An example of the crap I deal with on a daily basis

[Vince1]

Here's a typical e-mail I got yesterday. Check out this masterpiece. I modified the content so it doesn't seem like a sneaky ad attempt. Stuff in brackets are mods.

First e-mail:

I have (something I need done, described). What would you charge for this? Would you be available this weekend?

My reply:

Hi XXXXX,

Thank you for your email. We can do it this weekend, if it's (situation A) 100$, and if it's (situation B) 120$. Let me know if this works, and we will look after you promptly.

Cheers,

Vince

Sent from my BlackBerry

Next reply:


Do you take visa for payment?

My reply:

Unfortunately, no. If it is (situation B) and you can't be there, you can leave a cheque in the mailbox, or mail it later, we've never had an issue with that sort of thing. Also I have a paypal acct., don't know if you're familiar with that, another option. We accept cash and cheques, personal or company and always give a receipt should you need one.

Cheers

Sent from my BlackBerry

Next reply:

OK. (situation A) and I would be there. Can you come on Saturday? Around what time?

My reply:


Hi XXXXX,

We can come anytime, your choice. Just need best time and address, and we'll see you then.

Cheers

Sent from my BlackBerry

Next reply:

Chances are it won't be this Saturday, maybe the next one or early March. I will let you know when I am ready. Thanks.

WTF IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?????????????? The only people that would charge less guaranteed they don't pay taxes and don't play by the rules, and my biggest competitor would charge 180$ for this, I know because I know people that work there.

See what I have to deal with EVERY DAY? TWICE this person asks me if I can come this Saturday.... I get at least 15 e-mails a week that go sideways like this....

[5000Audi]

go roll some coal at his house and maybe that'll learn em?

[Vince1]

Originally posted by 5000Audi


go roll some coal at his house and maybe that'll learn em?

Lol nah, engine still not broken in, can't run a programmer yet. Plus people like this are not worthy of seeing/hearing my Dodge.

[davidI]

I'm not sure why I just read all that.

[infected]

Dude it happens ALL the time, just get over it already.
There are all kinda of people out there...

[Rat Fink]

.

[Godfuader]

Originally posted by davidI
I'm not sure why I just read all that.

[AndyL]

Originally posted by davidI
I'm not sure why I just read all that.

x3

If all you can complain about is someone checking prices and taking a few minutes of your time to email... You're in the wrong line of buisness.

The rest of us often make multiple trips out to sites, spend hours of time working through a customers needs... Only to get a "well I'll think about it, think we'll contact you later in the year when we can afford to go ahead"...

You're complaining about a few minutes of emailed time...

[Vince1]

Originally posted by AndyL

x3


The rest of us often make multiple trips out to sites, spend hours of time working through a customers needs... Only to get a "well I'll think about it, think we'll contact you later in the year when we can afford to go ahead"...
:

I do that too BTW.... Okay maybe not hours in my case, but I can hit a dozen sites a day easy, maybe land 2. Sucks doesn't it?

I don't mind price checking as much as general wishy-washy ness. Twice I was asked about Saturday availability, for nothing. This can impede on booking times for more decided clients. If they wanted to wait a week or two, no problem, just say so initially. I think maybe this person thought the prices would go up once peak season hits, and was trying to secure a lower quote now as opposed to calling at a busier time of year. Underhanded tactic IMO, but it is what it is.

An e-mail quote is also viewed as a written estimate, and there is no shortage of lowballers in Calgary. Either way I replied with an even lower quote, so someone else can beat it and cut his own throat in the process, and politely (yes, politely) declined the job.

Solution is simple. No more quotes via e-mail. Period.

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by AndyL

x3

If all you can complain about is someone checking prices and taking a few minutes of your time to email... You're in the wrong line of buisness.

The rest of us often make multiple trips out to sites, spend hours of time working through a customers needs... Only to get a "well I'll think about it, think we'll contact you later in the year when we can afford to go ahead"...

You're complaining about a few minutes of emailed time...

^ This!!

I get a customer asking for a quote and it requires; driving to the site, (often after business day hours or weekends) measuring up the house, talking over options, going to suppliers to check on stock, coming home and spending sometimes 2 or 3 hours putting together a quote. Easily a half a day for the entire process. Sometimes I never hear back at all.
I only WISH I could handle a dead-end sales call by a few minutes over my blackberry.

[Vince1]

Originally posted by C_Dave45



I only WISH I could handle a dead-end sales call by a few minutes over my blackberry.

Fair enough....

[Cos]

Originally posted by davidI
I'm not sure why I just read all that.

[beyond_ban]

Originally posted by davidI
I'm not sure why I just read all that.

[Lex350]

holy crap what an attention whore

[Vince1]

Originally posted by rotten42
holy crap what an attention whore

This is a perfectly legitimate thread, you don't like it don't comment on it. Ya, I posted some stupid shit, I wouldn't go as far as saying this is an intelligent thread, but it's legit, and not in any way offside. Is buddy with the dog food thread an attention whore too? Didn't say or do a single thing to offend you.

[ricosuave]

just part of the cost of doing buisiness

[scat19]

It starts when you look in the mirror, doesn't it?

[The_Rural_Juror]

Originally posted by davidI
I'm not sure why I just read all that.

[Mar]

Originally posted by davidI
I'm not sure why I just read all that.

[GQBalla]

amba lamps?