Ever since Hulu has adopted Seinfeld into its showcase family, I have been watching the sitcom nonstop. It pains me to say that I’m already on season 8 despite the website release date only being a couple of months ago. I’m a huge fan, to say the least, and that’s probably because Seinfeld is so relatable in the most hysterical of ways. Anyone can identify with something the famous foursome has gone through.
An episode that I recently viewed, called “The Cadillac” from season 7, happens to strike a rather significant cord when it comes to home services. Here, the character known as Kramer goes on a rather funny-but-true rant about the cable company’s way of functioning (such as their lackadaisical scheduling policy and nonexistent public relations). Even though this story is merely a background plot, it’s perhaps one of the most tangible and relatable subjects.
Big service companies have a tendency to treat their customers poorly, but that is so far from the truth. Thankfully, there are good ol’ Mom and Pop stores that are able to accomplish the same tasks, but still leave their customers smiling– unlike Kramer who sought revenge after the company’s ill-treatment.
Here are some reasons why The Local Handyman is always better than the Chain:
Seinfeld Quote #1: “Oh, we’ll be there in the morning between 9 and 1, or we’ll be there between 2 and 6!”
For some odd reason, big service providers have a tendency to make their clients wait for them. Everyone has a schedule that needs to be kept, but even with a promise of arrival between eight to nine, some big firms may arrive twenty minutes before nine o’clock– right before the cut off time!
Small firms and local businesses, on the other hand, know their neighborhood well and keep their customers as happy as possible. Most small businesses will set an appointment schedule but keep the wait time within an hour or two. In exchange, this frees up the rest of your day for soccer practice and school carpools. Big companies, on the other hand, give you a time that works for them rather than the customer. With a local branch, they are more likely make time for you because they understand that your time is important to you.
Seinfeld Quote #2: “I sat there, hour after hour, without so much as a phone call.”
Creating a fitting schedule is one thing, but keeping it is more important. Many companies seem to “get around to it” whenever they want and not always when it’s convenient for their customers. As mentioned before, smaller companies make and keep a precise schedule, but even the best of us have emergencies that can alter our plans. What pushes small businesses above and beyond are the outstanding personal relationships they develop with their customers.
Most small companies will send out a personal reminder call the day before scheduling an appointment to confirm it’s still convenient for you. If they are late coming to your appointment, many local industries will contact you immediately to inform you of the situation and offer a reschedule. With great time management that works with both you and your handyman, relationships will only grow stronger.
Seinfeld Quote #3: “Finally, they show up, no apology, tracking mud all over my nice clean floor. Now they want me to accommodate them.”
Local service providers are generally passionate about their work and usually have an understanding of their clients concerns.
Smaller companies are more likely to treat you like their own neighbor and like any neighbor, they would treat you and your home with respect when they visit.
Seinfeld Quote #4: “I guess maybe we just kind of enjoy taking advantage of people.”
Honesty is a huge quality that many look for in any person, but when it comes to big businesses, it may seem as if honesty is merely a second priority. When it comes to smaller branches, they are more likely to understand the true value of good service: honest prices with amazing quality in both the service and products.
A great review on Yelp is the greatest gift you could give a small business because your recommendation is what fuels their fire! Small businesses are usually founded to be more driven to maintain their client’s happiness and wellbeing through honest, hard work and fair prices. Many local companies even offer discounts and free appraisals for those who are in the area of their outreach. Not to mention, small industries have a heart for their community and tend to sponsor children sports leagues along with city events.
At the end of the Seinfeld episode, the Big Business Cable Guy admits his wrongdoings to Kramer who is later moved by the apology and runs to embrace the handyman with a hug of friendship. This story’s end tends to be different than most of our experiences with giant chains, but nonetheless, we still find friends among our smaller handymen.
If you want to make the switch for a better relationship with your service provider, contact us at New Life Appliance Repair or call us at (949) 929-3198.
