Problem customer

[tarzan]

I advised a customer that the 17 conifers needed to be reduced by half and he replied by saying to leave it 3/4 foot higher. So I toped the first 3 and asked is that the hight you would like and he said yes thats fine. So today 4 left to top and he comes out and said my wife thinks its to high still and needs more off.. So shall I charge for the extra work.. I've never came across this problem before as when I say it needs this the clients say ok your the professional you take off what you think it needs off. This client is a good person and I've done work on his property for the last 5 years every year we go to do some thing...

 

 

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

[LeeWill]

Tell him you would normally charge extra for the extra work, but in this case your not going too. In future you should think about drawing up work order forms so when a customer does change their mind it's a separate bill. I hate dealing with people. Gimme a forest full of trees any day! Customers know nothing, but let it slip this time, Stands you in good stead for the next job.....

[Daniël Bos]

I dont see the problem?

You've recommended a course of action, the client has asked you to do something else (for a previously agreed price?)

The customer now wishes a different course of action to be taken. To me that means a new job, a new invoice. You can take into account the job will be a little easier as there's a little less material left to remove if you wish, as well as not needing to finish the previous spec.

Make sure you earn your daily rate, add a bit to teach him to listen next time but dont take the piss.

 

Remember, "the wife thinks" normally means that's the final word and she'll be in charge of the household purse...

[WillTimberlake]

How much more does he want taken off?

 

With regards to the money situation, you should add a little more because it adds time, money, wages, fuel etc. But it's entirely up to you. The only time I wouldn't add money would be if I thought that I had overpriced in the first place and it would be a quick/easy job.

[woodyguy]

If you asked a builder to add another 18 inches to a wall, he wouldn't do it for free.

Why should you? So point out to him how much longer it will take, what your day rate is and charge accordingly. Otherwise how will he learn???

[Stubby]

How much more does he want taken off?

 

With regards to the money situation, you should add a little more because it adds time, money, wages, fuel etc. But it's entirely up to you. The only time I wouldn't add money would be if I thought that I had overpriced in the first place and it would be a quick/easy job.

 

I don't think it matters really how much more is to come off . The fact of the matter is he has now got to do the job twice !

[eggsarascal]

I advised a customer that the 17 conifers needed to be reduced by half and he replied by saying to leave it 3/4 foot higher. So I toped the first 3 and asked is that the hight you would like and he said yes thats fine. So today 4 left to top and he comes out and said my wife thinks its to high still and needs more off.. So shall I charge for the extra work.. I've never came across this problem before as when I say it needs this the clients say ok your the professional you take off what you think it needs off. This client is a good person and I've done work on his property for the last 5 years every year we go to do some thing...

 

 

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

 

Did you put the spec for the job on the quote? If not, why not? Can you put a little bit more on the next few jobs (that you do for him) to make up the shortfall?

 

Ya signature line might not always be correct!

[Ian C]

I don't think it matters really how much more is to come off . The fact of the matter is he has now got to do the job twice !

 

Yep

 

Charge again or it stops.

 

As above, I now always email a quote and spec through and I don't have this problem.

[foxforestry]

I have customers that I do some work for every year and sometimes the spec changes I don't charge extra because they are valued customers who recommend me to other wealthy people. Goes round comes round.......

[tarzan]

My business partner (wife) said charge day rate with discount. I sill have a large Scott's pine to remove as well as 2 ash trees so ill keep day rate low... Cheers bros for the input

 

 

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.