Another messer bites the dust

I couldn't agree more. I get sick of people who can't organise their lives better and remember that other people are involved.

Rob Graham

You don't have teenage offspring then? ;-)

You don't get sick of them then?

Personally, I would have thought that 200 quid for a couple of hours work was worth a little bit of inconvenience.

200 less parts, probably between 100 and 120 quid profit, collection and delivery, I would guess three hours work at least, so about 40 quid an hour (or less) less running expenses of a business (insurance, premises, equipment, electricity etc. etc., less tax. Does it still sound like such a good rate to be p#ss## about for? And of course, how long do I wait for? She might have forgotten and gone shopping for the day, how long should you give them? If I make an appointment I keep it, or if something else has to be done then I would OK it with the other party, not just ignore them and not turn up or turn up late.

Mrcheerful

Well, no reasonable person would expect you to hang about outside her home until she turned up - but refusing to rebook her when she 'phoned does sound a bit petulant.

I would have told her that, in view of the missed appointment, she should bring the car in herself and. collect it afterwards.

The message from "MrCheerful" contains these words:

I was in the dentist the other day, and as I often do, I arrived early. Got seen early, too 'cos the previous patient (a schoolkid) didn't turn up. When the receptionist rang to see where they were the kid's mum said "Oh, I didn't get round to it. Never mind, I can always make another appointment", or so the receptionist said to the dentist, with steam emerging from her ears.

A NHS dentist recently opened a few hundred yards from us. On the opening day only 20% of the appointments bothered to turn up.

Of course I do, but it doesn't change the teenager, one of which has only this afternoon gone out, being asked before going "have you got enough money", only to text two hours later saying "no money for food". You get the picture? ;-) Said teenager is learning to drive. A week ago I pointed out the car was nearly out of petrol. Still hasn't had any put in! (I've put a can in the boot for when she runs out!)

Which is why our dentist bills missed appointments.

The message from asahartz contains these words:

Ah, a believer in the petrol-fairy. The wife's stopped believing since I let the car run out a couple of times.

Hopefully an empty one, which she can carry on foot to the nearest garage?

TOO DAMNED RIGHT. Good on you.

Tough. You'll starve then.

I wouldn't bother. I think a 2-3 mile walk to the petrol station will serve a far better lesson.

Not really. When there's plenty of other customers, you don't need or have to put up with the wasters.

And you still end up waiting around.

Everybody has their bottom line. Money has little to do with it.

Rob Graham

That's women all over! You do realise now she will have to go for counselling, have a week off work (if she's not fat and claiming disability), tell everyone in Weightwatchers and sue you for emotional distress. I wouldn't have even waited, so you sound like you have been very reasonable. A quick call to say she was on her way back and would be five minutes would have made a difference. The problem with her "type" is that she has been brought up to think if she cries and shouts about things enough, people will give in - so good for you for teaching her a lesson. God knows how her husband puts up with her.

She would be the type that refused to pay, or would complain something else was broken. Best to stay well clear. Most of us sense the early warning signs.

He didn't say there was any petrol in it though ;-)

Graham

No, it's full, as I'm likely to be the qualified passenger when she runs out!