So why this guy contact me about fixing something of his. I gave him a price of how much it was going to be. And then he wanted a breakdown parts versus labor. I don’t like doing that because I know the customer is going to nickel and dime me. Sure enough he goes online and says why are you charging me x amount for this part. It only cost $30 on Amazon.

I explain why my parts cost more etc. And I don’t hear from him again. He sends me a text today asking when is the earliest I can do the job. I don’t want to do the work, I know this guy is going to be a pain in the ass. What are business appropriate reasons/ excuses I can give as to why I don’t want the business.

  • Wyliecody@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I always say unfortunately I am completely booked now and won’t be able to complete your job. It always works.

      • PanDownTiltRight@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        Polite yes, but it’s a lie and doesn’t even remotely give the red flag client a clue. It also invites a follow up call if the client decides to wait.

      • Wyliecody@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        When I say I don’t say it politely if that helps. I just say it plainly. But more than anything I’m not interested in a discussion, I don’t want to do the work you need done and I don’t want to talk about it.

      • Nilpo19@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        It also sounds like a load of B.S. to most people. I have used this in the past. At least half of the time the customer just says they are willing to wait and asks to be put on the calendar in a future opening. Customers know you aren’t booked into eternity.

    • seipounds@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      I said this yesterday. Pain of a client we’d done work for previously and decided the money wasn’t worth it.

    • BalanceEveryday@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      This is what I would say as well. Sounds like he is in a hurry too, so he probably won’t wait around for you to open up. Good moment for a referral partner- “try x down the road”

    • HereticGaming16@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      This is the one. I always say “ I’m sorry but unfortunately I’m booked up on X date.” And if they ask for the nearest date I give it a month or two later. Don’t think I’ve ever gotten a persistent person after that. Side note, I’m a private chef so specific days are normally asked for so this may not work for everyone.