10 desired identifiers of professionalism in (Irish) tradespersons

1. Reference objects- e.g. we have done this before – you can talk to these 3-5 existing clients
   1. Or we have something  kind-of similar to this , talk to…. From this aspect and that aspect.
2. Fotos – yes these are simple and save words (and talk time- that is my time)
3. Case Studies : Take it easy now academic researchers! Maybe this is a foto plus 5-10 lines on the specifics of the job. Let is call it a Foto-Plus-Words-A4page instead. A page costs almost free to print and petrol costs more than milk these days. P.s.. We all got free primary education.
4. Ability to measure – bring a measuring tape or spirit level. It can impress.
   1. If you bring a laser level, please know how to switch it on.
5. Ability to define a job as known, unknowns and show stoppers. E.g. I can plaster a standard 3 bed semi in XX days but round walls and vaulted ceilings are more difficult.
6. Beer-mat knowledge of materials needed (please be within 25% + or -)
7. Beer mat knowledge of length of time it takes (Total man hours/days etc)  25% tolerance acceptable.
8. Beer mat knowledge of equipment needed and maybe not supplied by you. Yes I do want to know what I have to organise and pay for etc….
9. Beer mat knowledge of material prices and suppliers of some/all of above. Yes the wholesale/retail/tradesmens prices are all a bit unusual everywhere but don’t loose a job please because you have to sell more “expensive” materials than I could get locally! Donedeal is great if I am informed!!
10. Spec sheets of work carried out. Yes the detail helps at a certain stage and not on the day you begin!!
    1. Perhaps include 2 or 3 (not 20) spec sheets for variety and be able to explain the difference.