Is the current global recession having an influence on you?

Michael Alexander · July 12, 2009, 03:19:16 PM

SandyB · July 12, 2009, 04:06:05 PM

I use the word YET ... our company holding out well so far despite our sector being prone to low margins ... so yes we cruising slowly along but only as a result of very prudent and wise management decisions .. seems we will ride the storm .. we even going to invest in about 1.5 mil in new bagmaking capacity to catch the wave of a new fruit export packaging market that has opened up to us ,, due mainly to us delivering the goods on time , perfect and fit for use ... but then again if they suddenly lured by a low price competitior .. we could be hit hard .. its a gamble but so far looks like a good one .. they are impresessed by us in comparison .. sort of comparing Woolies to shoprite type of quality and service ..

Bertie Horak · July 12, 2009, 04:34:10 PM

Definitely seeing a change. People waiting until it's almost too late for treatment, and getting payment for services rendered is another story....
A lot of patients complaining about bad business, from plumbers, builders, bookkeepers, estate agents, and even one of the local vets feeling the pinch.

Patricia Lotte · July 13, 2009, 03:48:02 AM

Definately. Dubai and its 'always biggest, highest, best in the world' ... attitude has cost us dearly. Things are really going bad here despite what the media is saying (freedom of speech is unknown here). My boyfriend has been jobless for almost 3 months, our best friend lost his job yesterday and thousands of other exptariates are going back to their home countries. Construction sites are lying abandoned. This place looks like the day after the apocolypse.

SandyB · July 13, 2009, 08:48:01 AM

THE DAY AFTER THE APOCOLYPSE .. Well put Patricia ... such hyper fuelled by consumption growth never works ... as with so many things .. slowly but surely has a solid foundation ...

Mike Voden (RIP) · July 13, 2009, 05:17:56 PM

Since we moved here in February and with our house needing renovating, we tried to get various quotes from builders but I was very surprised to find out how many of these builders in so called tough times didn't have the decency to even deliver their quotes.

If times are that tough then I would have thought that any job would be welcome but it appears not, or is it just the norm as part of their speel..........?????????
Obviously these have been struck off our list for future work

SandyB · July 13, 2009, 05:59:19 PM

@ Mike and Jenny ,, you may have read my story of the painter from hell .. I used folk advertising in the papers .. My brother Peter is an architect and structural engineer and he says so many contractors in the building/ maintenance trade are well a major frustration .. normally one cant wait to get these folk off site .. I am now making use of Builders warehouse , they have a list of their accredited contractors that they put to detailed checks ,, credit , referals etc .. ... I can mail you the details .. I will see how things work out with my bathroom and outside paving job ... wish luck ..

Mike Voden (RIP) · July 13, 2009, 06:40:51 PM

Hi Sandy, thanks for your offer but we have found a builder (through the local weekly District Mail) who has delivered good and honest workmanship and finishes on time. I will use him in the future for any other work where need. He was one of the few that returned their quotes, so we took a chance and I think we came off OK. At present he has plenty of work lined up and has stopped advertising for the time being.
Unfortunately, he only works in the Helderberg area but we would recommend him anytime.