some people just don't have anwswering machines, so they'll ask if i'll answer up while i work at thier place.

not my favorite thing to do, but i'll do it when asked, or when the da*m thing rings for 15 minutes non-stop.

next is proper phone edicate....

usually....

" Hello, Jones residence"

"yes, i'd like to talk to so&so...

" sorry, he/she's not here now, can i take a message"

"well...ah...who are you?"

" the electrician"

" the electrician?, what are you doing answering his/her phone?"

" i was asked..."

oh well...i'll just call so&so later, thanks


where's Dale Carnegie when you need him?

You answer it in your best mideastern accent.

"ello, Iraqi embassy, Tehran"

People have asked, I nod politely but I would never answer their phone. I think it is rediculous!

Maybe a $28 message recorder in your tool kit? Wouldn't be so bad if you forgot one here or there.

Of course, Murphy's law being what it is, the phone will remain silent until you're on your hands and knees at the far end of an attic or atop a ladder (mouth full of wirenuts and hands full of tools). A homeowner would have a lot of gall to ask you to play secretary for them.

Sparky is more cordial than I would be...

Mike (mamills)

[This message has been edited by mamills (edited 10-08-2002).]

Quote them your answering service rates per minute of each call if the job is quoted.If you there by the hour strike up a conversation with the caller