On-time tradesmen top the popularity poll
18th April 2017

Tradesmen who turn up on time have been voted top of a poll of homeowners’ favourite qualities, according to a survey by home services marketplace Plentific.

Punctuality is closely followed by politeness and talking customers through a project, while more predictable favourites such as a clean-looking van and branded, uniformed workers came far lower down the list.

According to the survey, 84% of those polled were more like to hire a punctual tradesman; 83% looked for one who had a polite manner and responded to communications and 81% favoured one who was willing to talk them through the process of a project.

Qualities of general professionalism continue to dominate further in the list, where 78% are more likely to hire a tradesman if they send through a professional quote and 69% are more likely to choose a tradesman if they create a solid schedule.

The qualities ranking lower in the list suggest that appearances have less of an impact on a homeowner’s choices. Having a modern, clean and professional looking van only makes 47% of homeowners more likely to hire a tradesman, whilst wearing a branded uniform only influences 22%. Sitting at the bottom of the table, a tradesman’s age has the lowest impact on the homeowner’s likelihood of hiring, regardless of whether they are older (19%) or younger (7%).

Stephen Jury of Plentific said: “Whilst all of these qualities can help a tradesman get hired, it is clear from our findings that appearances make less of an impact on a homeowner’s decisions. Organisation is key: arriving on time, being prompt in communication and generally having a polite and positive manner will make potential clients more likely to hire a tradesman.

“To improve the odds of hiring, tradesmen should focus more on their schedule, process and attitude before spending their well-earned money on appearances!”