Mark I was informed they weren't around even as far back as January so folk assumed they were offski. And like the verse says if you live by the squeegee you die by the squeegee.
Yeah i sympathise and realise that you didn't know. I don't agree with how they've approached you either.
Am just trying to see an angle that will allow you to get on without any hassle. And i suspect (or hope) that it isn't having competition that has put their backs up, it is probably the fact that you mentioned they weren't coming back.
I'm sure you and others believed it to be true. But the lesson to learn i think is to offer your services without any comments on previous wc's. There is nothing to gain and can only cause bad feeling. Which is what has happened here.
You have as i see it 2 options;
- try and ignore them and carry on building your business.
- Approach them, say you got off on the wrong foot, say it was a misunderstanding and apologise.
The 1st option will always leave you wondering, whenever you see them around, if they are going to hassle you. Or at the very least dirty stares or ignoring you. Which is liveable, but not ideal.
The 2nd gives them the option of giving you verbals and leaving it at that, knowing their pride/ego has been satisfied.
If you are going to be working the same area, it is worth making an extra effort to at least smooth things over. Even if you won't all be good mates. And anyone who is not an enemy, is an ally until proved different.
Good luck with it all.
