Remember the old days, when a car dealer or salesman would insist on talking to the "man of the house?"
In the 1950s, even in the 1970's, the husband was needed to make the big-money decisions.
Today's women have come a long way since Carol Brady and June Cleaver. But Joia Franks wonders about that.
Franks is a modern woman, a mom of three children, who says she is perfectly capable of dealing with a water leak or any other problem in her home.
During a recent rain storm, "water came in under the steps and soaked the carpet in our lower level," she said.
So Franks called to get an estimate for professional waterproofing.
But she couldn't believe when the sales rep told her that her husband needed to be home for them to come out.
"They said they needed all property owners at the estimate," she said. "I said, 'I can't have that happen, because my husband's out helping to fight the wildfires and he won't be able to be here.'"
Indeed, her husband was in California providing technical support to crews fighting the recent wildfires.
"I was offended. I was angry," Franks said.
Company explains the policy
We contacted the company, and it turns out there's a reason for this policy.
It has nothing to do with sexism.
The company's general manager explained: "We request that both homeowners be present for our inspection and estimate because it takes almost two hours and we do not charge any fee.
"If only one partner is present, we have found the other one sometimes questions the estimate, and we have to do the entire presentation a second time," he said.
He said even in cases where a husband is home, they want the wife there as well, so there is no gender bias involved.
Franks said she understands, but she is not June Cleaver and she needs help now, not next month.
"I really need it to be fixed and I don't think my husband should have to be here," she said.
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