Shorted Money on a Detail

[G35stilez]

So I detailed quite possibly the worst paint I've ever done this morning on a late 90's Eclipse. Swirl marks were a far understatement. The paint looked like it went through a paper shredder...deep scratches everywhere as well as scuffing. All the horizontal panels were oxidized and to put into perspective what it was like to clay... Go take your car down a dirty/muddy road, dont wash it, just take clay to it. I have never dealt with paint worse.


Anyways, I washed, gave an acid bath, then neutralized, clayed and had a bare surface to work with. I compounded x 2 on the entire car, did a medium cut polish, final polish, wax, and finally topped with OCW. I polished/sealed the rims and exhaust, dressed the trim, wheel wells, and tires. The windows were cleaned and I did a final inspection before he came back (did this at my house).

He got there and didn't seem to happy to see all of the scratches didn't come out. I went over with him everything I did and he asked a price. After just shy of 4 hours of work, I quoted him at $140...He questioned "$140?" and I said yes, 140. He handed me the money and I put it in my pocket. He pulled out and left. I always find it rude to count money in front of people which is why I put it straight into my pocket.

After coming inside I checked, double checked and rechecked the $120 he gave me. Short $20.

I decided not to call him back in the end. I really don't need clients like this nor do I want to do a car that abused ever again. How many other people have been shorted and what have you done about it?


Off to another detail...

[JustinTRW]

Sorry to hear that Sean. Obviously he did not appreciate just how good of a detailer your are and the poor state of his car.

[grt1today]

[kgb]

I think $140 was a bargain for what you did! Sucks he ripped you off even more.

[Bill D]

I always discreetly counted the money before returning the car keys.

Originally posted by GSRstilez
I washed, gave an acid bath, then neutralized, clayed and had a bare surface to work with.

Are you using the Finish Kare system? ABC?

[Porkanbeans]

You definitely don't need customers like that. How disrespectful. I'm sure he didn't even say thanks or anything. I mean, if you think you can afford to have your car professionaly detailed, be ready to pay up, simple as that. What was he expecting, a family discount?

My grandfather has a great name for people like this: "A$$holians"

Sorry to hear about the cheap shot he took.

[5918mike]

That sucks man, nothing worse than losing money. So are you sure he shorted you on purpose, I guess it's possible it was an honest mistake but you're probably right in just letting it go, pursuing it will only get you more angry and upset if he denies it and you'll still be short that $20.

[ajbarnes]

Sorry to hear about that Sean. I'll send my little squirrel (avatar) up there to hunt em' down!

[themightytimmah]

I'd just let it go. It sucks, but dealing with him is going to be more trouble than its worth. Figure that your time is worth atleast 30/hour (and probably more like 40, from what I've seen). Unless you think you can get the money in half an hour or less, I'd avoid it. If did a mobile job and therefore know where he lives/works....well I'm not gonna suggest anything .

As for really trashed cars, I kind of enjoy working on them, as long as the owner appreciates the work (I know a lot of people who have "seen the light", at a point where amateur restoration is not going to be possible). Its also important that they know whats reasonable to expect as far as what will come out/what will not, etc. When I do a detail, I usually do a walkaround with the customer first and point out stuff that I can definetly fix, stuff that I can probably fix, stuff that I can improve, and lost causes. If you're conservative on it, its hard to get an unsatisfied customer. If someone says "well I think you better get that scratch out", tell them not to let the door hit them on the way out .

That, or just give him a free buff job. With a wool pad. And tap water .

[Mosca]

Hey, count the money in front of the guy anyhow, always. It's not rude, it's business. If you feel awkward, say, "I'm just making sure you didn't give me too much. After all, you'd want me to give it back if you did, right?"

I've been taking money from people for 20 years. All you need to do is miss a hundred somewhere and you'll never not count it again.


Tom

[Spilchy]

Think about every time you go to pay for something; clothes, groceries, etc... the person ALWAYS counts it in front of you.

When people pay me cash, I talk to them as I count the money so it's not as "rude" as it may seem.

I understand your perspective and agree, but its good always to do a quick count before you leave. It takes 2 seconds to flip through a few $20's.

$140 for all that work? You should charge more!

You know, if you aren't going to deal with him again, I would call him and ask if he gave you $120 instead of $140 on purpose because it was short and he questioned the price.

It's unappreciative, rude, jerky a-holes like him that when I worked as a short order cook during my summer college years; we would spit in his food and mix it up.

People like him just tick me off. What a weeny.

[joburnet]

I'd send him a bill for $20 and explain to him what happened. Can't hurt and at best he'll send you the money, most people will if they realize that they realy do owe the money.