Hello,
I was directed to this site by someone at ThatHomeSite! who thought this was the best place for me to post my question.
We hired a contractor to do a kitchen remodel for us. He has done excellent work and doesn’t laugh at my crazy ideas (like making a paw-washing station at the back door). He will be finishing up soon. He originally estimated that it would take two to three weeks to do the work, but what with the four live wires he found in the walls, the header he had to redo, the rotten roof rafters, the reroofing of one room, tearing out and redrywalling ceilings and walls, etc, it has been like seven weeks now.
My dogs don’t even bark at him anymore!
My question is: we feel this gentleman has done excellent work and we would like to reward him. We have paid him for the extra work, but would like to give him a nice thank-you. At the other site people have suggested a gift certificate for a nice dinner out, cash, a portfolio of photos of his work he can show to other customers, an offer to let his prospective customers in to see his work, etc. One contractor said he was very embarrassed when a customer gave him a cash tip. (That would not be my first choice.)
My contractor is in his late 30s, has a wife and two young kids. He hires friends and neighbors when he needs extra hands, but does almost all of the work himself. What would be a nice thank you for a job well done?
Thanks, Nancy
Replies
Dinner out & a baby sitter. Then, tell every one you know what a wonderful job he did & that thye should call him for any projects they have. Referells are the best thnak you.
The best thank you I think you could give him is great word of mouth to your friends and family.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
I agree with Rob. Post praise and a recommendation on local community websites too. It is nice to see a positive post....that's not a mistake, it's rustic
Once upon a time, the home owner's asked me what I wanted/needed. I asked what for, they said they wanted to thank me for showing up every day for an eight month project. I was at that time a "supervisor" for the GC. I said I have everything I need, He says "Come on Jim ,tell us what ya need. I said "New Tire's". The Next day, I get a card and a five hundred dollar gift certificate at a tire shop. So NancyB, ask him. I thank you NancyB, wish there were more of you around this business. Jim J
If you want to do some thing nice then the Baby sitter and a meal out is a wonderful idea for a young couple!!
Don't dismiss the cash idea either!
A lot of todays "Talent" are under paid, and a few franklins could go a long way to "help out"!!
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
The hand written cards and letters customers sometimes give me are what I enjoy the most. I always get a warm fuzzy when I happen onto one and reread it, no matter how old it is. Formal letters of appreciation or recommendation are fine for the portfolio, but those little personal notes really do it for me.
I think a cash tip is more appropriate than a gift certificate. Respect the person enough to let them decide what is special to them.
Nice of you to ask, NancyB.
I personaly think a Lie neilsen block plane would be the greatest.On An Island By The SEA
I think all of the previous suggestions are admirable. But I would like to add one thing. Offer to let his new potential customers to come a view his work done on your home, not just some photos. It does give them a sense of comfort when they get to see the work he has performed and gives you the ability to tell the potential client on how he handled your job. A gift doesn't hurt, either.
While I was working on a job and my wife was at work, someone broke into the house and stole a bunch of boxes of things we hadn't unpacked since we had just moved into the house the day before. They stole some of my wife's David Winter Cottages, my trolling motor, clothes, about 15 boxes. At the end of my clients job, she gave us a retire piece of David Winter. It was one of the castles which, at the time, was the most sought after pieces(expensive). It was just the thought of the item, it was the time she spent on tracking it down to be able to give it to us. Now, that was an appreciative client. She and her husband have been the best client I have had in 20 years. They have been the nicest and have given me the most referals.
Gift certificates to a local tool supply company, or for a nice dinner would be a welcomed surprise for this guy. This reminds me of a joke that Lewis Grizzard used to tell.
Why do junior leaguers hate group sex?
All those d>>> thank you notes!
I'll take all of the above... : )
Most importantly are recommendations. That goes a whole lot further than anything else....although a gift certificate to a nice restaurant attached to a "letter of recommendation" is great too.
I finished a big kitchen and tile job for a customer who hasn't stopped recommending me. They also typed me up a beautiful letter to show my next possible customers along with their phone number.
Now a gift certificate for a massage goes really far with us guys... : ) We need that!
Be un-ached
Namaste
andy
In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
I think a letter is a great idea, include a gift certificate for some restaurant, perfect.
If you want to "tip" me on your final payment, fine, but don't toss me some green. That is an insult, you might as well pass me a George W.
Hey, I don't even know why I do this stuff anymore, but it sure isn't for the money.
Hey, I don't even know why I do this stuff anymore, but it sure isn't for the money.
QT...we may not agree on everything but that line is written by a true brother!!!!
BE well dude
NAmaste
andy
In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
The rest of us do work for money...just 'cause yer on the far side of 2 young kids...don't go messing up the cash flow for the others that gotta buy diapers!
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
Where do I send the check? You wanna handout?
The day I want someone to hand me green, that is insulting. Give me a break, I assumed we were talking about a contractor that spent 8 weeks, ya, give him the change you have in your change jar.
And if you wanted diaper money, you should have 2 wives, or get a real job.
I dunno, round here, a real nice night out & sitter is at least a couple of big beans. I have never been insulted by Johnnie or Rosanne Cash, maybe these folks like to eat at home...sounds like the referals are a given. How 'bout a lifetime subscription to Fine Home Building?
Hey, I think you folks(the original posters, not you reprobates) are ok, and whatever you do will be the same. EliphIno!
You ever read FHB?
I'll take dinner out...
dont know about the rest of you guys, butr this guy is rare treat.
dinner certificate, a bottle of his favourite, any thing that you would give anyone else really, maybe a cash bonus but thats hard to put an amount on
Yer right! EliphIno!
