Just an update, I was on my way home from work and some some guys loading some big greenery debris into their truck. I had seen some guys in the 'hood before, but got all shy and cowardly (can you imagine?
) and didn't stop to talk. This time I just pulled up and asked if they lived there or were contractors. They were contractors and I asked them to come by when they were done to give me a price on my stuff. They did, and he asked for $200 and he could do it the next day. I agreed.
The thing is, after the issue I had with the gutter people, and when I got home after the bush people, I'm starting to wonder if I have a sign on my back that reads, "I'm a stupid female. Please try to take advantage of me." Should I
not smile and be friendly when talking to potential workers? Should I
not simply agree to what sounds like a fair price?
When I got home, the round tree was still there and there was dirt and leaves still covering the whole sidewalk. I called him and he said, "Hi, I was going to call to see if you were home so I could come by for the money." Um... no... I told him we had agreed to take the round tree, too, and he left quite a mess. I would pay him when the job was finished, but I was on my way out to my St. Pat's corned beef and cabbage dinner (it was yummy!). He said they'd come do it now if I would give him the money before I left.
Anyway, they came by and he said the tree was really hard to get out and he should have asked for $300. Well, too stinkin' bad. I gave him the $200 cash and a couple of bottles of cold water and left for dinner. When I got home everything was removed and they had swept the walk. It was 8:30 and I called to say thank you and that he did a good job. He sounded all annoyed.
WhatEVER.
I'm going to start greeting contractors at the door with a couple of blacked out teeth, ratted up hair and a buck knife on my belt. I might throw in a few "naughty" words to color up the conversation and scowl a lot. Maybe even spit.