When quizzed on what their top five bugbears were about their job, over a third (35%) considered being paid late as one of their biggest, with 18-24 year olds finding this the most annoying (50%). Being stood over whilst your working also ranked highly, with a quarter of tradespersons considering this to be a top bugbear.  Ranking in joint third is being told how to do your job by customers, as well as having unrealistic expectations for the job (23%). 

Tradespersons’ biggest bugbears

Whilst being paid late was a common grievance amongst plumbers, painters & decorators and electricians, roofers were most annoyed by unrealistic expectations for the job, with carpenters irritated by faults being picked out when they have not completed the job yet.

Biggest bugbears by trade

Whilst all age groups were annoyed by late payments, 25-34 year olds were also equally annoyed by faults being picked out when they had not completed the job yet, with 55-64 year olds also irritated by unrealistic expectations for the job. 

Biggest bugbears by tradespersons’ age

Interestingly, tradies from the North West were annoyed the most by customers not being in as they cannot get on with the job, whilst on the other end of the scale, those from the West Midlands were annoyed by being stood over whilst they were working. 

Tradespersons from Wales also considered not being offered access to the toilet as one of their top bugbears. 

Tradespersons’ biggest bugbears by region

Other pet peeves include customers trying to negotiate a discount (a top grievance for tradespersons in Aberdeen), long commutes to the job location (for tradies in Liverpool), being asked to fix another tradespersons poor work (for York-based tradespersons), as well as not being offered a drink when working (for Glaswegian trade professionals).

Tradespersons’ biggest bugbears by city

What can I do to prevent and manage late payments for works carried out?

To help make the process as seamless as possible, alongside your quote for works carried out, including a late payment clause would be wise. Be sure to keep in regular contact with your customers, providing any payment reminders which may be needed. If you have not received payment, despite your best efforts, it may be worth considering calling in a debt collection company.

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