here goes a funny story
a while back ( must be 2 years now ) i lost a customer, a nice lady in her early 60's, i was well put out about it, as i kept her happy, i unblocked the downpipe a few times, cleaned the porch gutter out twice, fitted a mesh downpipe gaurd, altered the downpipe so it emptied onto the garden instead of a useless soakaway that didnt work, All for FREE
a few weeks before christmas she asked me to come early as she was having family around for a pre-christmas meal ( her family were then going away for the festives ), even though it was out of my way, i did it, afterall it would keep her happy, i was in the area next in 3 weeks ( she didnt want them done then )
when i next returned after the chrsitmas break, i was 2 weeks late because of time off, so it was 9 weeks for my normal customers, 12 weeks for her ( 9 + 3 = 12
)
she went mental, saying i was late, i explained why, christmas off, 3 weeks early clean for her etc etc, she says " ive got some1 who will come 4 weekly "
anyways, she cancelled me
Now i do the whole road apart from hers now, she tried to get others to dump me in favour of her new guys, only 1 did ( and she was a pain in the backside, no loss )
she wouldnt even speak to me then, i would say " good morning " to be blanked
so her new guy isnt that good, he arrives, take 8 mins to do the house and conserv and is away
so i heard from next door that she is looking for me, i dont really care
she comes and explains that the bloke isnt that good and can i take her back on
i explain i will have to re-price the job,
no need she says, its £17
i explain that was my old price when i took over the work, new prices are a little more as i only need good priced work now
Oh, ok she says
i tell her my new price is £25
she huff and puff and complains about the £8 increase and says " i will have to go and think about it "
i explain my books are allmost full, i have a spare slot in my book for the area
2 hours pass
she comes up to me and says " can you do it for £22
nope was the reply
Oh ok then, £25
I say " sorry, whilst you were thinking, ive had a call and taken on a £10 new house "
Well mine is £ 25 she says
once again, sorry, but i have to think of my regular customers and people who dont mess me about
she storms off in a huff