How would you handle this?

DaGonz

DaGonz

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I open my detailing venture at the end of March and/or early April and run through November.

I got a call from a long time client of mine inquiring about "opening day".

I told him the timeframe and also mention that due to an increase in the cost of materials, I in turn would be increasing my prices for this year.

Well... the client went on a tirade about "this is a tough economy, there are a lot of people out of work and you make enough money at the fire department and your two per diem jobs.. you're just being (expletive) greedy"...

I informed in a rather polite manner that due to the tough economy, I kept my prices the same for two years in a row and since he was a long time client that I offered him the same discount as I do for fire, police and EMS personnel.

Apparently, that wasn't good enough for him. He told me he would be looking for another detailer.

Has anyone else run into this?
 
I would've done exactly what you did, don't sell yourself short. If you aren't making enough profit in your opinion for your time, hard work, and materials, don't do it.
 
Let him go, he showed his true colors now which is a good thing. They would have surfaced sooner or later. Take him off of your customer list and put him on the "other" list.
 
AeroCleanse said:
You can't please 100% of the people. So forget it and move on.
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:iagree: This guy sounds like a jerk.. calling people greedy for wanting to make a decent profit off of their hard work is ridiculous, I would've dismissed the guy as soon as he did that.

I'm sure you do high quality work, so it'd be like one of us going to a 5 star restaurant and wanting the most expensive meal and then throwing a fit and calling the head chef greedy for asking premium for it.
 
yea there's always going to be people with this attitude and mindset, thinking our hard work means nothing to them.
 
You don't need customers like this one. Be glad he's going elsewhere...but, he might find that everyone is charging more and you might start looking good to him.

I'd still turn him down if he returns.
 
RLove said:
You don't need customers like this one. Be glad he's going elsewhere...but, he might find that everyone is charging more and you might start looking good to him.

I'd still turn him down if he returns.
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:iagree:In this day and age you have to do what you have to!
 
RLove said:
You don't need customers like this one. Be glad he's going elsewhere...but, he might find that everyone is charging more and you might start looking good to him.

I'd still turn him down if he returns.
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I thoroughly intend to...
 
Unfortunately, I have dealt with this many times. What you have on your hands...is called an "A Hole". An "A Hole" will try to demand a cheaper price simply cause he doesn't want to pay what you're worth. Send the "A Hole" packing. lol

All joking aside. I've always said...For every bad customer you lose, you gain a great one. You'll see, he'll be replaced quickly. Not only that, he'll probably end up coming back and paying your price just to have your quality. Stick to your guns ALWAYS! You did the right thing. :props:
 
DaGonz said:
I open my detailing venture at the end of March and/or early April and run through November.

I got a call from a long time client of mine inquiring about "opening day".

I told him the timeframe and also mention that due to an increase in the cost of materials, I in turn would be increasing my prices for this year.

Well... the client went on a tirade about "this is a tough economy, there are a lot of people out of work and you make enough money at the fire department and your two per diem jobs.. you're just being (expletive) greedy"...

I informed in a rather polite manner that due to the tough economy, I kept my prices the same for two years in a row and since he was a long time client that I offered him the same discount as I do for fire, police and EMS personnel.

Apparently, that wasn't good enough for him. He told me he would be looking for another detailer.

Has anyone else run into this?
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Been down this road before. I bet you $100 he'll be back. The average "Joe Detailer" takes little pride in their work

When he does call back, tell him you've had another price increase ;)
 
Flash Gordon said:
Been down this road before. I bet you $100 he'll be back. The average "Joe Detailer" takes little pride in their work

When he does call back, tell him you've had another price increase ;)
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Ha! Guess who just called and left a message on my voice mail saying he's sorry and wants me to do his car again?
 
What are you going to do? I know I'd want to tell him where he can shove his money, but in this economy it's also tough to turn away business.
 
I am going to let him stew and then tell him that he will be paying full price.
 
Epic. For some reason butt nuggets like that guy always seem to love a steaming helping of hot crow for dinner. It seems to go nice with the foot they are already chewing on.
 
DaGonz said:
I am going to let him stew and then tell him that he will be paying full price.
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Great call! I will never turn down a job unless I can see that there are going to be problems... This "client" would be demoted to "Customer" and what I mean by that is he will not get the "special deals" or "special treatment" (priority scheduling, off hour scheduling etc) that a "client" of mine would get. I have a handfull of "clients" and tons of "customers" I will always cater to my "clients" before my "customer" cause I know my "clients" will be back and will always bring me good business and publicity!

Just my .02
 
DaGonz said:
I am going to let him stew and then tell him that he will be paying full price.
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Yeah, as much as I'd like to tell him to take a hike, unless your business is booming beyond belief you can't turn business away. I agree with you though, no special treatment for this guy.
 
DaGonz said:
Ha! Guess who just called and left a message on my voice mail saying he's sorry and wants me to do his car again?
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Does this mean I win $100 :help:

DaGonz said:
I am going to let him stew and then tell him that he will be paying full price.
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Yes, let him stew for a minute, but you must keep it profesional. When you call the guy/gal back I wouldn't even mention the latest incident. Just book the oppointment and do what you do :buffing:

rovetherockies said:
Great call! I will never turn down a job unless I can see that there are going to be problems... This "client" would be demoted to "Customer" and what I mean by that is he will not get the "special deals" or "special treatment" (priority scheduling, off hour scheduling etc) that a "client" of mine would get. I have a handfull of "clients" and tons of "customers" I will always cater to my "clients" before my "customer" cause I know my "clients" will be back and will always bring me good business and publicity!

Just my .02
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:iagree:
 
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