venta: (Default)
[personal profile] venta
So, when we moved into this flat last year, the central heating wasn't working. I googled around and found a small, local, family-run firm which specialises in Ideal boilers (a friendly plumber having advised that our particular model of boiler was a bit of a problem-child that might need a specialist). Someone popped round and fixed it under an hour, having produced the replacement part from the van.

About a fortnight ago, I booked an annual boiler service. The lady on the phone explained to me that a booking could only be provisional, because they were having a lot of cold-weather-related emergencies, was that OK? I said it was OK. She said we would ring me on the 26th to confirm.

She rang me on the 26th. She suggested they come between 10am and midday, was that OK? I said it was OK.

Today, someone rang me to cofirm they'd be arriving around 11:40am, was that OK? It was OK.

Then they arrived... at about 11:40. In fact there were two of them, one of whom was very obviously in training. They were both polite and friendly, did the job quickly without making any mess, and said thank you nicely for their tea. I asked some questions and they gave me sensible answers.

This should not be remarkable. However, I'm used to dealing with the likes of ntl and British Gas, who tell (don't ask) you that they will turn up between 8am and 7pm on a given day. Then don't. The idea of a firm that promises to ring you back at a particular time and then does so was quite a surprise in itself.

Admittedly I didn't actually test this company's flexibility by declining the first appointment offered, but the people I spoke to did give the impression that if it had not been OK there would have been alternatives.

Normally people only post to LJ about companies to tell ranty tales of failure. I thought, just for once, I'd commend a company who've been all-round excellent.

The short version is if you live in West London and require Stuff done with your boiler, I highly recommend these people:

http://www.heatcaresouth.co.uk/

Date: 2010-01-27 01:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ulfilias.livejournal.com
Woo....Nice to hear of a decent company with good workmen. Alas it is starting to be a supprise these days rather than the norm.

Date: 2010-01-27 01:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lanfykins.livejournal.com
I'm not so sure about the 'these days' part :) Flanders and Swann certainly knew allll about it back in 1964...

(And by the way, [livejournal.com profile] venta, Eternal Flame?!)

Date: 2010-01-27 01:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] venta.livejournal.com
Eternal Flame

One kudo to you, ma'am.

Seemed like a good theme for a boiler-related post ;)

Date: 2010-01-27 02:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rosenkavalier.livejournal.com
Flanders and Swann certainly knew allll about it back in 1964...

That immediately sprang to my mind, as well... :)

Date: 2010-01-27 02:23 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] d-floorlandmine.livejournal.com
Handy! Do they have a branch in South London? We've got a good plumber ...

Date: 2010-01-27 02:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] venta.livejournal.com
Sadly, I don't think they do, they're only a small firm.

Date: 2010-01-27 03:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] d-floorlandmine.livejournal.com
Suspected as much. Ah well!

Date: 2010-01-27 06:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ebee.livejournal.com
Woot...passing this along to mum.

Date: 2010-01-27 06:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lathany.livejournal.com
Lovely - sadly we're not in their area, but I suppose we could point out we're the next postcode west and ask nicely.

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