FITTING THOUGHT
1
Survey ranks the
‘friendliest’ trades
Following an article by Malcom Harris of Harscan in the
February issue relating to ‘How to Run a Professional Business’,
this month I wish to look more closely at what customers think
of tradespeople.
Given that manners and behaviour can often leave
a lasting impression, UK-based My Job Quote
recently surveyed 1 482 people to discover which
trade they believe has the friendliest tradespeople.
Plumbers came in at a highly respectable third friendliest
behind electricians and landscapers. The survey found
that a whopping 68% of people say that plumbers are the
friendliest, coming in third behind electricians (75%) and
landscapers (71%).
In contrast, tilers are rated the least friendly tradespeople
– with only 23% categorising them as friendly, behind
kitchen specialists at 29%.
The ‘friendliest’ tradespeople
• Electricians – 75%
• Gardeners/Garden Designers – 71%
• Plumbers – 68%
• Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Engineers – 64%
all when arranged/agreed. In South Africa, results may vary
from this as plumbers are well-known for not pitching at all
or arriving late.
A little below that, 72% of respondents say they really
value tradespeople taking the initiative to clean up any
mess they have created once finished, a point also
emphasised by Harris last month.
When on the job, a lot of people report being appreciative
of tradespeople who ask permission to use their bathroom
(61%) as well as before making or receiving a work or
private phone call (45%).
On the other end, only 31% are worried about if a
tradesperson adequately greets them or not.
• The actions taken by tradespeople which Brits most
appreciate:
• Not being annoyed and happily providing updates or
progress reports when asked – 84%
• Window Glaziers – 60% • Providing a valid reason and apology for not turning
up at all when arranged or agreed – 79%
• Painters and Decorators – 57% • Cleaning up any mess before leaving – 72%
• Floorers – 53% • Plasterers – 49% • Not getting upset or becoming rude when providing
feedback on their workmanship – 70%
• Bathroom Specialists – 44% • Apologising for being late – 66%
• Roofers – 40% • Asking permission before using bathroom – 61%
• Carpenters – 36% • Following-up on a missed phone call – 53%
• Builders – 32% • Asking permission before making/receiving a phone
call – 45%
• Kitchen Specialists – 29%
• Tilers – 23%
More importantly, the survey asked respondents to identify
those actions taken by tradespeople which respondents
appreciate the most.
From this, My Job Quote found that people are most
grateful when tradespeople do not get annoyed when
‘kindly asked’ for an update or progress check (84%).
Thereafter, 79% appreciate tradespeople who provide
them with a valid reason and apology for not turning up at
March 2020 Volume 26 I Number 01
• Not asking for too many hot or cold drinks and
snacks – 37%
• Basic greetings (such as saying ‘hello’ when arriving
and ‘goodbye’ when leaving) – 31%
Eamonn
Eamonn Ryan, Editor
eamonn@interactmedia.co.za
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@plumbingonline
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