Installers have to hustle.
Load the truck, unload the truck, open the boxes. Sometimes, the old coverings must be taken down. New product and hardware must be unpackaged and laid out. Brackets have to be installed. Then, put up the blinds, clear the debris and maybe collect a balance before heading to the next job.
But there are often obstacles. Sometimes, it’s just a chair or end table in front of the window…
But...
- On one occasion I found a virtual wall of boxes blocking the windows. There must have been 30 and they were heavily laden with books.
- Another customer assumed I would move a very large and expensive baby grand piano stacked with delicate crystal.
- My personal favorite was the curio cabinet loaded with Lladro figurines, I’d guess several grand worth. If you’re unfamiliar with Lladro, google it.
- On several trips I have had to work around Christmas trees and other holiday decorations or wait for them to be moved.
It’s understandable that busy folks forget to prepare for the installation. Some, however, seem to think that spending a half hour or so moving heavy/fragile/expensive stuff is, somehow, part of the installer’s job.
It isn't!
- I told the book worm that he could reschedule after he moved his library. He was irritated.
- I refused to move the Lladros, explaining that the customer no doubt wished to avoid my clumsily damaging or destroying her statues. I would wait for her son to do the honors. She agreed. I lost 25 minutes.
- But, since the baby grand was on wheels and the customer elderly (and against my better judgment), I leaned in and got on with it. Miraculously, no damage was sustained by the piano, the crystal or my back.
Skilled installers know their work and have a limited time to accomplish it – moving furniture, books and family heirlooms is not figured into their schedule. After a while, I added a paragraph to my invoices stating that “the customer is responsible for providing a clear path to each window.” A few read it.
It's YOUR stuff!
If it’s fragile or expensive, make your own moving arrangements. You don’t want to trust someone else to move your things. If you can’t move the heavier stuff, inform the installers in advance. Understandably, there might be an up-charge if the installers are willing to oblige you but at least they can plan for the extra time and effort necessary.