Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2007 08:03:17 -0400
Reply-To: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Labor, 28 hours, customer say, i have no money....
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2007080723184479@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Ben,
You have to cover yourself on these jobs. I always get at least a 50%
deposit on jobs larger than just a couple of hours. I make up an
estimate and try to estimate high because there is usually always
something that you didn't notice or can't see until you get it all
ripped apart. If you estimate high and come in under it the customer
thinks you are awesome (like Scotty on Star Trek), if it goes up a
little at least they are more prepared for the price. Once I get the
estimate typed up I can either email or just give it to the customer.
The customer approves it, I get the 50% deposit via cash, credit card,
even a check since you can wait for it to clear before you start the
job. If it is an extremely large job, I get 50% then at another point
that the customer and I agree to, I get another 25%, then the final 25%
on completion.
Parts cost money. I don't have extra cash sitting around to buy all of
the parts that a customer might need for a large job. But if you get
the 50% deposit you should have at least enough to cover your parts and
keep things rolling until the job is done.
A real customer that wants the work done will have no problem giving you
a deposit. Any changes that I have to make to the estimate that are
larger than $100 I call the customer and clear it with them first. When
it is all done we go for a ride together in the van and any questions he
(or she) has are addressed and then when they are happy, I get the rest
of the money and they get their invoice with "Paid in Full" on it. Now
everyone is happy. I am happy because I have done a great job and have
gotten my reward for doing so. The customer is happy because their baby
is back on the road and they can have more confidence in it.
I have learned these painful lessons after doing this for almost 10
years now. But if you learn something from the lesson, then at least it
is not in vain.
I am posting this to the list so that list members know how an honest
mechanic does business. Checks and balances on both parties. I even
keep the old parts until the customer comes and checks out the van. If
they request them, I can show the old parts that were removed and
replaced so that there are no questions. Again you have to cover
yourself. I recommend all female customers who are dealing with a shop
for the first time, request that they show you the old parts after
completing the job. Do this when you approve the estimate that way they
know to keep the old parts. Even if you have no clue what the parts are
that you are looking at, it lets folks know that you are going to check
on them and keep them accountable.
Hope this helps,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Benny boy wrote:
>Me:
>Sir, you Air-Cool van is ready and working fine (new heads, pistons + a lot
>of small stuff), 130psi all around, temp is fine, tested. Ready to drive,
>don't forget, drive smooth, oil change between 700-1000km.
>
>Customer: Ok, thank so much. I can go camping now, how much?
>
>Me: 3399$
>
>Customer: ho, ok, can i make a check?
>
>Me: NO check, i had to many problems with those, sorry, cash, credit. Debit
>as a max of 1000$ per day just so you know.
>
>Customer: ho, i don't have enough on my credit card, what shoud i do? Maybe
>i have enough in my bank account???
>
>Me: Sir, i have spent 3.5 days in a row in your van, i have grease up to my
>a**... find a solution... CREDIT, CASH or NO van, sorry but i'm sure you
>understand my point of view.
>
>Customer: Well, i'm no sure how to find the money!
>
>Me: Sir, i told you before an approx of the total bill, you didn't say
>nothing, you said go ahead!
>
>Customer: well, i will find a way, how can i pay again?
>
>Me: Cash or credit (me sound VERY COLD)
>---------------------------------------------------------------
>
>The conclusion...
>This is not the first time this happen to me, far from it, what the hell is
>the problem with people like that??????? i work my ass off... and this is
>the answer i get.
>
>Frustration! yes, it is.
>
>We always blame the business men, the customers is always right... yea.. sure.
>
>I tell you all because if this happen to me.. i'm sure some of you did so
>one day!!! think twice before doing it again!
>
>Ben
>http://www.benplace.com/bjp3.htm
>
>
>
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