[Mike Gwilliam]

Seem to be getting a lot of these lately ....here's the latest:

Email to me: ''
I have two rugs which need cleaning. We are currently decorating and need one of the rugs to be ready in about a weeks time. Do you clean rugs and if so would you take them away to clean? I think they are approx etc etc''

Me to her:
''Yes I can do that no problem. I could either pop round to have a look at them and give you a quote or you could send me a picture of each one and I could give you a price that way.''

Her to me:
''It would probably be easier for you to call round to look as we are in such a mess I haven't got anywhere to unroll them to take pictures!''

Me to her:
''If you send me your address and contact no I can call round some time tomorrow either morning or evening.''

Her to me:
I've managed to get a pic of one of them. The other one is made of exactly the same material but I'm 5 months pregnant and can't get to that one!
Does that help? Both in the same condition. No major stains, they just need a good clean.

Me to her:
Yes I know which these are. It would be £60 for the both picked up and returned. (not loads of money and no big deal)

Her to me:
''Is that the absolute best price you can do on both rugs?''

This is the time I gave up and didn't respond  I'm booked up for the week with 3 to £400 jobs daily and then going away for 3 weeks with most of my time booked when I come back.
Ok I'm a pretty flexible fella and try to fit these smaller jobs in when I can but this sort of beggars belief. Like really I'm not interested in 2 fu**ing rugs so ignored the last email. Also why doesn't this woman just ring me up?

Anyhow.....after 2 days here is the latest one:
Sorry to email again but not sure if you got my last email. On a bit of a time limit to get everything done! I was just wondering if you had any offers on at the moment for two rugs? Also when would you be able to collect the rugs and how long would you have them for?

I'm just looking forward to me holiday in Greece.....but wonder if I'll be waking up in the middle of the night to her knocking at my hotel door with the 2 rugs 

[jasonl]

You need to google  "millenials" an important buying group , and essential for you to understand in order to survive in a service industry.

These people are lazy and want service now , they dont want to talk they want problems solving by tapping emails out on a phone or tablet .

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennials


http://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickspenner/2014/04/16/inside-the-millennial-mind-the-dos-donts-of-marketing-to-this-powerful-generation-3/


Dont bother reading the above , or taking action to adapt how you deal with customers , and all your older ones will be dead and you will have very slim pickings within a few years

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

That's a bit defeatist Jason.

I understand how you can come to that conclusion but if you have that ability to provide the service they  don't know they are looking for then you will find new loyal clients and if yo work at it they will also provide you with referrals.

Not necessarily easy but certainly possible.

Rog

[jasonl]

What I mean is we need to learn to adapt to the changing markets .

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

Ah, I'm with you now.

Rog

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

Email has become a very important part of my business but it can sometimes be a bit long winded. I have one who emails me just before midnight, fifth instalment should arrive tonight! I don't respond until the morning

On the plus side you have a record so that people tend to be reliable once they have booked.

Texts are not as good and if it becomes drawn out I wil phone to see if they are serious.

Cheers

Doug

[jasonl]

Yes Doug , and you will find it is generally the millenials who like to email and text all communications .