Dealing with elderly folk

[eggsarascal]

Went to price a job yesterday, got there and it was an old girl on her own. Gave her the quote and she agreed there and then, this made me feel quite uncomfortable, so I said I'd do it next week and left. When I got back in the van it was niggling away at me. I was about to drive off when I spotted a neighbour in the garden so I went over and asked the neighbour if anyone looked out for the old girl, fortunately she said yes, her nephew lives around the corner. I went and knocked on the nephews door and told him what had just happened, he took my number and said he would go and speak to her and ring me. He rang about half hour later and said, yep it's all ok, when can you do it. Problem solved.

 

I'd probably not have done the job if I hadn't found the nephew. How do you people deal with this situation?

[TIMON]

Nicely done Eggs. Been in similar situations loads of times quoting treework. If it’s someone elderly or vulnerable, I always ask if we can get their family/friends/support worker involved. Not only does it protect them but it gives you a measure of accountability and can sometimes help you to receive payment promptly.
Having these standards in business helps forge a good reputation. Win win. [emoji106]

[SimpleSimon]

Seems to me you did the right thing by everyone, the customer and her family will be happy and perhaps the neighbour will remember your attitude when she or somebody she knows needs some work done. 

[Mark Bolam]

Aye, good work Eggs.

 

It's not true what they say about you.

[Steve Bullman]

Good for you eggs.  Have been in that situation of feeling uncomfortable, didn't chase it up as I was happy my quote was reasonable

[Gary Prentice]

I always provide a written quote for ‘older’ clients if we’re not dealing with a younger relative.

 

A real safeguard to ourselves when they ‘forget’ what was originally agreed and lump on a few hundred quids worth of work that “you said you’d do!”