Honestly, I get the urge to just email everything, but sometimes I think it makes things even slower. I’ve had better luck just showing up at the office and talking face-to-face—people seem less likely to contradict themselves when you’re right there. Plus, you can read their body language... sometimes that tells you more than any email ever could.
- Totally get this. I tried emailing my permit questions, ended up in a reply-all spiral that went nowhere.
- Walking in and catching someone at their desk? Way more effective. You can see if they’re actually listening or just nodding while thinking about lunch.
- Downside: parking at city hall is a nightmare and I always leave with a new parking ticket... so, budget hit there.
- Face-to-face does seem to cut through the “let me check with my supervisor” loop. But man, wish they’d just answer the phone sometimes.
- If only I could expense my time AND my sanity.
Face-to-face does seem to cut through the “let me check with my supervisor” loop. But man, wish they’d just answer the phone sometimes.
Right? It’s wild how often a simple question turns into a week-long saga. I’ve started keeping a running tally of how many times I hear “let me check on that.” Ever tried showing up with coffee for the front desk? Sometimes it helps, sometimes they just take the coffee and vanish. Either way, you’re not alone in battling the city hall maze... it’s all part of the investing adventure, I guess.
Yeah, the “let me check with my supervisor” line is basically their catchphrase at this point. I’ve tried the coffee trick too—sometimes it gets a smile, but mostly just a caffeine boost for them. Honestly, I’ve had better luck just camping out in their waiting area until someone finally gives me an answer. It’s a grind, but I guess persistence is the only way through all that red tape.
Honestly, I’ve had better luck just camping out in their waiting area until someone finally gives me an answer.
Funny you mention that—I did the same thing last month and it actually worked. I think they just get tired of seeing your face and finally move your paperwork along. It’s wild how much patience this process takes, but honestly, being politely persistent seems to be the only thing that gets results. I tried emailing and calling, but nothing beats just showing up and waiting them out.