉
Martin
Re: Indeset we12suk bearings
Paul,
Don’t envy you that job but I have done several in my time. (See my postings under Trade Technical Enquiries page 2 – Indesit W143 Bearing Change)
Once you have the spigot out it is easy to knock out the 2 bearings (standard 6205ZZ and 6206ZZ) and fit a new Seal part No 082696 (fits other Indesit/Ariston models – fairly standard stock really)
Word of warning ! Do not get too physical removing the spigot as you can easily damage the S/steel Drum 😥
Martin
Re: labour charges
streetlighter wrote:Hi martin
are you saying that £ 50 total is to much for a 2 hour job or not enough ❓Paul,
£50 for 2 hours work is a bloody bargain believe me. To be frank (and I have nothing to hide here) but, locally I charge £35 for the first 1/2 hour on site then £7.50 for each 15minutes thereafter all PLUS VAT as I am registered with the SOB’s. So in my case to have the pleasure of me fixing your machine within 2 hours that will cost £94 in total 8O. I do stress locally (within 5 miles from base) beyond that I have a sliding scale of charges based on distance travelled (roughly £1 per mile)
If you can possibly afford to do the work cheaper I would whole heartedly advise you to do so. You may well get more business as a result and make a good living to boot 😉
Martin
Re: ZAN WJS1397
machineman wrote:Thanks for the replys guys cant see it being a blockage as there is no feed to jet pump
That’s fine, but DO check for the possibility as both the ‘Wash Pump’ and Inlet Valve do a merry dance together in these circumstances. Do take a look for my benefit and tell me I’m wrong OK 😉
machineman wrote: pressure switch seems likely, any idea which one controls that initial jet or better still a part number of offending switch Regards M
The Safety Level Switch is 1247328907 and the 3 level is 1247328303. It may interest you to know that Wash Vacs (Part Center) list them as ‘Special Order Only’ which is a good indication that they don’t sell too many/if any to warrant stocking them!
Martin
Re: labour charges
Streetlighter,
Easy up on the labour charges, it is not a question of “how much can I get away with?” so much as ” what will give me a fair and reasonable profit?”. It is true that Trading Standards will need to see a copy of your Labour/Call Out Charges and expect you to stick to them. The cheaper you are the better for all concerned including yourself.
I would say however that £30 per hour a very reasonable rate for our trade these days, couple that with whatever extra is needed to cover travelling expenses in the form of a ‘minimum call-out fee’ (a set price for say the first 15/30mins on site) and if you are not VAT registered your laughing anyway as you will be cheaper than most and therefore could undercut your local competition!
Martin
