It's always critically important to know what your prospective customers look for when they are choosing a skilled trades person. It's not always about what you will charge! There are basic considerations which concern straightforward customer liaison, and which, if acted upon, can make the vital difference between getting or not getting the job you have been asked to look at.Establishing good customer relations from the first moment you make contact is an integral part of all skills training at AbleSkills, on whatever of the many different courses provided that you undertake. Learning to deal tactfully and politely no matter what unexpected situations occur, are obviously, a series of important skills that can be learnt and improved upon throughout your working career.In the same way homeowners select tiles and fittings of the highest quality they can afford within their budget, they expect to appoint a suitably experienced tiler to ensure that the project is completed in a reasonable time and with the desired professional finish - using all the correct methods and installation materials the selected tiles require.Below are the four recommended courses of actions that a householder is advised to take when looking for a properly qualified tiler :Word of mouth - Ask friends, family members and neighbours for referrals, or ask prospective tilers to provide references from jobs they have completed. Be sure to ask about their experience, and ask them to describe previous jobs - this should give you an idea of whether they can manage a project the scope of your renovation.Quotes - Be sure to get at least two quotes before appointing a tiler in order to compare costs. The lowest quote is not necessarily the best quote though - make sure that you are issued with a written description of the work to be done. Has the tiler qoted you for surface preparation? Will they purchase the tiles and materials or will you? What total area (square metres) does the quote cover? Will the tiler clear away the rubble at the end of the job? Get a written guarantee on the work too, in case anything goes wrong.First impressions - Consider whether your prospective tiler's appearance was clean and tidy and whether they are wearing soiled overalls. Think about how they communicated with you and whether they explained things clearly as this will be the standard you can expect throughout the job. Trust your natural instinct about whether you trust them.Communication - It pays to spend a little time making sure that you and your tiler both agree on exactly what is going to be done - the height of the tiles, any patterns to be used, where the trim is going and so on. A little advance communication can save a lot of argument later.Materials - Check the quality of the adhesive, grouts etc to be used by the tiler to ensure they are fit for the use on your project as use of the wrong materials will cause the installation to fail. It is best to avoid having to trace your contractor months or years after the project has been completed.Lastly, most tilers will be looking for you to recommend them to people you know, so if your tiler has provided you with excellent service, return the favour by telling your friends.The above advice is a handy reminder to not only student tilers but all trade services trainees alike, that to become professional, it pays to practice people skills, in addition to learning their trade.