Letter to the Editor: Professionalism elusive among local vendors

Dear Editor,

I have lived in this community going on 15 years, and it still amazes me how unprofessional businesses here operate. I thought it was just my experience, but after talking to many people I know, I found this problem is prevalent throughout the Springfield metropolitan area.

If you call 10 vendors to come give a bid, five will agree to meet with you. Two will show – not on time – but they will show up. One will follow up and send you the bid, but never return the call to set up the work.

I have lived all over the world and this is the only place I have seen this lack of professionalism.

What’s the deal? Is the economy doing so well businesses can afford to turn down work? Why would anyone go into business, take time to market, pay for equipment, licenses and all the other expenses and then turn down the work when they get it?

I was talking to a doctor friend, who recently spent thousands of dollars on a remodeling job. It took him a long time to finally get someone willing to follow through. When he did, the work took much longer than promised and was held up for more money.

The perception from everyone I talk to is that unless the client is willing to pay unreasonable amounts, allow delays and accept excuses, you may be skipped over for someone who will.

Come on Springfield! If we want to be a better town, let’s start acting like it and demand better.

—Justin Schwartz, a retired Army mechanic and former owner of formal wear shop MO-Tux LLC