My first thought, which kept me occupied until I got to the café, was that I would have thought the sign more off-putting than attractive to potential customers. I would have considered it too smart a comment and if price was equal, it would be enough to tip the scales away from the van owner.
While waiting for my soup and sandwich, my head began to have a sea-change and there was potential for sympathy. What if this carpenter has been burnt by customers refusing to pay the correct amount after carrying out the works – these ‘customers’ may think them entitled to his services for free.
Maybe after giving a competitive quotation, potential customers say that they think the price high and expected a cost substantially less – a price that would just cover materials so his labour would be free. Maybe this has happened too often and he is sick of his time being wasted.
I finished the very tasty soup and sandwich and on my way back decided to call to the site where the carpenter was working to ask what propelled him to have the sign made to be told that he saw the sign in a shop and liked it.
My first thought returned.
I have long realised that I am rarely in a majority so my opinion may not reflect his ability to attract custom…….