What would you have done?

[Rob mcdonald]

Hi Folks,
I had this Rangemaster Elan to do yesterday which I had been told was in “a bad state”. I’ve done a couple of ranges already, but I haven’t come across one like this.

The tall oven came up fine in the end, but I struggled to do the main oven, because I couldn’t undo the screws on the self-cleaning panels or the back plate, which I did explain to them, and they seemed ok about it. I couldn’t finish it in the end, and I said that it wouldn’t be right to clean it without removing the panels etc.
It also didn’t help that the family were moving into this house as I was working on it.
What would you have done in this situation?

 

[David Lynch]

Totally disrespectful letting it get into that state then asking someone to clean it. Looks like pet hair at the bottom to. Some customers have the dog beds right next to the range. The self cleaning panels look shot. You should be able to remove the side panels without undoing the screws, but even then some have that much crud gone down the back you need to gemmy them off. You now have a choice, do you walk away and lose half a days work or have a go which will add so much extra time onto the job. This is why I never clean a range as my first job.

 

[Rob mcdonald]

Totally disrespectful letting it get into that state then asking someone to clean it. Looks like pet hair at the bottom to. Some customers have the dog beds right next to the range. The self cleaning panels look shot. You should be able to remove the side panels without undoing the screws, but even then some have that much crud gone down the back you need to gemmy them off. You now have a choice, do you walk away and lose half a days work or have a go which will add so much extra time onto the job. This is why I never clean a range as my first job.

The people that asked me to clean it were only just moving in when I did it.
The decals for the knobs were barely there, the induction hob was chipped and cracked in a few places. I managed to undo a few screws on the side panels, but I couldn’t remove any screw on the back, so they stayed as they were. I think the bulb cover would’ve turned to powder if I tried to remove it!
It was the only job I did yesterday and I was there for 5 hours I think. I got paid for what I did. I didn’t feel comfortable about leaving it as it was, but I don’t feel I had a choice at that moment.

 

[Richard Robertson]

The side panels should have come off. Probably stuck on my the grease build up. Experience would tell you this. Inexperience wont. Once there off and dipped then it's half the battle. As the back panel has the thermostat attached id have cleaned that in situ. Too much risk moving it. When cookers are this bad explain to the customer you have allocated so many hours to this job and that you'll do your best and that it will be far better when you finished than when you arrive. Most customers will understand, very few won't. Good luck for future cleans

 

[rolf groth]

i would have got the bottom, doors and and racks gleaming, then just before they checked it out i would have gone over the self cleaning panels with a wet cloth so they looked good, then got my money and remembered not to go back.

 

[Rob mcdonald]

The side panels should have come off. Probably stuck on my the grease build up. Experience would tell you this. Inexperience wont. Once there off and dipped then it's half the battle. As the back panel has the thermostat attached id have cleaned that in situ. Too much risk moving it. When cookers are this bad explain to the customer you have allocated so many hours to this job and that you'll do your best and that it will be far better when you finished than when you arrive. Most customers will understand, very few won't. Good luck for future cleans

Thanks for your comments, Richard!

 

[Steven Johnson]

I always get people to send some WhatsApp pics now if they are a new customer. You would hsve known straight away too turn it down.

Unfortunately with experience you learn you are wasting your time. Never spent that long in a cooker in 19 years. Not worth the risk. There is plenty of work this time of year.

Also as above. If its a new range i always domit as last job. Can't ruin your day then if its a bad one.

Steve

 

[Rob mcdonald]

I always get people to send some WhatsApp pics now if they are a new customer. You would hsve known straight away too turn it down.

Unfortunately with experience you learn you are wasting your time. Never spent that long in a cooker in 19 years. Not worth the risk. There is plenty of work this time of year.

Also as above. If its a new range i always domit as last job. Can't ruin your day then if its a bad one.

Steve

Thanks, Steve. Yes, this one has taught me a few things, but I find that with my other jobs too. I hope I will be a little wiser moving forward!

 

[Steven Johnson]

Thanks, Steve. Yes, this one has taught me a few things, but I find that with my other jobs too. I hope I will be a little wiser moving forward!

Yes unfortunately its a learning curve. In life it can sometimes be you gain nore experience from your bad experiences. Keep going it gets easier. Don't ever be afraid to say no or walk away.

Every know and again you will come accriss cookers like this. Experience will teach you to make better decisions in the future

Steve

 

[John Allton]

I find especially at this time of the year you tend to get repeat customers and new customers who have used and abused their cookers and expect your to perform miracles. Over the years i have found honesty is the best policy i never claim to make ovens look like new, but they will look 100% better. I given each customer an introductory speel about the cleaning process, materials i use and keeping the customer informed with regards issues i find during the clean. I conduct an initial inspection in order to give the customer and idea of how long i am going to take and also manage customers expectations at this point you can decided whether its worth carrying on and also the customers reactions

 

[Andy Cornwell]

I find especially at this time of the year you tend to get repeat customers and new customers who have used and abused their cookers and expect your to perform miracles. Over the years i have found honesty is the best policy i never claim to make ovens look like new, but they will look 100% better. I given each customer an introductory speel about the cleaning process, materials i use and keeping the customer informed with regards issues i find during the clean. I conduct an initial inspection in order to give the customer and idea of how long i am going to take and also manage customers expectations at this point you can decided whether its worth carrying on and also the customers reactions

100% agree with you John, I've been cleaning ovens for 14 years and have never walked away. You are there to clean a oven regardless of condition just as you say manage expectations and if the customer decides that the clean is not worth going ahead with its up to them. Just do the best you can and you will build yourself a good reputation

 

[Steven Johnson]

I have definitely walked away from a few over the years. If you are busy and not desperate for the work why on earth would you want to waste your time cleaning a cooker you know will not come up anygood. Not to mention take flipping hours more to do.

You are wrecking your hands not to mention probably gonna break the cooker.

I have been doing it 19 years and never given me a bad reputation. Just tell the customer how it is. Be honest and real and they will thank you

But at the end of the day its your choice as its your business.

Steve