Awkward

A friend of mine on facebook recommended their architect to us- at first the architect was great, however, overall we are NOT impressed with them at all.

This same friend keeps pushing us to use a contractor- even said that they "heard" the contractor was doing our work for us (not true). This person is very nice however we really don't feel comfortable taking any more of their recommendations considering the first one let us down.

I am thinking of getting a bid to just to be nice but don't want to waste anyone else's time.

Re: Awkward

I usually go with, "Oh, thanks for the recommendation, but my dad (sister, uncle, whomever) already gave us someone who I think we're going to use." End of story. I mean, sure, you can get a bid from the person they recommended, there's no harm in that, but I wouldn't even go up that route if you don't have to. However, at the same time, I've had great experiences with companies or businesses and recommended them to friends and family and they have had not so great experiences with them, so I think there's always an exception to the rule. Whether or not you want to take that chance again is up to you.

Re: Awkward

we had the same issue with a friend of mine when i redid my kitchen.... i thanked him for the recommendation and left it at that....

Re: Awkward

I try to be polite about things like that but in the end, it's your money and time so you shouldn't feel bad about not using their recco. I had one for my re lawyer from someone I trusted and our home inspection from the same person. The inspector was great, the lawyer not so much. Each time it comes up now, I thank them but usually change the subject.

If pressed though, I would tell them in a nice way because it may change their mind about recommending them in the future. It all depends on the person and your relationship with them.

Message edited 12/8/2009 9:27:20 AM.