I had about four hours worth of cleaning upholstery this morning and passed the time listening to my IPOD. Do think that's rude with the custy at home? She did tip me $130 rounding it to an even G.
I really enjoy listening to books on tape which I download to my ipod. If a customer is right I make it a point of talking to them about what I'm reading/listening to. I've never had a negative comment.
Demien
I say no. Speak to the customer or listen to the whistle of the wand! I believe that would be really rude it would also stop conversation and prevent building a relationship with the client!
for me it's good practice to listen to the machine running just in case something goes wrong....so I can hurry and shut hit down and not cause further damage to either the home or machine.
Though I can sympathize with you over a 4 hour upholstery cleaning- ouch! That's some workout right there!
IMO, no on the personal music, but it's your business- DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS BEST FOR YOU! If we wanted to be told what to do and how to do it we would all be working for someone else, making a heck of a lot less than $250/hr!
She was obviously pleased when you finished so don't worry about it.
I would say NEVER in a custys home..
LIke Raf iterated to above.. if something goes wrong.. a hose busts.. vac surges.. etc. I like to hear those things.
Plus.. i have a cell that rings alot. and i have to pay attention to it.
Now.. if i'm using a Cimex.. after hours.. in a large commercial setting.. and NOBODY is around.. that may need to talk to me.. 'cool beans on the iPod then'.
but never in residential.
To each their own.. but it isnt the right image for your company and too many things need to be listened to..
Rock on! (literally.. after hours.. or between jobs)
If you're all being responsible like for your body's sake, I can't see how you can wear your hearing protecting AND listen to your IPod.
I prefer ear plugs myself instead of the muffs and on the odd ocassion, have had a client mistake them for and IPod and they weren'y impressed!!! As soon as they realised their mistake, their attitude changed to one of respect.