Anyone ever notice when you let your guard down for a customer you've known for a while and had nothing but positive experiences with them, the last words you hear from them before getting screwed are "You know we're good for it"?
It amazes me they all choose that same phrase.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Are you going to share the story that accompanied the phrase? Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Russ I think we can all write the story.
Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :
Another phrase that's all-too predictable is :
"Now, how soon will it be done ?"
This one is usually given after you've gotten final approval for a design, layout, colour,price, or anything generally that they've procrastinated on making a decision on for WEEKS.
It's always assumed that you will make up the time that was wasted by magically putting everything else aside to give them the instant gratification that they've suddenly felt entitled to.
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
to be successful in the sign business it will be necessary for you to learn how to be a "Nice Son-of-a-Bitch."
Posted by Dale Flewelling (Member # 2577) on :
Does anyone know how to tell a customer to"go to hell" and make them feel happy to be on their way?
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Hmm... make up a sign that reads "HELL" with an arrow below, pointing towards the exit.
Russ, Ricky pretty much has it right. A little bit of a rush job, customer needed it done before heading out of town, mutual agreement to take care of the business end once they got back based upon trust built from a solid past. They're not local so paying a visit is not an option.
I'm mostly mad at myself for letting it happen though. I don't have much trust in people as it is, and this isn't helping the situation.
Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
Yeah, just happened to me recently. Guy I worked with for several years and been friends with for about 5 years owns a computer store. Called me and said they were sponsoring a race car and wanted me to letter it... of course it was a rush job... worked on it til wee hours and knocked it out for him..
He picks up the car early next morning, promising to get me a check that day... call him later, his partner has the check book and is out of town... then he and his partner start having troubles about the money he's been spending and I figure out he must not have run this whole plan by the partner.....
So after futilely bugging him for a few weeks, I finally tell him, just pay me YOUR half... $225 of the $450 bill and I'll harass your partner for the other half.. "OK" He'll do that.....
That was a couple months ago and he won't even answer my calls or emails anymore. I've been being civil, like 'Hey man, I sure could use the money..., see what you can do..' I've actually not gone Todd on him yet, but it's getting close. I hate to lose a decent friend over $225 but I did put my vacation off a day to get the car done....
((Think I'll show up at the dirt track and start peeling the lettering off the car one of these nights...))
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
You see? People would save a lot of time if they just followed my easy philosophy of Opening a Can of Whoop-ass first and dispensing with the niceties.... I'm just kiddin'.
Mike - I hope you get your money....
Jon - I hope you get your $$ too....
((I hope you all know I'm really a nice guy....and normally polite....something about movie theatres brings out the worst in me...that and a few other things I won't bring up. ))
Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :
Jon, Don't peel any of the letters off....add another line below his name. "Proud Sponsor Who Can't Afford To Pay His Bills."
Sometmes negative publicity can get results too, but you can probably kiss that "friendship" goodbye. Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
Pimp . . . I feel your pain.
One particular 'freind' wanted me to 'shoot the works' on her sign AND was more than agreeable to pay the extra installation charge. She wrote me a check that to this day can not be cashed. (Thank God I did'nt deposit it!) ANYWAY, wound up havin' to stop by her place about every 2 weeks to get the money 10-20-30 bux at a time 'til it was paid. Sheesh.
And equally as ridiculous, and unnecessary is the repeat, regular customer you've done work for over 10 years, who LOVES your work, will wait weeks if neeed-be for you to get to their job, then . . . still wants to see art for something as mundane as airport traffic directionals . . . c'MON!
I guess the moral of the story is . . . never let your guard down . . . .
By the way Dale, I suppose you would politely say 'go to hell' by making your long time customer 'friends' sign detailed contracts. Kind'a like pre-nups huh!
[ June 27, 2007, 05:00 PM: Message edited by: Sheila Ferrell ]
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Hmm... a signguy pre-nup.. good idea. If a 30 page contract sent via fax using up all their paper and toner/ink doesn't give 'em the hint, nothing will. Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
"Does anyone know how to tell a customer to"go to hell" and make them feel happy to be on their way?"
I've been meaning to take care of that situation for a while, so I think I'll spend some time making and hanging this one over the front door...
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here"
A few flames on it might get the proper message across. Rapid
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Oh Happy Day........
Got a return phone call, all is well. Whew!
Posted by Patrick Whatley (Member # 2008) on :
And then after not returning your daily collection calls for six months they show up and pay...then want to ask you about another sign.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
I also feel your pain. Wow, this post really hits home; "how long will it take to be done?" after they've wasted 3 weeks by not having their facts and decisions correct and timely... "a sketch for mundane letters, I won't do it, just had that tonight someone asked me for: I told them to look at my portfolio and they will know I am quite capable of finding a number on a sign! yes I can type and cut! .. The partner's out of town with the checkbook, ha, that's a classic too...
I knew a signpainter from the 50's where he painted coca-cola trucks and he did a fleet. They didn't pay. Let's just say that they were probably smart if they had fire insurance. okay, I didn't see it, but I definitely believe the account.
Yes, go get your money and steer clear...revenge isn't worth it, but it's fun talking about it... get it off your chest!
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
"In God we trust-- everyone else pays cash cash up front!"
"We screwed the last guy and passed the savings to you!"
"Show me the money... seriously, show me the money before we can start the work."
are all signs I noticed at a local mom and pop business. I thought they were very appropriate.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
double post
[ June 29, 2007, 03:06 PM: Message edited by: Doug Allan ]
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
"I decided not to burden myself with deciding who to trust, so even though I'd never question your honesty, I've made a business decision to require everyone conform to the same payment policy so I don't have to trust my own inability to judge others"
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I'm just kiddin'. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
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c'MON! ![[Bash]](graemlins/bash.gif)
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