I was going to try a new watchmaker that is local to me. I called the shop and an answering machine had a message. We are no longer open the public. Leave you name and phone number to make an appointment.

My first thought was F@@k Off. I guess the guy is busy. However that is one shop. I am not going to deal with.

Any Thoughts?

 

For those of us who don't know where "local to me" actually is?

 

Local to me does not matter. It could be east of the sun west of the moon. That message just stuck me as very odd.

 

One man business who wants to get on with his work without the door constantly opening taking up his time and perhaps for nothing ?

 

I can understand that it’s a one man shop. However leave a better message than that one. A better message would be I am unable to answer your call. Please leave your name and number along with a short message. I will return your call as soon as I can.

 

I agree but how old is the guy ? not all of us like talking to machines.

Attempting devils advocate

 

Likewise, your post to me! What does "local to me" mean where you live, if not in your area code? My apologies for bothering you!

 

You are taking my reply the wrong way. If I mention my location then you may be able to figure out who the watchmaker is. Calling the watchmaker out is not my intention. I am happy with the watchmaker I deal with I was just looking for another watchmaker as an option

 

I agree but how old is the guy ? not all of us like talking to machines.

Not sure how old the guy is. I am not a fan of talking to machines. I would rather deal with a watchmaker I can at the very least drop a watch off at his shop. I know they can be very busy. Heck the watchmaker I deal with. I am very happy with him.

I walk into his shop say hello exchange a cordial greeting. I tell him what I need done and leave. No paper work involved but it works for us. I am in and out of his shop in a couple minutes’ tops. When the watch is done someone from the shop gives me a call I pick up the watch.

After that message I am going to keep dealing with the watchmaker I have a good relationship with. I have no reason to switch watchmakers. I was just going to give the guy a try as an option.

 

I am struggling to understand why you were not open to setting up an appointment. I am not sure why you think you would not be able to stop in, talk to him for a few minutes, etc., once you have initially met with him and he is open to taking you on as a customer.

 

Too much hassle for me. At this stage in my life I do business when it’s convenient for me. We all do things differently. I even hate to make appointments with medical professionals and doctors. If I show up for an appointment and have to wait. I will just leave my time is valuable too. To each his own.

 

From the tenor of your posts in this thread, perhaps the watchmaker no longer wishes to work with you! Did you think of that! As you say, "to each his own!" Stalag 13, I like that!

 

That is fine with me. No harm no foul.

 

Not to beat a dead horse, but it would seem like making an appointment would help ensure you do not waste time waiting.

 

Not sure I see the issue. One watchmaker (a referral) 'local to me' didnt take my call. I left a message. He replied. And stated he was booked solid for 3 months. But I could book in.

To me that spoke volumes. He was the right watchmaker. But just crushed under the volume of referrals.

 

An issue about nothing...
.

 

By making an appointment then I am making a future commitment that I will show up. I am not willing to do that. So to be fair why would I make an appointment with the watchmaker?

Who knows what tomorrow holds in store. I do not want to commit to anything especially an appointment to have a watch serviced or repaired.