Does bad proofreading / spelling put you off an advert?

[HappytalkAgain]

You’re looking for a new brickie so you put out some ads on LinkedIn.
You get 2 replies.

Both the applicants have roughly the same experience, they’re around the same age and the day rate you offer is fine by them.

One applicants letter is written perfectly with the correct grammar etc etc.

The other letter is a shambles though. Bad spelling, awful grammar and even worse punctuation, it’s almost like he couldn’t care or even bother to read through it after.

Which one you going for? The one who comes across as a guy that does things properly, takes his time and really does care or the applicant that comes across as not giving a shit?

Remember that first impressions are last impressions.

Thats an easy answer. I’d never even consider putting my feelers out for a trade of any kind in that way. Word of mouth and recommendations. I don’t care a jot if they can spell or about their grammar. So long as they’re good at their job.

 

[MeQ]

And finally and MOST important make sure the steering wheel is level at zero degrees BEFORE taking any interior photos ....

Phew ! Rant over .

As you were.

 

[Darrell]

Thats an easy answer. I’d never even consider putting my feelers out for a trade of any kind in that way. Word of mouth and recommendations. I don’t care a jot if they can spell or about their grammar. So long as they’re good at their job.

Why don’t you just answer my question?

 

[HappytalkAgain]

Why don’t you just answer my question?

Because it’s both hypothetical and futile. However, since you ask so nicely

Seeing as both applicants are of very equal experience, age (not that that matters (as I’ve already said, the brickie that does the odd job for me well exceeds retirement age)) and both requesting similar rates I would happily meet both and arrange a GTG and a wee chat.

My decision on which one I signed up certainly would not be based on their spelling, punctuation and grammar. End off.

 

[rf065]

Americanisms - start to irritate.

My pet hate, for a country that supposedly speaks English, they use words that don't make any sense!
When I change something, I don't change it out. Change is the verb that already describes the act.

 

[fabes]

From another forum post on language ..

"Like 'can I get a latte?
No you effing can't
This is Starbucks and you will order one, buy it and I will make it it for you"

A clean car will suggest it's been looked after and offer less scope or intention to try to negotiate the price down, potentially.

Poorly written, or a not checked advert does imply the person doesn't know or doesn't care and isn't like 'us'
And apparently, we like to buy from (and deal with) people like 'us', or even ourselves.

It's different when dealing with a chap who is a tradesman, where it is their skill, experience and talent you are interested in. Would that be a lawyer or accountant or person proof reading for you, your priorities change.

 

[Darrell]

It's different when dealing with a chap who is a tradesman, where it is their skill, experience and talent you are interested in.

Times are changing.
That may have been the case 20 years ago but definitely not anymore. A potential customer wants to see an estimate or quotation that is easy to read. If the guy can’t put a sentence together how’s he able to read a drawing and a spec? Or write an email to a supplier or the district surveyor?

Another thing is that why should I have to try to decipher what people write simply because they can’t be bothered to use the correct punctuation? Write it properly or I’m not interested.

 

[fabes]

And upon reflection, you're correct.
Which is a pity for the many guys (and girls) who find themselves in the trades as they just weren't academic or talented with words and numbers, but can paint, cut, dig and fix.

I know some do choose to go trades rather than be behest to a desk, emails and office stress, but others don't get that choice.

Back on cars adverts
We judge.
It's what we do.

So if the advert isn't as we would present it, then the seller is not 'us' and I refer to my prior point.

People who are 'fussed' want to buy from and deal with like-minded people who are also 'fussed'.

 

[Teego]

Nice people sell nice cars.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Really??....I've bought some nice cars from rough and ready salt of the earth types. No offence but your comment sounds just a bit snobby!!!

 

[chic0821]

Breaks for Brakes,

Yoor havin a laf shoorlie. Evribudie nowz its "Breaks"
Enibudy wanna by my car, fone me

 

[fabes]

Nice people sell nice cars.

I'd actually agree and just bought a nice car off a nice bloke....

 

[Trickythemerc]

Apart from Can I Get. the repeated use of Like after every second word, and I was like finking of like goin out like wiv me bruvs like...........

 

[Darrell]

Apart from Can I Get. the repeated use of Like after every second word, and I was like finking of like goin out like wiv me bruvs like...........

And people saying ‘yeah?’ after every sentence.

 

[fabes]

Yeah (I agree )

 

[AMGeed]

I'm less inclined to be interested in buying any car if the advert is done sloppily.
Poor grammar I can just about accept, not everyone has English as their first language, but lack of cleanliness, dirty floor mats, poor photos with little detail, and worst of all, little or no information about the car. It's just lazy and not selling the car to me.

 

[AnnasMerc83]

I definitely subconsciously judge.

I also find it hard to subscribe to the non-native speaker as an excuse… personally if I was posting an ad in a foreign language of which I don’t have a good grasp, I’d get a friend to proof read?!

(Ps English is my 3rd, learnt in my teens)

 

[Will]

There’s exceptions to almost all rules, but the way in which an advert is written (and the quality/type of pics) are good clues when selecting cars to view/purchase.

There’s a difference between unintentional mistakes, and making no effort.

Almost every phone or computer has automated spelling checkers/autocorrect these days. Likewise everyone’s phone has a decent camera - if you don’t want to clean your car yourself, take it to a car wash.

Not difficult really?

Often lack of effort with advert = lack of effort with looking after car - gaps in history, issues not addressed in timely fashion etc.