Replies

1. 
   Westchester | Jun 23, 2003 04:08am | #1

   Did she ever mention making up the lost time within another job, if not I wouldn't trust her.  Your time is valuable - let her go - another door will open.

   Regards,

   SA

2. 
   Manchild | Jun 23, 2003 04:13am | #2

   Did she mention what was going on in her life at that ime or did you ask? You didn't mention it. Maybe that is a good place to start even if you don't do more for her.

1. 
   Tac4 | Jun 23, 2003 04:42am | #4

   Thanks for the responses guys,

   She said she hadn't called because she found someone else to build for her who could offer a faster turnaround on orders. That doesn't explain the bed, though. The bed was for her own use. I didn't press the point.

   I would like the opportunity to make back the lost money. However, I don't want to get burned again and I really don't trust her. I am leaning toward cancelling the meeting.

   ChadBut honey, I can make money if I had just one more tool. Really.

3. 
   robert1 | Jun 23, 2003 04:17am | #3

   I would try to get an idea what type of projects this person had in mind and if it sounds relatively simplistic to try and do it. I agree this individual is unreliable and that will jade all future business relationships. Be that as it may, if your going to work with the public be prepared  for an ego bruising experience.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 6/22/2003 9:20:51 PM ET by ROBANDJO1

1. 
   Tac4 | Jun 23, 2003 04:57am | #5

   I think she wants me to build some stuff from barnwood.

   Right about the same time we were discussing the bed she was talking about wanting a new kitchen built and freestanding furniture for the bathroom. These would be big jobs for me and I would love the work. That is what keeps me from saying no outright.

   If I meet with her, I am going in there with my eyes open... I just decided to hear her out. If I can get these jobs, we'll work with a contract and she'll have to pay me to work up the design.

   Don't think I'm foolish. I have always worked with contracts in the past but thought it safe to dispense with it due to the volume of work I was doing for her.  I am relatively new to this but am learning fast. Thanks for all the advice

   But honey, I can make money if I had just one more tool. Really.

1. 
   robert1 | Jun 23, 2003 05:10am | #6

   Good luck.

1. 
   Sancho | Jun 23, 2003 09:14pm | #7

   Dude I would charge her for the plans and the time you take for the estimate up front. Tell her you'll deduct it from the price if she decides to have you build it. your time is just as valuable or more than her time. 

   Darkworks:  No Guns No Butter squilla and the bling bling.

   Edited 6/23/2003 2:15:27 PM ET by RonT

4. 
   LeeGrinding1 | Jun 23, 2003 09:38pm | #8

   Of course it's O-kay for you to tell her to take a flying leap at a rolling donut. It's your business and like any business in the Western Hemisphere you (I assume) reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

   It's your call...how important is her account?...how important are her friends?...do you like the work?...how hungry are you?...

   Lee

   Lee Grindinger

   Furniture Carver

5. 
   StanleyNiemiec | Jun 24, 2003 03:04am | #9

   I am not sure as to exactly why you are seeking advise on this issue at this site.  It seems to me that you should, in an open and honest and non-threatening manner, be discussing these issues with the client.  How she responds to your "issues" should be the only basis on which to make a decision. 

   Yes you run the risk of dealing with a flake and losing both time and money but you also have to realize the potential long term profits that can be made through her.  And you also have to recognize that if you "blow her off", she could create a lot of bad karma among others in the community that could affect your over-all business reputation.

   And from what you have indicated in your postings, part of the reason that she went elsewhere relates to your timelines.  Quality of product is not the only issue in business; servicing your clientel is essential as well.  Therefore, by not being able to complete a project within a specific time is appropriate justification for her going to another source.

1. 
   Tac4 | Jun 24, 2003 04:34am | #10

   Thanks for the insight, everyone.I will not be working with this client in the future. I think it is just rude and feel she took advantage of the situation that existed. I allowed the situation and so will correct that in the future.

   No use getting burned twice. I like to work, not gamble.

   ChadBut honey, I can make money if I had just one more tool. Really.

1. 
   Crunk | Jun 24, 2003 02:12pm | #11

   You don't have to blow her off outright.  If you make a decision that you'd rather not work with the lady, and that seems reasonable, then simply tell her you are booked solid for the next eight months.

2. 
   MarkRoderick | Jun 24, 2003 02:58pm | #12

   Chad, the alternative is that if she wants to talk about new work, ask for a deposit up front to pay for the time discussing plans and so forth. If she gives it to you, you won't get burned a second time. If she refuses, then she's just made your decision for you. Good luck.

6. 
   wrick2003 | Jun 24, 2003 03:42pm | #13

   start charging a design fee. estimate your thinking time and your labor time.

   i just lost a bid on a $14,000 project.  i was tenacious enough to insist on a design fee that would be refunded if they chose me. they didn't choose me though, but i still got paid for the drawings.

   now if i find out that they shopped my drawings around for a cheaper bid, that's another story.

   good luck     rg

1. 
   Tac4 | Jun 24, 2003 10:49pm | #14

   Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have declined to do any more work for the client in question. I didn't really have to explain and she didn't ask. That worked out well.

   I will be charging creditable design fees from now on. that will definitely separate the people who are just curious from serious buyers. And like ricky said, it still pays even if they don't bite.

   I'm going to think about this and write more later.

   Chad

   But honey, I can make money if I had just one more tool. Really.

   Edited 8/31/2003 8:31:34 PM ET by Chad

1. 
   steves | Jun 25, 2003 07:17pm | #15

   I think you are justified in charging for cost to design. Perhaps you could offer customers that the cost would be credited if they choose you to build the project, that way you get paid whether you build or not and the customer feels good about getting the design work for "free" if you build it.

1. 
   Justus | Aug 17, 2003 09:42am | #16

   I'm gonna flog this dead horse a bit more.

   I've been in very similar situations to this one. You've had a returning client that pisses you off in some way, do you continue to do work for them?

   I've found that the best way to deal with these situations is simply to tell the client what's really going on. We tend to have this cat and mouse game with our clients. What to say, what to withhold, BS! If a client does something to tick me off I will simply tell them. I don't get angry, but I don't just sit and take it either. 

     A client recently called me at 8:30 on Sunday morning. I told him that I though it was innapropriate. That was it, no hard feelings, and I'm continuning to do work for him. 

    Rather than loose what could be good profit, I'd tell her " Look, I drew these plans for you, it took X number of hours. You decided to go with another builder, fine, but I should have been called.  Now I want to continue to do work for you, but I am worried I will get burned again, what can you do to set my mind at ease.

   Sometimes people really just don't get how our buisness works.  They don't tell Sears that they decided to buy at Lowe's, why tell you? 

   Justus Koshiol

   Running Pug Construction

1. 
   Tac4 | Sep 01, 2003 03:56am | #17

   Justus,

   I appreciate what you wrote. It really bothered me that this situation caused me so much stress. It was a little naive of me to expect someone to act a certain way. I have since learned to handle things a little better, namely by being more upfront about the finances. First and foremost this is a business and my customers expect that. Everything is in writing, now, too. No exceptions. I've found that customers don't object to clear guidelines. They appreciate them.

   Also, I realized that part of the reason I chose this as a business was because I enjoy it, and doing work which was not to my liking for customers that piss me off was defeating the purpose.

   I'm glad I had this problem. It made me think a lot more about the nature of my business and it forced me to become more assertive.

   Chad

   I am not a liberal.