Posted by Rick Burten on June 14, 2003 at 14:32:54:
In Reply to: Fired posted by John Barney on June 14, 2003 at 13:01:23:
: Well I guess it happens to everyone eventually. I got fired from a customer I had for a year( she is a nurse and bandaged stitches I got from a nail on a rank horse last year). I ask what the reason was and she said cost and time. I guess two shoe jobs in less than three hours and 100 bucks for both was too slow and to expensive. I made up my mind when I decided to do this that I wouldn't rush a job and possible lame a horse. If I work for less I might as well sell my tools and work at Wal-Mart. Any tips for ego boosting ?
: JB
Welcome to the fraternity! This was your first, so now its time to grow a thicker skin, 'cause it will happen again.
Look at it as a window of opportunity. You got rid of a no-account customer who doesn't value your work, and is not willing to pay you what you are worth. You can now replace her with someone else. And when you do, start off at a higher price. In fact, now would be a good time to go ahead and raise prices across the board. What you charged her is not even what I would consider a living wage.
Now, in my practice, I have made it a policy to not take back a customer who quits/fires me over price. They did it once, and they will damn sure do it again. The only exception to that rule is if they are referred to me(again) by a veterinarian. At that point in time, I go to my "consultant" rate which starts at $125/hr plus materials, and continues at that rate until the job is done, with partial hours billed as full hours. I cut these people absolutely no slack or sympathy. I also bill at that rate for any time I spend, either prior to or after the appointment, talking with the vet about the case. And, I prefer to actually do the work at the vet clinic. That way the customer comes to me, on my turf.
Just keep in mind that when one door closes, another opens. Its up to us whether or not we step through that next door.
And, as long as I am on a philosophical roll,:
"when life gives you lemons, make lemonade......"
Rick