How to please everyone?

[Cole]

I love making people happy with the work I do, but every once in a while you just cant make a client happy. It usually happens to me when I give a really big discount on the job to the client, and they just turn it around like you didnt give enough of one. My question is that I cant take it anymore should I stop giving discounts on my work to future clients or just give it to them and do the best job I can do and hopefully that it all ends well when I am done.

[Cole]

BTW- this happens 40% of the time on my roofing jobs.

[Rich]

I personally disagree with giving any discounts. At least that I physically specify anywhere. It says to most people - "I'm actually charging you too much - that's why I'm giving you a discount".

[Cole]

Yeah, never looked at it that way. It just seems like everyone ones you to cut them a deal!

[Rich]

Something for nothing - it's the American way. I always tell them that I'm giving them the best possible deal already.

[Cole]

Thanks Rich for the input! I was just venting my anger.

[Tom R]

When people ask me for a discount because they 'know' me, I tell them I was hoping that would allow me to charge more! (I think they get the point).

[Cole]

LOL Good one Tom I am going to use that.

[grumpy]

Your first problem is that you gave a discount. Second you already identified your second problem. You gave a discount, and it happens to those types of people. Stop working for people that want bottom dollar estimates but top dollar work. Make yourself happy.

"Sir. I know most guys go into a presentation with an inflated estimate. They do this so that if you ask for a discount they can give you one, but there is no discount. There never was! They just inflated their estimate.

We, on the other hand, believe in fair pricing. This doesn't mean cheapest it means fair. I give my best price every time. I don't want to play games, and I don't think you do either.

I don't want to be the cheapest roofer, I want to be the best roofer. So if you want the best roofer installing your new roof just sign right here."

Hand him the pen and don't say another word. I don't care if there is 10 minutes of silence. Wait for him to speak.

[grumpy]

One more thing. Never lower your price unless you change the scope of work. They want a lower price? Substitue the 30 year shingles for 25 year, but tell them you are doing this. Still not cheap enough? Change the 30lb to 15lb, again tell them you are doing this. Still not cheap enough? Spend your time chasing customers that are willing to pay for quality work.

Lowering your price isn't selling... it's going out of business.

[Cole]

Great Info Grumpy. Thank you alot!!!! I am positive this will help out people in the near future including myself.