A bad glass order cost me a full day and $300 in labor

I took a job for a custom shower door in a new build, and the client wanted a specific obscure green tint. I ordered the glass from my usual supplier, but they sent the wrong shade. It was a clear green, not the deep forest green the plans called for. I didn't catch it until I was on site ready to install. Had to send it back, reorder, and push the job back a full day while the crew sat around. The reorder was on me for the mistake, so I ate the labor cost. Always double check the sample against the order sheet before you leave the shop, even if you're in a rush. What's your process for checking big material deliveries?

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wren_jackson6mo ago

Did you check the glass under the same lighting as the install site?

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charlesb426mo ago

Oof, that's brutal. I get the rush, but I'd argue you gotta check it before it even leaves your supplier's dock, not just at your shop. For something that specific, I make them hold the piece next to the signed spec sheet and text me a photo for approval before they crate it. Saved me from a similar mess with a blue tint last year. It adds a step but beats eating a whole day's labor.

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