((((((((((((((((((Should I drop them????????)))))))))))))))

Well I'm thinking of dropping a customer. I called them today and asked if I could come and pickup my check for the leaf cleanup and bring the invoice for plowing sometime today, and the wife of the customer said how much is it and I said $1,046.36 for the cleanup and $70 for plowing and she said she would have the check ready. So I went and picked it up and she said sorry that we didn't mail it ( by the way the invoice was made out 30days ago ) and I said thats ok and not to worry about it. I thought well every thing was fine, but I got a call from the husband tonight and he said sorry it took so long for us to pay you and I said it was ok. Then he said when I saw that bill when it came I fell out of my chair it was so high, the people last year only charged $450 and they had 5 guys and you only had 2 (it was 4 acres of leaves), you will have to figure how to make it less next year or we will have to find someone else. I said were the leaves frozen together and wet when they did it and he said it was the same kind of conditions. So I said ok I will try to figure out something better next year. Then he started on my snow plowing, the guy who lived across the street charged us only $50 last year and he used a skid loader, and I said is that the same guy who tore your yard up and I had to fix it for you ( $1,100 which they complained about ) well yea, did I tear up your yard when I plowed, well no. I said I will not go any lower on that price because I have plenty of people that want plowing done. He said ok go ahead and keep plowing. He then said we would like a stone patio put in in the spring could you come over sometime and give us a price and I said sure.
This is the only customer that ever complains, everyone else thinks I do a great job. A person had to come and do the excavating on some piping for them and they tried to get him to cut his prices in 1/2 also. Should I keep these people or drop them? I will lose about $7,000 - 10,000 per year.

 

Maybe I missed it, but are they usually on time with their bills or is it a reoccuring problem? If this was the first time or second time I'd say keep them. Maybe theres a communication part on your end that's not working for you. Make it clear to them that you charge X amount for each hour of work, or however it is that you bill.

 

I didn't read your post but I am responding to your title. A simple title without all the hyperbole symbols is better.

 

They always wait to send it until it is 30 days after invoicing when I call them. They know and agreed on $40 per man hour and they knew when I was working and they could of stopped me at anytime. I bet this company that did it last year was just a group of kids charging $10 per hour. By the way the wife seemed to not have a problem with the bill and she makes most of the money.

 

DLS1
It got your attention didnt it. But your right, I will stop.

 

Then in that case unless you are at complete whits end with them I would keep them. It seems as though they like your work if they are asking about doing a patio for them! The man probbaly has nothing better to do than complain. I find myself like that sometimes too We all know women run the ship. If she's fine I would stick with it. Instead of waiting 30 days to call her, why not do it in 7 or 10? She could just be forgetful since she didn't seem to have a problem getting you the check once you remind her.

 

((((((((((((((((((((THANK YOU!!))))))))))))))))))))))

 

Jason Rose
((((((( LOL )))))))

I'm afraid if I go and put a $4,000 patio in they will complain and I will be out a whole lot of money. If my prices and work were crummy then I could see them complaining but there not. I just like less stress then having to worry about 1 trouble maker. They tried not paying me once because there was a little root smaller then a pencil sticking out of part of the yard that I redid and I gave in on that one and took $160 off there bill for that part of the yard and they were happy.

 

You're way too worried about this. If they are this big of an issue for you then drop them. Just remember, no one ever said it was gonna be easy!

 

I'd be cautious and get a large deposit on that 4k job with a signed agreement.