Irrigated irrigation contractor!?

18 years ago

I was totally embarassed today in front of a client. The client who has 2 other homes w/irrigation was questioning the estimate and asked to speak w/the irrigation guys. So I set up the meeting.

The irrigation contractor (who I have used very sucessfully in the past) showed up late, unprepared and smelling like whiskey to explain the estimate. After about 15 minutes of double talking, he got frustrated w/the questions the client was asking and said to his partner 'We're outta here' and walked off the site.

I don't think I have ever witnessed anything like this before, in any business. It's not like this is a fly by night business--they're one of the big irrigation companies around here.

Crazy. Don't think I'll be using them again.

Comments (3)

The_Mohave__Kid
18 years ago
Yeah ... hmm ... I'm still waiting for contractor number 16 to reply back with a promised layout and design for my home addition.

I know what you mean.

Good Day ...
creatrix
18 years ago
Sounds like the irrigation guy may need a 12 step program in the near future.

A designer I know had a similar experience recently- except the guy went off the wagon after the job was started. She had a nightmare with that!

It's hard to depend on others, and I agree we look bad when our referrals behave poorly. But not all of us are able to do all our installs, either.
Related Professionals
Allentown Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Wake Forest Landscape Contractors · Boca Raton Landscape Contractors · Danvers Landscape Contractors · Golden Landscape Contractors · Hilo Landscape Contractors · Lemoore Landscape Contractors · Mission Landscape Contractors · North Canton Landscape Contractors · Casselberry Landscape Contractors · Canton Driveway Installation & Maintenance · Escondido Driveway Installation & Maintenance · Glenview Driveway Installation & Maintenance · Lakewood Driveway Installation & Maintenance · Lake Forest Driveway Installation & Maintenance
Ron_B
18 years ago
Since the relationship with him is over, you should be able to relate your shared astonishment and dismay to the client, as a preface to getting another irrigation guy lined up. Alcoholics aren't rare, the customers should be able to understand that you weren't expecting him to show up soused and confrontational.