Lots of good advice here. It is definitely okay (and not unethical in any way) to refuse jobs that your gut tells you will not go well.

After being in business for 15 years, you have developed the instinct for these difficult cases and have more than earned the right to follow your gut.

With that said, if you know of some other guys/shops who would probably be able to use the extra work and wouldn't do a crummy job, call them one day soon and tell them about this situation, and tell them you might give them a call once in awhile with a short description of a job you don't want to see if they'd like to take it...

...with the understanding that it's probably one that has set off red flags for you, and if they don't want to take it, there would be no hard feelings.

But it might work out well for them... and they might send you some jobs that aren't within their range of experience in return. Win-win in that case.

[ in my experience when people talk a big game about all of the work they will send you, it never happens. It's almost like it's part of their game to get something for nothing. :mad:




I get them sometimes. They are connected with this designer or that architect or their cousin are about to build a 4 million dollar home atop the hollywood hills. Not once did a phone call come through. The minute they start with that, I just go to selective listening mode. The people that are really interested on helping us get work have never come out and say it. They always call and ask if its ok to pass my phone number to a friend. Luckly I haven't had too many bad clients because I hand pick them. I am done with historical homes. What a PITA. We were all fired by the architect and the owner 10 years ago because they were difficult and wanted too many things done for free too many times. We were all glad that heppened. That was the Chemosphere remod.

I get rid of them by telling them that I am a speciality contractor and I am way too expensive. I normally turn up the gas and charge a additional 20-30 percent of what I call head ache or holding hand fees If they are really really difficult. I get the difficult ones already. We are known for that.

Becareful with over charging. Many will pay it, so It can bite you in the rear if you are not careful. Don't do it for hundreds, its gotta to be in the thousands because it can drive you in sane. or like me, a freaking minor stoke. If the word gets around, all of a sudden you are doing speciality work and with that the big bucks. Thats what happen to us. I have clients wait up to 1 1/2 year for us.

lol-


When I first bought my car I called around to a few places and everytime they ask "What type of Porsche" and I answered 944 they would immediately follow that with "sorry I don't work on those cars.."

In the US, a firm, short handshake indicates self-confidence and (heterosexual) masculinity. A limp handshake by a man can be interpreted (usually wrongly) as a sign of homosexuality or wimpiness. But in most parts of Africa, a limp handshake is the correct way to do it. Furthermore, it is common in Africa for the handshake to last several minutes, while in the US a handshake that is even a few seconds too long is interpreted as familiarity, warmth and possibly sexual attraction.

you can always discount this at the end if it was not required, it is referred to as an aggravation tax.

Had enough yet ?

How about now ?

Now ?

Now ?

How about now ?

Now ? Now ? Now ?


Remember, there is a No in now.

When I was in college and did landscaping, I got sent to an address to do a job. I had never been there before, so I knocked on the door. The old lady (looked like Seahag from Popeye) came out, all irate with that black coffee and Pall Mall voice and started yelling at me for messing up her yard last time. I said, "I've never been here before, but I'll take a look and fix whatever got messed up." She screamed, "Don't you talk back to me!! I'll call your boss." I said, "Lady, I won't be talk to like that. Cut your own grass. Here's my boss's number and tell him Richard sent you." Never had to deal with her again. Some folks just ain't worth it and never will be. I have some real ballbuster clients now, but they're worth it and I don't mind getting my ear bent for the money they spend on me. The main thing is that they're loyal and won't stray.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Here's what I just e-mailed to my prospective client:



KT

I'm in the business as well. If we get a new customer that we KNOW is going to be a "problem" instead of "profit" we just tell them we are so busy we are booked a month ahead.

It's a good way to keep out the riff-raff

"Two in the hat."