You'd think being in a position to be picky about work would be cushty.

[WaterTight]

And of course it is, compared the opposite. But counting blessings isn't prominent in human nature. No matter how good things are we find reason to whinge. Just look at celebs.

But turning stuff down is actaully a nightmare. Some people won't take no for an answer, some people take personal offence that you don't want their job. They'll ask if you aren't "up to it." They ask you why you're advertising for work if you don't want it. They try and talk you round. It's probably a lot easier if you're a rude git (as many here proudly profess to be) but if you're polite it's hard work.

I know people will say why don't you a) do all the work b) sell it on c) agree to do it for a fortune d) recommend others. Because a) quality of life > money b) what do i want, ulcers? c) deferred hassle d) i do.

 

[stevetheplumber]

subbing work out only realy works once you can keep 5 blokes working trying to work yourself and arrange work for two others is a nightmare

 

[JCSPLUMBING]

Price it way too high. Then if you do get it you can sell it and still make money

 

[Masood]

subbing work out only realy works once you can keep 5 blokes working trying to work yourself and arrange work for two others is a nightmare

As I found out to my cost a few weeks ago. It is a very difficult point to be in as a small business. I reckon once you're past a certain tipping point then it gets easier.

 

[leek]

I'm having similar issues, and yes it many ways we should be happy. But it is ironic that the more I say I can't do a job they seem to want me to do it even more, even if it means waiting. It's a puzzle.

 

[Best]

People probably assume you are a highly sought after professional if you say you can't do their job because too busy. Then they get jealous and want you even more.
Or maybe it is just because you are cheaper than most.
I also find it hard to take the remarks from people, - " Are you not up to this job?"
or, " Is my job too big for you?" or, " You should really run your business by employing somebody!"
I could easily make money by just subbing it out to a plumber, but then it no longer becomes my workmanship, but I would get the bad reputation if the work is bad

 

[cr0ft]

As I found out to my cost a few weeks ago. It is a very difficult point to be in as a small business. I reckon once you're past a certain tipping point then it gets easier.

+1 to this. I remember Ray saying when I took my second staff member on that I would need to get to 5 people as soon as possible. I have to confess at the time he said it I thought "what on earth are you on about Ray, nothing wrong with having 2 staff working for me!". There is though, 2 staff working for you doesn't allow you to earn enough money for the business to support you the owner being off the tools completely to run it. Went on my last holiday and was ill/slept for pretty much 5 days out of the 7.

There's a good chance your first staff member will be an apprentice. The next one will need to be a fully qualified tradesman. Taking on two apprentices just doesn't work, I learnt that one the hard way.

The third employee needs to be a tradesman who can earn money from the start too.

If like me you do a lot of the more specialist work in the business, gas and electrical for instance, your fourth employee (and thus fifth person in the business) needs to be a decent administrator who can deal with everything other than trades work. At this stage you also need office premises as well of some description.

This is how I've grown my business so far. Now at the stage of looking for a good administrator, moving into our office/warehouse space before the end of the year.

Hope someone can learn from my ramblings lol.

 

[leek]

I have lots of friends who have very high pressured jobs in the city tell me I'm not ambitious enough, that I should aim higher and take on more staff and expand.

But honestly I work to live not live to work, I just don't want the hassle. Maybe I'm lazy and unambitious but just want to spend time with the family and earn enough for our our holidays! Maybe I will get a bit more career minded as I age!

 

[jonnyswamp]

I have lots of friends who have very high pressured jobs in the city tell me I'm not ambitious enough, that I should aim higher and take on more staff and expand.

But honestly I work to live not live to work, I just don't want the hassle. Maybe I'm lazy and unambitious but just want to spend time with the family and earn enough for our our holidays! Maybe I will get a bit more career minded as I age!

In my experience, the older I get the less I want to do
I ran the steel reinforcement side of some large(ish) civil engineering sites late 90's early 00's with up to around 35/40 men, it was nothing but hassle and put me off growing in the plumbing game

 

[plumben]

And of course it is, compared the opposite. But counting blessings isn't prominent in human nature. No matter how good things are we find reason to whinge. Just look at celebs.

But turning stuff down is actaully a nightmare. Some people won't take no for an answer, some people take personal offence that you don't want their job. They'll ask if you aren't "up to it." They ask you why you're advertising for work if you don't want it. They try and talk you round. It's probably a lot easier if you're a rude git (as many here proudly profess to be) but if you're polite it's hard work.

I know people will say why don't you a) do all the work b) sell it on c) agree to do it for a fortune d) recommend others. Because a) quality of life > money b) what do i want, ulcers? c) deferred hassle d) i do.

i just tell people im far to busy to take on any more work at the moment but i'd be happy to do the work in 3 months or so, but tell them i completely understand if they wish to get someone else to do the work sooner, and if they still want you to do the work, go price up and put a big price in if they take it then there's been a sudden opening in my scheduled

 

[Leo21]

It's alright taking someone on, but what about in the summer when it's quiet? I don't want to be a big firm anyway. I just want a new bmw every three years and three holidays a year, is that to much to ask for?

