Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Don't mess with me Mr. Painter Dude

I was sitting in my office today when the receptionist called to tell me that someone was there to see me.

I walked out to the lobby to see an older gentleman standing there. I shook his hand, introduced myself and he did the same. He was a painter that I had called to give me an estimate on some office renovations, because yeah, apparently I'm on the office renovation committee now. Seriously guys, we are still going through a merger and my new boss thinks that painting the office and shit is top priority. How do people get in these high positions?

Anyways, the guy then looks at me and says, "You're the person I need to talk to?"

Confused, I nodded. I waved for him to follow me to the foyer where the renovations would start. I explained to him that wall coverings had to come off and then painted. He smiled and started doing some calculations in his head and walking around the foyer.

Now, its pretty common knowledge, even in 2011, a woman should always take a man with her to a car dealership or a mechanic as to avoid being screwed over. Well apparently, the same goes for painters.

Am I an experience painter? By no means. Did I do my research? You bet. Did I already have two other painters quote the same area, the same walls? Damn right I did.

The guy looks at me and says, "I'll send you a typed up estimate on our letterhead, but you're looking at about 8,000 for the whole thing."

I kinda stared at him for a minute.

He continued with, "Well we not only have to strip the wall covering but we'll have to plaster the walls and then do a coat of primer."

Which I actually knew, because the previous two paint companies told me the same exact thing.

I smiled, stuck out my hand to shake his and said, "I appreciate you taking the time to come out here for me, but don't bother writing that estimate up. We're not interested."

His jaw kind of dropped a little and then he said, "Lady, that's a good price."

"Not for me it isn't. I had two companies come out here and quote it for half the price."

Then he did the shameful head shake and frown. "Ok, I'll estimate it at $4,000."

"That's quite alright, Sir. Thank you again for your time." I turned around and walked back to my office.

He could have probably went to $2,000 and I would have still said no.

16 comments:

not displayed said...

What an idiot. Especially considering you are in a business environment. You would have been required to get more than one quote simply to keep the committee happy.
I am more particular about comparing than my husband so it really is stupid to assume that just because you are a young woman you won't do your homework.
Good riddance, he probably would have left a mess

Lyndylou said...

What a complete arse!!! Glad you told him and put him firmly in his place. Good one :)

BB said...

Nice job JM. Always get multiple estimates. Love the way you handled this one. You go girl!

Oilfield Trash said...

Some people are just complete morons.

Teresa said...

good for you! what an idiot. he thought he had an easy mark.

Sunshine said...

That is a fantastic story! My first instinct is to say "You go girl!" =)

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

It is men like this that give men a bad rep, trying to take advantage of a woman. Good on you for putting him in his place, it would be good if he learnt his lesson but I do not think so men like that do not learn......

steph c said...

Jack@ss. Good for you, lady!

The Empress said...

I guess that since you are a girl and all that you would have naturally wanted paint with gold leaf and diamond dust, hence that ridiculous estimate! Glad you told him what's what!

Southhamsdarling said...

Oh, how I love that story. You were absolutely brilliant my friend. I wouldn't have let him do it if he had said he would do it for nothing!! Stupid man to try to mess with a woman! Love it!

Danger Boy said...

What an asshole. It astounds me when people do this kind of stupid shit.
I had a boiler replaced in my house once, and the guy didn't realize his cell phone was loud enough I could hear both ends of the conversation. I heard the quote from his supplier. When he added $1000 to the price of the boiler (before discussing labor), I sent him on his way. I wasn't as kind as you were, though. The phrase GTFO was used.

Leigh said...

He didn't know he was messing with Bad-A$$ Jumble Mash, did he? I love it!

SkippyMom said...

Good for you JM - I would've had a hard time keeping my patience with that kind of idiocy.

Nicely done on getting rid of jerk. :)

Meg O. said...

YEAH, girl! You handle that arsehole!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Way to go, you are NOT to be messed with. I applaud you.

Nicki said...

YEAH JM! Stick up for those of us with ladyparts!!