Selling a house is difficult as it is. The last thing you want to add to an already stressful process is a difficult contractor. Her business model is to pay for services before they are rendered which naturally inspires distrust on both ends. as a multi property owner who works with contractors frequently, this is an unusual and shady business practice. A deposit is even more reasonable than requiring an invoice to be paid in full, however, in the interest of time, we agreed to pay for each service as we go with the understanding that the work would be complete.
The first service was the caulking of the bathroom. We paid in full up front only to arrive and realize the work was incomplete and sloppy. The shower floors were caulked using a white paint that did not match the original colors. So when she requested we pay for then next service (painting) fee up front, we explained that we would like some sort of guarantee that the work will be completed, which is reasonable considering the first service was not completed. Her response? "He will complete the shower when he returns to paint- Who said he was done?!" To which I shared with her the email where she clearly states the work was completed. Instead of her taking accountability for the inconsistencies in her own statements, her response is, "I'm not going back and forth with you!"
Yes. I can't make this stuff up.
That same day, we were instructed to move all furniture to the center of the room in preparation for the painting all for the no one to show up and no response from her. Mind you, we had to vacate the unit in order for the contractor to work. Fortunately we have another apartment across town but Imagine if we were in hotel, we would've put ourselves in a deeper financial hole all because she didn't "feel like going back and forth" and stopped responding completely.
On top of telling us she doesn't have time to go back and forth she would constantly over share "I took time out of my busy week when I had twins graduating next week, am a single mom etc etc" it's just wildly unprofessional and should not take away from your accountability and professionalism as a business owner.
We were constantly cut off and talked over. Our concerns were frequently ignored or dismissed with comments like "darling, don't worry your pretty little head" and "I have been doing this for years". Incredibly condescending and patronizing when you could simply just provide us with the guarantees we are asking for. I have never been so disrespected as a customer, yet had to bite my tongue because we were at her mercy. We were really excited to be supporting a black owned business but clearly no good deed goes unpunished.
I truly believe she has a talent with staging but talent does not equate to business savviness. Enrolling in business courses would benefit her and future clients greatly. read more
