posted
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.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
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.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
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.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
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...))
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
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. ))
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
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.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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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!
posted
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.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
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!
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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"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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