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How to say "no" to a job?

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  • How to say "no" to a job?

    I had a job yesterday that I should of turned down. Not because I couldn't make it look better, but because there was no way to make it look as good as the owner wanted. He wanted his car to be flawless when I was finished with it. I told him that "flawless" wasn't going to happen due to the fact that some of his scratches were too far and too deep. However, I could make the car look a lot better than it's current condition, and I then went on to explain how paint correction was done, and the depth of scratches, etc...
    I should of turned this job down, but I didn't because I don't know how to say no, plus I like a challenge

    I finished after 12 long hours. But I have a feeling that the owner will be calling me back out. When I finished the job it was dark and he couldn't see the finished results in my lights. Today the sun will be out and I have a feeling he's going to be calling me, wanting me to come back out and fix the areas that are too far gone. Even after I explained to him about paints and scratches.

    How do you guys "just say no" to a job?


    Oh, and on top of all of that, it's a new Z06 I really don't like working on Vette's.

    Nick
    2008 Meguiar's Batmobile Team
    2008 Meguiar's/Ford SEMA Team
    2009 Meguiar's/Ford SEMA Team
    2010 Meguiar's/Ford SEMA Team

  • #2
    Re: How to say "no" to a job?

    nicely and polietly say you don't have the time to do. that's all.

    a customer can't really question you on that. its your decision in the end.

    just can't be afraid to stick up for yourself.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: How to say "no" to a job?

      You tried, you told him ahead of time that the finish would not be flawless. If he is not happy because he did not get his flawless finish. Well its time to try someone else. I gave it my best shot. Try that approach. He will be coming back.
      quality creates its own demand

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: How to say "no" to a job?

        He's got a new Z06 and it's in that rough of shape ???...seems to me he doesn't care to begin with if you took 12 hours to get it to a point where he's going to still complain about it ?!?!?....must be nice to spend that kind of cash on a car and then let it get abused like that....

        How do you say no ?...... No.......

        Or, do what Putty did....kidnap the car and don't give it back till he promises to treat it better ;-)
        Bill Poirier
        West Seneca, NY 14224

        "until you can afford a great car, always strive for a great looking car"

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: How to say "no" to a job?

          I hate working on C5/C6's in general. The require some much time to correct the defects, then you have to spend another hour or two refining the finish... arghhh

          Most of my early customers have C5/C6's and sometimes it gets very frustarting. Its hard to take a rotary to a car for 6 hours only to go in the sunlight and see spots that are still there.
          Let's make all of the cars shiny!

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: How to say "no" to a job?

            Did he ever call back?
            Let's make all of the cars shiny!

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: How to say "no" to a job?

              Those crazy Vette owners can be so picky about there cars

              I think you've done the best you can. I know what you mean about turning a job down. You like the challange and you know you can make a big improvement. Hopefully the guy has half a brain in his head and can understand that you can't buff out a scratch that has no paint left. Let us know if you ever get that return call or any follow up with the customer. You may even want to initiate the follow up call to make sure he's not ticked off and spreading bad words around about your work.
              -Bob
              NXTti graduate, Meguiars Ford/SEMA Team

              "All Corvette's are red, the rest are mistakes" - John Heinricy (Corvette Engineer)

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: How to say "no" to a job?

                When you know in advance that there is no way to make a vehicle look as good as the owner wants, especially in a reasonable amount of time, you would be much better off to just walk away. Just be calm and relaxed and simply tell the person that they should think about getting someone else to do the job. They will usually respect your honesty and everyone will be a lot happier.
                FRANK CANNA
                Mirror Finish Detailing
                23rd Year 1986-2009

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: How to say "no" to a job?

                  Well, I went for the "proactive" approach and called him yesterday afternoon. I told him that I wanted to know how the car looked in the full sun since I finished in the late evening and the sun had gone down for the most part, I never had a chance to see it in full light. He said he was very happy with the results, and the Meguiar's treatment was much better that what he got from the Zaino detailer a few months ago. He also threw in that is was like getting a new car

                  So, guess I was wrong about him. He is happy with my service. Yippie!

                  Nick
                  2008 Meguiar's Batmobile Team
                  2008 Meguiar's/Ford SEMA Team
                  2009 Meguiar's/Ford SEMA Team
                  2010 Meguiar's/Ford SEMA Team

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: How to say "no" to a job?

                    Originally posted by n737nc View Post
                    I had a job yesterday that I should of turned down. Not because I couldn't make it look better, but because there was no way to make it look as good as the owner wanted. He wanted his car to be flawless when I was finished with it. I told him that "flawless" wasn't going to happen due to the fact that some of his scratches were too far and too deep. However, I could make the car look a lot better than it's current condition, and I then went on to explain how paint correction was done, and the depth of scratches, etc...
                    I should of turned this job down, but I didn't because I don't know how to say no, plus I like a challenge

                    I finished after 12 long hours. But I have a feeling that the owner will be calling me back out. When I finished the job it was dark and he couldn't see the finished results in my lights. Today the sun will be out and I have a feeling he's going to be calling me, wanting me to come back out and fix the areas that are too far gone. Even after I explained to him about paints and scratches.

                    How do you guys "just say no" to a job?


                    Oh, and on top of all of that, it's a new Z06 I really don't like working on Vette's.

                    Nick
                    I'm in the same position as you! My case is a 80's Porsche 944. The car looks like it was washed with rocks, and then dryied with sand paper...it's just horrible.

                    I guess that with a little more experience I'll be able to say no from the start.

                    Alex
                    Mandarina Racing

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: How to say "no" to a job?

                      Im not in the miracle business,Im in the detailing business.Just be honest and up front.Seems you got lucky with this customer.Next time call it as you see it.Ive had a few customers that wanted miracles I just cant perform.I wonder if Meguiars came out with that Magic wand yet?
                      2007 Mustang GT/CS white 5sp. named Cali
                      Show Car Detail

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                      • #12
                        Re: How to say "no" to a job?

                        That was great to call him first.Good work.Dont turn down nothing that you can make shine.

                        Comment

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