Why Vendor Communication Still Baffles Me

Your Quality Isn’t the Problem - Your Communication Is - Vendor Communication

As a real estate agent, I wear a lot of hats. Negotiator. Stager. Neighborhood expert. Therapist (occasionally). And often logistics coordinator for anything from painters and plumbers to roofers and electricians. Whether I’m prepping a listing for the market, updating my own home, or simply acting as a concierge for my clients long after the closing table, I’ve worked with just about every kind of service provider you can imagine.

Most of the time, the relationships I’ve built with vendors are a huge asset. I know who’s reliable, who delivers quality, and who will show up with a smile and a can-do attitude. But there’s one particular thing that still makes my blood pressure spike - something so common it feels universal... and I need to say it out loud:

Why on earth is it so hard to just communicate? Let me explain.

Why on Earth Is It So Hard To Just Communicate?

The Case of the Vanishing Quote

This summer, at our lake house, we needed a roof company to come out for a quote. The gentleman made the trek, spent time walking the roof and chatting with my husband, and then… poof. Nothing. No quote. No call. No text. No “sorry, it’s not a fit for us.” Just crickets.

I wish I could say this was a rare event, but if I had a dollar for every time someone told me a similar story, I’d be blogging from a beach in Bora Bora. Here's the thing, if the job is too small, too complex, too far, too anything... just say so! A quick message would be appreciated and respected. Silence, however, is maddening. Especially when you were the one who came out and took the time to assess the job in the first place.

The No-Show Blues

Then there’s the vendor you’ve actually hired, you’ve scheduled the work, moved your furniture, rearranged your day, and... nothing. They don’t show. No message, no update, just… not there.

Eventually, you call and hear: “Oh, the other job ran long. I’ll be there tomorrow.” Which begs the question—why couldn’t you let me know before I had to chase you down?

I’m not exaggerating when I say this happens far too often. And not just with the flaky companies. I’m talking about the ones with great reputations and strong referrals. The ones we want to keep using. It’s not about perfection - it’s about the courtesy of communication.

The Waiting Game

There’s also the mysterious “we’ll get back to you with a date” situation. You’ve signed the proposal. You’re ready to go. But the scheduling window becomes… a black hole. You wait, and wait, and wait… and finally, you’re the one making the follow-up call like a middle schooler wondering if their crush is ever going to text back.

And let’s not forget the “I’ll be there at 9 a.m.” guy who shows up at noon with no heads-up or apology. Again: no communication.

The Expectation Evaporators

Then there's this classic... the timeline mirage. You’re told, “It should take about two weeks.” Sounds reasonable. You plan around it, clear your calendar, maybe even warn your family to avoid the chaos. But as you approach the end of Week Two, it becomes painfully clear… they’re nowhere near done. Not even close.

And the kicker? No one has taken the time to reset expectations. No, “Hey, we hit a snag,” or “We’re running behind but here’s our new timeline.” Nothing.

As a planner (and someone who works in a business that thrives on deadlines), this one really gets me. Projects evolve—things happen. But when the original timeline starts to crumble, a little communication would go a long way toward keeping everyone sane. Instead, you’re left playing project detective, trying to figure out if they’re coming back - or just took a lunch break that never ended.

It's Not About Being Perfect - It's About Being Professional

Look, I understand that everyone’s busy. Jobs run long. Emergencies happen. Weather delays are real. And let's face it many of these vendors aren't sitting in front of a computer or schedule all day long. But a 30-second call or text can go a long way toward preserving a relationship - and your reputation.

As someone who refers vendors regularly to clients, communication is a big part of what I value most. I don’t just want great work, I want accountability and follow-through. My clients are trusting me to recommend people they can rely on, and nothing undermines that trust faster than ghosting or no-shows.

How I Can Help

One of the perks of working with me (whether you're buying, selling, or just settling into your new Naples home) is that I bring my personal network of trusted service providers with me. I’ve vetted them, used them, and stayed on top of who's communicative and dependable. And when someone falls short? I take note so my clients don’t have to repeat the same frustrations.

In many ways, I serve as your personal Naples concierge long after the deal is done. Need a pool cleaner, tile repair, or custom cake decorator? I’ve got a name for that (and yes, I have taste-tested the cakes!).

Vendors, we love you. We need you. But please... just communicate. A little heads-up goes a long way.

And if you’re a homeowner or soon-to-be buyer in Naples looking for a real estate agent who doesn’t just help you find the right home, but sticks with you through all the “life of homeownership” stuff, I’d love to help.

📍Naples, Florida📞(239) 293-8079🌐 www.YourNaplesExpert.com📧 Renee@YourNaplesExpert.com#️⃣ Instagram: @reneehahnluxurynaples#️⃣ Facebook: Luxury Real Estate in Naples