I wrote the following email, with the attached pictures, to Peirce Fitchette, the National Sales Manager for Ready Seal stains.
______________________________________
Peirce,
Here is a deck we prepped for Ready Seal stain. Think the wood will look terrific with your Clear stain?
After all, the wood is only about 30 yrs. old, has never been serviced, and has more peaks and valleys than the Rocky Mountains. There was a "crust" on top of some of the wood, almost like marine coral. We were able to sand that off with a 10 grit belt unit and 8 man-hours of labor. I think it was worth it although payroll will be difficult this week.
The customer finally bought a real kitchen cheese grater instead of using the splintered boards to prepare her favorite spaghetti topping. She's kind of fat, and just loves to eat pasta.
Her dog died from trying to eat the old cheese out of the floor boards. Poor old guy bled to death. His swollen tongue looked like an overcrowded pin cushion from all the splinters stuck right through. We finally got the blood out of the wood using NaOH, 12% bleach, ACR's special "Voodoo" mix, and a lot of acetone. His name was Porcupine. From what I understand, he was a very nice, friendly dog.
With no friends or living relatives, she is devastated. That is why she called us in. To restore her deck in memory of Porcupine. During the estimate, I sympathized with her loss, and helpfully suggestedthat she purchase a new puppy. Maybe name him "Cutter". Do you think I was a bit too familiar? After all, I do have empathy for my customers. After the initial shock of seeing me in the flesh, they seem to like me as I'm very friendly. Although I must admit I've had a few requests over the years to wear a full face mask while working on their property. Something about the neighbor's....
I took a mail order Wolman's course many years ago that has served me well in the wood restoration business. I'll never forget the main point, The customer is always right and you are an idiot if you do not buy our products.
Anyway, she really wants a clear stain so the wood looks natural. What do you think?
Rick
______________________________
So now, after emails and telephone calls, Peirce will not get back to me with professional advice. Its not like I'm some stranger. We've broken bread together with my dogs, but I helpfully gave him a plate on a table with a chair. I must admit Peirce looked at me with a strange expression, as I groveled gruel with my own bowl down on the floor with my 2 best friends. And I do not think he enjoyed the food. Made some snide remark about being "raised with wolves".
So any helpful advice from members of TGS? Can I use Clear Ready Seal on this job? Get a facelift from Joan Rivers best friend? Stock up on better dog names? Learn to eat with a fork and spoon? Does Peirce think I'm unworthy of customer service?
I wrote the following email, with the attached pictures, to Peirce Fitchette, the National Sales Manager for Ready Seal stains.
______________________________________
Peirce,
Here is a deck we prepped for Ready Seal stain. Think the wood will look terrific with your Clear stain?
After all, the wood is only about 30 yrs. old, has never been serviced, and has more peaks and valleys than the Rocky Mountains. There was a "crust" on top of some of the wood, almost like marine coral. We were able to sand that off with a 10 grit belt unit and 8 man-hours of labor. I think it was worth it although payroll will be difficult this week.
The customer finally bought a real kitchen cheese grater instead of using the splintered boards to prepare her favorite spaghetti topping. She's kind of fat, and just loves to eat pasta.
Her dog died from trying to eat the old cheese out of the floor boards. Poor old guy bled to death. His swollen tongue looked like an overcrowded pin cushion from all the splinters stuck right through. We finally got the blood out of the wood using NaOH, 12% bleach, ACR's special "Voodoo" mix, and a lot of acetone. His name was Porcupine. From what I understand, he was a very nice, friendly dog.
With no friends or living relatives, she is devastated. That is why she called us in. To restore her deck in memory of Porcupine. During the estimate, I sympathized with her loss, and helpfully suggested that she purchase a new puppy. Maybe name him "Cutter". Do you think I was a bit too familiar? After all, I do have empathy for my customers. After the initial shock of seeing me in the flesh, they seem to like me as I'm very friendly. Although I must admit I've had a few requests over the years to wear a full face mask while working on their property. Something about the neighbor's....
I took a mail order Wolman's course many years ago that has served me well in the wood restoration business. I'll never forget the main point, The customer is always right and you are an idiot if you do not buy our products.
Anyway, she really wants a clear stain so the wood looks natural. What do you think?
Rick
______________________________
So now, after emails and telephone calls, Peirce will not get back to me with professional advice. Its not like I'm some stranger. We've broken bread together with my dogs, but I helpfully gave him a plate on a table with a chair. I must admit Peirce looked at me with a strange expression, as I groveled gruel with my own bowl down on the floor with my 2 best friends. And I do not think he enjoyed the food. Made some snide remark about being "raised with wolves".
So any helpful advice from members of TGS? Can I use Clear Ready Seal on this job? Get a facelift from Joan Rivers best friend? Stock up on better dog names? Learn to eat with a fork and spoon? Does Peirce think I'm unworthy of customer service?
Please help me.
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