Just for fun I reproduce a series of email correspondence I had with a prospective client. it illustrates some of the points in the thread that Joe started a week or so ago.
Original enquiry:-
Hi
Could you possibly give me a quote on cleaning 2 fabric sofas - red.
Thanks
Vxxxxxxxxxxx
My reply:
Hi V
In a word "no"!
There is simply not enough information in your enquiry to make a proper judgment and anybody who says they can could likely end up not doing it at a profit (which I am sure wouldn't bother you) but more importantly could end up not doing it properly and so damage your sofas or not do a good job and so end up costing you money to have it done properly.
May i suggest therefore that you give me a ring (I would ring you but you haven't provided a number). There are a few simple but obvious questions I need answers to. With these I can give you a pretty accurate figure for cleaning. At that point you can then decide whether you would like to use my services. There is no pressure and you remain in control of the situation at all times.
Please ring me sometime during Tuesday on 07979 911 321. Our conversation should only take a couple of minutes at the most.
Kind regards.
Roger
Doctor Carpet.
07979 911 321
Amazingly I got a response-just not quite what I expected.......
Dear Roger,
By the tone of your email you obviously dont need my business.
So in response to your request to ring you...In a word "no!"
Regards,
V
I did think of replying that she was correct but in the end couldn't be bothered.