A new survey by Toolstation has revealed the etiquette pet peeves of both tradespeople and their clients. Some of the headline results include:

o   74% of tradespeople would like to be offered a cup of tea during the day
o   92% of tradespeople would not expect to be tipped for their work
o   For tradespeople, the most complained about action is when clients don’t pay on time (46%)

In the full study, Toolstation asked both tradespeople and their customers questions on the matter of etiquette, such as how tradespeople feel about pets near their workspace, and how clients feel about offering food and drink to their workers.

The survey delved into client preferences regarding interactions and hospitality with tradespeople. Almost half (45%) of client respondents indicated a neutral stance on having a chat with tradespeople, while a quarter (24%) welcomed friendly conversations with tradespeople. Generally positive worker-client rapport is favored, a minority or homeowners expressed a preference for minimal conversation, with 17% of homeonwers not wishing to talk much to tradespeople whil e their on a job.

The survey towards tradepeople indicated that tradespople may be friendlier than the clients they are working for, with the majority (71%) of tradespeople not minding a chat with a client, and 22% liking it. Only a very small amount (7%) of tradespople did not like having a chat. Having a casual chat throughout the day is something both sides can mostly agree on, as most results for this are positive.

But what kind of behaviour annoys both clients and tradespeople?

Asking clients: What are the most complained about things tradespeople do? The responses included:

o   33% voted for leaving a mess in their work area and not cleaning up
o   26% voted for showing up late to work.
o   23% voted for raising the price after one was already agreed

Asking tradespeople: What are the most complained about things clients do? The responses included:

o   46% voted for clients not paying on time
o   35% voted for clients attempting to reduce the agreed payment
o   33% voted for when client had not cleaned the work area before they arrival
o   25% voted for when clients asked for additional services which was not agreed ahead of time
o   21% voted for when clients lingered around and watched them work

Clearly breaking financial agreements and keeping an area tidy are things that annoy both clients and tradespeople, as the results reflect.

Please find more information and credit the research here:https://www.toolstation.com/content/tradie-etiquette