Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

fug

Feb 8, 2012, 4:44 PM

Post #1 of 14 (1399 views)

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Canvas repairs?

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Have an 8 foot in diamater layered canvas patio umbrella. It needs some repairs. I called Carmen and Octavio Robles, the only canvas folks advertising in the LCS Directory. They gave me an estimate of 600 to repair the umbrella. Today, they came over with three men, one woman and a needle and thread. Spent ten minutes and then asked for 600 pesos. I finally got them out of here for 250 pesos and still need the umbrella repaired. Any suggestions? fug

RickS

Feb 8, 2012, 6:27 PM

Post #2 of 14 (1369 views)

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Re: [fug] Canvas repairs?

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Well at least it's not another Taxi story...... sort of.

johninajijic

Feb 9, 2012, 7:28 AM

Post #3 of 14 (1324 views)

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Re: [fug] Canvas repairs?

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CG's post is ridiculous. Let's see what he'd think if he were paying the freight. You should have told them in the beginning that 600 pesos was waaay to much and it certainly is for 10 minutes work. $ 250 pesos is still too much for 10 minutes work. The problem is that the Mexicans think all gringos have money and they are trying to get prices like NOB. NOT. I for one are one of the poorer gringos in Ajijic. If we thought like them, we should think that all Mexicans are middle class, when some are poor.

Take your umbrella to:
OSCAR CASTENADA V. - Chapala
Tel. 765 2366

He's a great upholsterer. Ask him if he can do it.

fug

Feb 9, 2012, 1:19 PM

Post #4 of 14 (1292 views)

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Re: [johninajijic] Canvas repairs?

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Thanks, John for being the first person to give me an answer to my question. Much appreciated. fug

joaquinx

Feb 9, 2012, 1:28 PM

Post #5 of 14 (1289 views)

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Re: [fug] Canvas repairs?

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You first described your problem over the telephone, so they gave you an estimate. Then, thinking the job was huge, came over with four people. Finding that the job was small, repaired the canvas and wanted their 600 pesos. Now you say that the job wasn't worth 600 pesos, but less because it only took 10 (?) minutes.

When local vendors get together and spread the word, you'll have a very difficult time getting anyone to do your repairs or take you for taxi rides.

(This post was edited by joaquinx on Feb 9, 2012, 1:29 PM)

johninajijic

Feb 9, 2012, 2:33 PM

Post #6 of 14 (1278 views)

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Re: [joaquinx] Canvas repairs?

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In Reply To

Never worry about getting people to work for you here. There are always lots and lots of people looking for jobs of all kinds and there isn't a lot of work in Ajijic according to a few Mexican contractors I know.

Don't be concerned about joaquinx comments about taxi drivers. They need work too. She knows little about what she's talking about. Call Francisco for the best taxi service.

joaquinx quote - "When local vendors get together and spread the word, you'll have a very difficult time getting anyone to do your repairs" And when gringos get together and spread the word about contractors overcharging customers, their business will go down too. It's a two way street.

(This post was edited by johninajijic on Feb 9, 2012, 2:34 PM)

fug

Feb 9, 2012, 2:55 PM

Post #7 of 14 (1267 views)

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Re: [joaquinx] Canvas repairs?

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Incorrect. They came out to my home, did a visual and I showed them what I wanted done, then they gave me the estimate. They did not even approach doing what they said they would do. Glad you enjoyed my taxi thread. fug

RickS

Feb 9, 2012, 3:01 PM

Post #8 of 14 (1264 views)

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Re: [johninajijic] Canvas repairs?

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"She knows little about what she's talking about."

John, I think she is a he (or at least in my part of the country "John" is usually, if not always, a male).

fug

Feb 9, 2012, 3:01 PM

Post #9 of 14 (1264 views)

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Re: [johninajijic] Canvas repairs?

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You are correct John. Lots of folks having tough times here right now. I am blessed to have a certain number that I can count on and have for years. When it comes to things that my trusted folks cannot do and I need outside help, I give folks one shot only and then move on. These folks messed up and I am moving on. Thanks for your help. fug

joaquinx

Feb 9, 2012, 3:07 PM

Post #10 of 14 (1260 views)

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Re: [fug] Canvas repairs?

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That isn't how your post read, but all is forgiven.

Thanks Rick, for the correction. I was going to do it myself, but then I thought - No.

fug

Feb 9, 2012, 3:16 PM

Post #11 of 14 (1255 views)

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Re: [joaquinx] Canvas repairs?

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Should not I be the one to decide if all is forgiven?. OK, all is forgiven. I was more than happy to pay them 250 to get them out of the house and the search continues. fug

fug

Feb 9, 2012, 3:58 PM

Post #12 of 14 (1247 views)

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Re: [joaquinx] Canvas repairs?

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Re read my post and you are absolutely correct. Not clear and subject to misinterpretation and all is forgiven, again. fug

tashby

Feb 9, 2012, 6:39 PM

Post #13 of 14 (1225 views)

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Re: [fug] Canvas repairs?

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A while back we needed a new canvas cover for our cochera and I contacted Carmen and Octavio Robles. My research indicated that they were respected business people in this area known to do quality work. We had them come to the house to do an estimate. They showed up on time, just the two of them.

And the estimate was free.

(This post was edited by tashby on Feb 9, 2012, 6:43 PM)

fug

Feb 10, 2012, 1:09 PM

Post #14 of 14 (1168 views)

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Re: [tashby] Canvas repairs?

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As is so common down here, we each seem to have our own unique experiences with folks. Glad that yours was a positive one. Mine was less so. fug