How to let a customer down!

[On one]

Whilst I have never priced a job to not get it, I fear if I price high on this job I might just end up getting it!
There is just too many things going against this job!
35m2 kitchen floor, Kitchen fitter in as we speak,
600mm x 600mm pale coloured polished porcelain with transit wax,
Customer has ordered the tiles from the internet(not enough addy, too much grout),
Grey adhesive, ivory grout,
No residue remover,
The first tiler has left because he has had to go to a bigger contract!,not before pouring slc and creating something you could ski down!(more slc could prove impossible)
An island base unit to work around,plus tiling into and out of washing/dishwasher machine and freezer areas,
And he wants it doing ASAP

Any one have any public relations expeirence?

 

[The D]

Tell it as it is and how you want thing done and if they don’t like it they can choose not to use you

 

[On one]

Do you mean let them down with............an almighty bump!

 

[Andy Allen]

just tell him your not interested in the job, and wont be quoting, ive done this a few times when I get a feeling the jobs going to be a nightmare, or you just know there going to be the customers from hell, kind of get a sixth sense for these things after a while, just tell them thanks but i'll give the job a miss.........or just ignore them....lol

 

[On one]

Hi Andy, I dont think the customer will be from hell....maybe the job will be! I won't be ignoring them either...just not my style, I treat customers like how I would expect to be treated. The hard part will be trying to let them down gently, without getting drawn into doing the job(the soft clart that I am)

 

[Andy Allen]

the ignoring bit was a joke, like I said if you don't want to do the job just be honest and tell them, better all round then, they can start looking for another tiler, and your not string them along..

 

[Peter]

Put in a wonder price and then in the off chance that you get the job then you'll be well covered.

 

[DHTiling]

Just be honest .. say you cannot make a bonny dog out of a mongrel ...

 

[Martyn Leeds]

Price high, and add a bit more, and a bit more to cover any hassle - or subby it out to Mr T

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

Tell them you have just secured a nine month contract at Heathrow airport, you priced this job months ago, and have just been given the green light. Due to this you are unable to take on any domestic work for the foreseeable future, to my shame I have used this one a few times.:sofahide::lol:

 

[charlie1]

Tell them you have just secured a nine month contract at Heathrow airport, you priced this job months ago, and have just been given the green light. Due to this you are unable to take on any domestic work for the foreseeable future, to my shame I have used this one a few times.:sofahide::lol:

Yeah but I bet you where not kidding lol

 

[Andy Allen]

Tell them you have just secured a nine month contract at Heathrow airport, you priced this job months ago, and have just been given the green light. Due to this you are unable to take on any domestic work for the foreseeable future, to my shame I have used this one a few times.:sofahide::lol:

i'll have to remember that one.... makes a change from the 'ive just broke my arm or leg' one lol

 

[mattle40]

It's alright until little olds Mavis gets five tilers in and none can do it cos they've all secured 9 month contracts at heathrow!

 

[DHTiling]

It's alright until little olds Mavis gets five tilers in and none can do it cos they've all secured 9 month contracts at heathrow!

They work in a crew :lol:

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

i'll have to remember that one.... makes a change from the 'ive just broke my arm or leg' one lol

Andy I have tried those excuses before, my worst one was as an apprentice if I wanted to duck a day I used to phone in and tell them my Grandma had died. It worked for four or five times until my boss asked me, "how many Grandma's do you have?" I was only 15yrs at the time.

 

[bugs183]

Just be honest, no need for any excuses here.
You are inheriting a boat load of problems that are not of your doing.
As Andy All says it sounds like you've got a bad vibe about the job, and it always pays to listen too it.
That floor has to be flat to take 600x600's, if the previous tiler has 'levelled' it then that a nightmare before you start. Charging the earth doesn't make any job any easier!!
Good luck

 

[andyb1]

just tell them your not interested and don't worry about it, simples!

 

[AliGage]

I don't think you should over price. Someone will end up doing the job anyway. You don't want to be known for being too expensive.
Id have to see it to judge it. If it could be a nice job finished especially with the kitchen going in around it etc i think id price it accordingly. But make a note of all the problems you can and will experience. Include contingencies into your price. Deliver the quote in person and walk the customer round first. Show them the ski slope and what the other guy has left behind. They need to be informed even if they don't take you on and look elsewhere. Then deliver the price. You've then justified the cost and educated the customer.
If you then get it. It might be a challenge but you'll have a very happy customer that will sing from the hills as to how good you were.

 

[Stef]

As Ali says,
Couldn't put it any better myself.

Be honest with them & it will go a long way for your reputation as being an honest trust worthy Tiler..