? opinion , what would you do...

[Cosmin]

k , here is the situation i was into:
i was recomanded to see this client cars. got there and at first we spoke about 2 of them. i inspect the condition of the cars , explain my process , show him paint defects etc.
went home and for each car i did at least 2+ different quotes with detail list of what`s included and of course each quote was price based on process/time.
now... he choose the more expensive quotes and his words was: " i want to see a discount for 2cars , and xxx should be for both". well xxx was 20% off from my initial quotes. if i put taxes ,insurance , materials...hello?!
the cars:
-1 black suv ( known as paint be difficult to correct) trash inside , 1 step machine polisher.
-1 sport car , quote for 2 steps ,compound and polish / paint correction)

i back off this deal. i don`t want to work for people who don`t appreciate my work. i don`t negociate my price. if i give a quote it has a reason. if the suv was a different color i may... but on black and drop price, no way.

i choose to be my own boss, i choose my customers as they choose their service!
i have few words , every time i hear them or anything similar i don`t take the job.

Question:
what would you do in my situation? u may face it one day.

[Shawn T.]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

You can explain that to him. That you charge according to what you need to stay in business.

Offer him a different deal. Say I will do a one-step for each for that price.

Offer to meet him halfway, at 10% off.

If he continues to fight then tell him again what is involved and how much time it consumes. If he still fights then maybe he is not worth dealing with. Sometimes, those people who want that one price are very picky. You may do exactly what you quoted them for but becasue it wasn't perfect (even though they didn't pay for perfect) they may not recommend you to others.

All kinds of different possibilities.

[Cosmin]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

is not worth dealing with. Sometimes, those people who want that one price are very picky. You may do exactly what you quoted them for but becasue it wasn't perfect (even though they didn't pay for perfect) they may not recommend you to others.
All kinds of different possibilities.

i explain on quotes i list everything and explain what the oprocess does and how much time is involved.
i give him 2 and 3 different quotes , he choose the more expensive ones!
even if i take the job i may run into what u just said above...

[SVT Lightning]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

I just wouldn't deal with the guy. An auto shop isn't going to give you a discount if they work on 2 of your cars at the same time.....really no difference. You are providing a service and need to make money in order to stay in business!

[Shawn T.]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

I just wouldn't deal with the guy. An auto shop isn't going to give you a discount if they work on 2 of your cars at the same time.....really no difference. You are providing a service and need to make money in order to stay in business!

I agree. Tell him it is a "Take it or leave it" offer.

[STG]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

DON'T WORK FOR THIS GUY. Even if you perform miracles, he won't be satisfied. You will spend more unpaid time with him instead of developing new business. He will bad mouth you to his friends.

THE HARDEST THING TO LEARN IN BUSINESS IS KNOWING WHEN TO WALK AWAY.

[Cosmin]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

thank`s guys , i just wanna see some opinions from others who run into this before.
if he didn`t choose the more expensive ones and ask in a different way i may negociate. too late now.

[ocdetail]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

I've been in this situation a couple times, and it's varied in a few aspects. If he wants a steak value for a hamburger price, #1 he's an idiot, #2 he thinks you're an idiot, #3 he wants a discounted price for his first vehicle, and you'll never see his 2nd vehicle...

He probably spoke about what he does for a career while you were small talking. Here's your opportunity. Get him on the phone, talk scheduling. Change the conversation. Ask him about how busy he is at work. You've got a buddy who's interested in...whatever he sells but will only commit at a substantial drop in price. When he goes silent/replies in mostly explicits, laugh in agreeance. "Yeah, I hear ya... You get what you pay for, that's what I told my buddy. Tell him you've just got an opening for Wednesday.

I'm a problem solver, that's what I do

[STG]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

I'm laughing in "agreeance" right now!

[roushstage2]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

Walk.

[Tuck91]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

Dont walk,

Try talking to him again.

I have been in your same situation multiple times and usually was able to work it out with the client.

Just be respectful and explain your concerns to him.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

I think you did the right thing. Let him pay someone else for inferior work. I think he will be calling you back.

[Cosmin]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

Dont walk,
Try talking to him again.
I have been in your same situation multiple times and usually was able to work it out with the client.
Just be respectful and explain your concerns to him.

agree but , his message was more pushy than negotiating. is a diference.
did you ever have the feeling that someone try to steal from you?
do your price resonable for the work you do and have 20% off them and see what i mean. take out from there another 15-20% for taxes ,insurance, materials and u end up working like a shoe seller on peanuts

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

Being in the business, this is a tough one.....you definitely do not want to loose any business at all.

Try to find a way to educate him, tell him that you are not some "Butcher or Hacker" like you said you have all your ducks in a row....license, taxes, so forth......
The problem is once you discount for him or others, word will get around and you will have to discount for all......

I have also been in this type of situation, what you could do is offer him the discount for the next service if it's within a certain time frame. This way you get want you need to charge the first time, if he likes your services he can use the discount next time. I look for the long term business relationships with my clients.....not that type that like to use me or ask for all at a discount price....

Listen, when you go to Ruth Chris's Steak House, you pay for what you get....no discounts or 2 for 1 deals....if you want to eat the best fillet, be prepared to pay the price.....

I have learned, sometimes though you just have to say "No"

[ocdetail]

Re: ? opinion , what would you do...

So did you get in contact with him again?