 

[townfanjon]

It's alright taking someone on, but what about in the summer when it's quiet? I don't want to be a big firm anyway. I just want a new bmw every three years and three holidays a year, is that to much to ask for?

Maybe you could have a new citroen every year instead of a bmw every 3 lol

 

[SimonG]

Just been to look at a bathroom tonight. Nice job, decent gear, 7 to 8 days, said I'll get back by Thursday with a price. Then we start discussing timings. She doesn't want it doing before Christmas, I smiled and explained in a few words that there would have been no chance. She starts to say middle of January, I smile and shake my head. She says February, I smile again and say middle of February is a real possibility, as it stands. But explain that I am dropping off an estimate tomorrow evening with a few samples and if they say yes then it will be end of February.

I'm finding more and more people are willing to wait. Still get the odd one that can't understand why you can't start a weeks work tomorrow.

 

[julesverne]

Its a funny one because i want to grow my business it just wont be in plumbing. i found one person i can rely on and he will keep the plumbing side going whilst i open up a fancy dress and party business.
the main reason i've gone this way is i just cant trust enough people to do the job like i would apart from the lad who works and thats only because i've known him since he was a nipper
however i can bring myself to trust people to pack and post stuff cos it aint rocket science.

 

[Rickster123]

Its a funny one because i want to grow my business it just wont be in plumbing. i found one person i can rely on and he will keep the plumbing side going whilst i open up a fancy dress and party business.
the main reason i've gone this way is i just cant trust enough people to do the job like i would apart from the lad who works and thats only because i've known him since he was a nipper
however i can bring myself to trust people to pack and post stuff cos it aint rocket science.

How's the new business going mate?

 

[Leo21]

P

Its a funny one because i want to grow my business it just wont be in plumbing. i found one person i can rely on and he will keep the plumbing side going whilst i open up a fancy dress and party business.
the main reason i've gone this way is i just cant trust enough people to do the job like i would apart from the lad who works and thats only because i've known him since he was a nipper
however i can bring myself to trust people to pack and post stuff cos it aint rocket science.

I think your spot on there mate. Good luck in the new venture.

 

[julesverne]

How's the new business going mate?

Shops nearly re fitted and Ebay and amazon store should be good to go in about 2 weeks. And hopefully should get the business development loan just before christmas. The business loan takes a bit longer as it government backed but its good as i dont have to be a guarantor .

expect freebie ukpf t shirts sometime early in the new year.

but no free pens

 

[plumben]

Just been to look at a bathroom tonight. Nice job, decent gear, 7 to 8 days,
I'm finding more and more people are willing to wait. Still get the odd one that can't understand why you can't start a weeks work tomorrow.

7-8 days is that a complete bathroom or just swap the suite?

 

[Masood]

Shops nearly re fitted and Ebay and amazon store should be good to go in about 2 weeks.

Are you only printing shirts or will you be doing embroidered polo shirts as well Jules?

 

[julesverne]

Just printed not embroided stuff although i wouldnt rule it out in the future but it wouldnt be me doing it

 

[julesverne]

Going more into stag and hen party printed t shirts rather than business stuff

 

[thompsonbrown]

And of course it is, compared the opposite. But counting blessings isn't prominent in human nature. No matter how good things are we find reason to whinge. Just look at celebs.

But turning stuff down is actaully a nightmare. Some people won't take no for an answer, some people take personal offence that you don't want their job. They'll ask if you aren't "up to it." They ask you why you're advertising for work if you don't want it. They try and talk you round. It's probably a lot easier if you're a rude git (as many here proudly profess to be) but if you're polite it's hard work.

I know people will say why don't you a) do all the work b) sell it on c) agree to do it for a fortune d) recommend others. Because a) quality of life > money b) what do i want, ulcers? c) deferred hassle d) i do.

Its nice to be wanted.. better than chasing jobs at a cut price just to make ends meat.
Might be worth finding a great local fitter that would appreciate you recommending him when your too busy. and visa versa.
Alternatively you could change your name from Water Tight to Water dripping through your ceiling. lol
However reading an above post from "Leek". It might not work as he seems busy also.

 

[WaterTight]

See my problem isn't being too busy, although it could be. That's easy to deal with. You just say you're too busy. I'm talking about being picky. Not wanting to do the tricky or annoying or smelly ones because I don't have to and don't want to. Plenty of time to fit them in if I wanted to. The trouble with being picky is you have to find out what the job is first, have a chat, maybe even have a quick look - and THEN turn it down. That's when the fun starts.

 

[thompsonbrown]

Not wanting to do the tricky or annoying or smelly ones
Love how you categories your picky jobs "TRICKY, ANNOYING, SMELLY"
absolute classic.

 

[SimonG]

7-8 days is that a complete bathroom or just swap the suite?

Strip out. Cement board round where shower bath is going. Big tiles all round. New basin and wc furniture. No floor and ceiling ok. Oh and rad out and towel rail in and swapping shower from electric to mixer.