I have never been insulted by Johnnie or Rosanne Cash,
sniff sniff....poor Johnnie
Be in heaven
Namaste
andy
In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Man, I dig Johnnie. His wife, June Carter ( of the Carter family, real country) just died, and Johnnie has (I believe) Parkinson's disease. I hope that's why you were sniffing, otherwise, I can see you going down down down in a burning ring of far! EliphIno!
was exactly why I was siffing....and Johnnies newest album is real good
In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Q,
Tell you what, every time you get insulted by some extra cash that comes your way, just mail it to me.
I will return to you a beautifully sentimental thank-you note, that will be so sappy you can use on your waffles.
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
Hey....ya forgot to email me for the home address so you can send off the handouts....
or am I jumping the gun when you already looked me up in the book......and the spare cash is on the way.
Hope U didn't send it all off to T first.......
BTW...I prefer bills....change is too bulky.......money that folds is much better.
I do this for love.....
.....I love money......
I'll take hundred dollar insults all day long.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
Ha!>>> "I do this for love.....
.....I love money......"
That is very close to mine, "I'm a male prostitute, I'll do anything for a buck"
I just don't like cash gifts, I never have, I didn't say I refused them! So don't wear yourself out checking the mailbox. Most of the time it is just the clients round up the bill when they pay it, and that is just a green flash I never see. That is why I liked the hammer idea, that is something I would never buy for myself, but would use all the time. That one, and anything like it, is a keeper.
Well guys, you have given me some good insights. Thanks for the nice hammer idea, I just might go for that. I have spent a couple of days considering his and her massages, though! (After all, she's home with two little ones until she gets to go work at a superstore.)
I will have an open house for friends, neighbors, and our contractor. He has done all the work himself, with only one helper about half the time. He brings different neighbors, a college student home for the summer, and his teenage neice. I like the idea of the open house because then he can come if he likes, or skip it if it is too corny. His family can come see his work too. His neice can come back and see all her stained woodwork in place.
Once I figure out who I can rent or borrow a camera from, I'll get pics and send the best along to him with a letter he can show others. I have already asked him for cards that I can take to the cabinet makers. (They do not do intallation and will give recommendations to their customers. Their guy who was out measuring for odds and ends after the basic layout was done commented on how good a job our guy did.)
I have enjoyed the different opinions, thanks for giving this so much thought and time!
The kitchen is DONE tomorrow, so maybe I get over to that hammer site.
Nancy
Hey, I don't even know why I do this stuff anymore, but it sure isn't for the money.
Q
Lighten up bro......I started thinking I agreed with you in terms of we do this work cause we chose what we love to do but now I guess you mean youre insulted.
Depends on how "much" cash doesnt it??????? Ten bucks for a month job might be insulting but a hundred might be acceptable...no?
Be thankful
Namaste
andy
In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Is isn't the amount guy, I have just never liked cash gifts. Put some thought at it and that will keep my wigwam, baby. And how long are you going to keep this happy stuff up, you're freaking me out.
BTW, I think Prodeck nailed it, the hammer would be an awesome gift! The best idea yet. That shows some thought went into it.
The paw-washing area isn't that crazy. I helped build a walk in shower stall for a homeowners dogs. If this guy seems like a family man get something for the whole bunch or just the kids. A customer of mine a few years ago appreciated all the time and work I put into her house that she bought a personalized item for my recently born son. I thought that was great.
Make sure he understands how much you appreciate his work, tell others that may be potential customers, send a card with a note, if you feel you need to, $ or gift cert. would allways be welcome! Remember, you also contributed to this pleasant situation by being a wonderfull customer. Keep the goog karma going!
NancyB,
If he's got young kids, buy the kids savings bonds. For college, or whatever.
It's thoughtful, and shows that you care about him as a person, as well as a contractor. Since he's recently started a family, it's likely that savings is a pretty low priority. He may be too proud to take cash, but his wife will skin him alive if he misses the chance to put away something for his little ones.
On behalf of all of us construction types, thanks for even thinking of it.
skipj
Nancy
I am a plumbing and heating contractor, I have also built and renovated a few homes for myself. I have had customers give me gift certificates and cash tips at the end of the job I have also had them take the wife and I out for dinner. My favourite has always been to be invited over to their home for dinner or a barbeque. The more trades that were on the site the better the get together. As a lot of our wives hear us talk about our day at work but never get to meet any of the people we work with or their wives, my wife and I have really enjoyed these dinners. So when ever we have finished a project of our own we always have a barbque afterwards for all the trades.
Nancy,
I disagree on the cash, gift certificates and all that stuff.
Referalls, yes. Put his card up on your refrigerator so that you never forget how you felt about him and his work. Keep the number handy and check in. When you give his name to some one give him a call to let him know that they will be calling.
For me the thing I like the most is a testimonial letter that includes a couple of paragraphs on the things he did that were so important to you. Maybe even let him take a picture of you in the finished product to put beside the letter.
That goes a long way when meeting clients even if they were a referal someone else.
That would be priceless.Tom
Give the guy a letter of appretiation and a new Douglas Hammer
http://www.douglastool.com/
He'll love you forever!
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Thanks for the nice idea, Bob, I just ordered the gift set.
That is the exact hammer I would have bought, he will like, very much.
Great Nancy! I have that set on my wall it was a gift to me from my lumber yard. I really like it, but then, I really like hammers.
Your contractor will never forget you.
Good Choice!
You can tell your contractor that the guy that made this hammer is Thomas Douglas Coonrad, the same guy that designed the original Hart Woody.
He'll be impressed you can walk the talk :-)
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
we had someone (perhaps in your situation) take out a 2"x3" add in the local paper thanking their contractor for a job well done. the free advertising would have sold me if i was a potential customer!