Omfg!!!! - Page 2

s7n7a7k7e · 09-15-09, 07:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by brwill2005

No offense, but you better hope this customer does not frequent this forum. Really though, this is just part of being in business. You have to constantly deal with people and their eccentricities.

LOL Agreed. Just be glad you're not in the graphic design business... lol.

mose · 09-15-09, 10:23

Thanks for the responses guys!! Good luck to all of you!!

tenorplayer23 · 09-15-09, 10:50

Not to perpetuate the discussion much longer, but why wouldn't you do the work on their other car if they ask again?? Sounds like money in the bank and a potential returning customer.

My advice with a customer like this, would be to kindly accept their business if they should ask and just arrange with the owner in advance that the car will be picked up when ready (or make "other arrangements" so that it is received by them promptly, even if you deliver it/build the delivery or not, it into the price). I would be honest with them and say that for business & insurance liability reasons, you really can't have their car on your premises for as long as this past one was. Being up front and treating the situation as just business, where all sorts of things happen, is by far the best course.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong.................

See ya.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mose

The customer picked up the car, doesn't frequent this website, was very happy with the car, doesn't know that I was upset, took business cards, talked about me doing their Benz and will never know the reason why I won't ever do a car for them again.

detailfanatic · 09-15-09, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenorplayer23

My advice with a customer like this, would be to kindly accept their business if they should ask and just arrange with the owner in advance that the car will be picked up when ready (or make "other arrangements" so that it is received by them promptly, even if you deliver it/build the delivery or not, it into the price). I would be honest with them and say that for business & insurance liability reasons, you really can't have their car on your premises for as long as this past one was. Being up front and treating the situation as just business, where all sorts of things happen, is by far the best course.
See ya.

I agree. Just let them know you don't have the room to store their car. A day or two is fine but thats it. Had a client drop off a Porsche one time in October for a detail. She came back in February. Thats nuts. No phone call, nothing.

nicknick · 09-15-09, 11:39

Personally Moses, any work I can get I'd go for it. There are aalways problem customers, that is the nature of the beast unfortunately. Some are good and some are bad but they all pay.

tenorplayer23 · 09-15-09, 11:59

Re: to the two follow-up posts........it's just the reality of doing/owning small business. In fact, it's the same in MN billion dollar businesses. Keep the "customer" as you top focus, be clear, honest & amicable in communicating, and most importantly, set proper expectations with them not only about the work you will do, but also what is expected of them........in this case, when/how a car needs to be picked up.

BTW, do you use a written & signed contract? If so, you could add stipulations regarding car storage compensation, delivery or whatever you'd like (or not like to) add to your business model. Just depends on what you want; what the market will bear.

Again, just my opinion, I could be wrong.................

See ya

Quote:

Originally Posted by detailfanatic

I agree. Just let them know you don't have the room to store their car. A day or two is fine but thats it. Had a client drop off a Porsche one time in October for a detail. She came back in February. Thats nuts. No phone call, nothing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicknick

Personally Moses, any work I can get I'd go for it. There are aalways problem customers, that is the nature of the beast unfortunately. Some are good and some are bad but they all pay.

gmblack3a · 09-16-09, 05:32

After a day or two at the most, I tell them that the car is going to have to be kept outside as I have other cars to detail. That usually gets it picked up right away.

Setec Astronomy · 09-16-09, 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmblack3a

After a day or two at the most, I tell them that the car is going to have to be kept outside as I have other cars to detail. That usually gets it picked up right away.

Yeah. I don't see why you just couldn't tell your customer that having the car there was causing you a problem, you have other customers, need the space, the insurance and liability issues noted, etc., or drop the car off to them as was suggested.

bfhammer · 09-16-09, 05:55

Why get mad? Make more money off it. Add pick up and delivery to your service for an extra 50-100 bucks. People with money but limited time don't even blink at paying for a convenience and will send you their friends as well.

mose · 09-16-09, 07:55

You all make good points and I appreciate all the input. If they were to call again I would communicate with them about the need to pick up their car in a timely fashion. The pwenr had left a note on the seat of the car that listed some things that she wanted me to look at on the car. One of the things she listed was that she couldn't pick up the car until Sunday. That worked out great for me. But then, when it came time to pick it up, they forgot about the car, cell phone battery (allegedly) died, and they had put their two year old to bed before calling me. It just seemd VERY inconsiderate of them to just expect me to house their car.

I am fortunate enough to be able to do this as a side business and can be picky about who benefits from my services. My bottom line or my P&L isn't the most important thing in my detailing business. My customers being happy, me doing good work, enjoying what I do and surrounding myself with a great customer base filled with people that I enjoy doing work for is what's important to me. If If this were my sole means of employment then it would be different. I wouldn't be as picky and would be more apt to put up with the inconsiderate masses.

Like I said, you all made good points and I am not disagreeing with anyone here. My situation is a little different and I can afford to be picky. Also, like I said, if they were to call again, I would communicate about the last interaction and make sure that everything was on the table before I ever agreed to do the car.

Again, Thanks for all the comments guys! It's cool to have a place to talk about stuff like this!

HiMyNameIsSean · 09-16-09, 02:16

I did a lady's car on Sunday of Labor Day weekend, and she didn't answer my phone calls or texts until wed. I thought I had been robbed, but she finally got around to calling me back and paying me.

OT Question, why does the word s t a r t get ****t on this forum, or is my computer on crack?

Scottwax · 09-16-09, 02:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by mose

The customer picked up the car, doesn't frequent this website, was very happy with the car, doesn't know that I was upset, took business cards, talked about me doing their Benz and will never know the reason why I won't ever do a car for them again.

If they call again, make sure they understand the car must be picked up promptly or you will add a daily storage fee. When they drop off the car, have it written up and have them sign it. That ought to get the message across without having to fire a customer.