How to Fire a small Group of Clients?

[Kaydence]

I want to let go of the horses at one barn I work at. There are 5 horses between three clients. The horses are ok to work on but a bit spoiled. It is more of a drive than I want to make for five trims. And to be honest, I just don't like the atmosphere any. The barn is run by a barefoot advocate so I know if any of these horses increase their workload and I recommend shoes, it'll be a hassle. For now all of the horses do well barefoot because they are rarely worked outside of the sand ring. I won't miss them any when they are gone but I don't know how to say, "Thanks but I just don't want to work for you."

Any polite suggestions that don't make me look like the cad I feel like for just not enjoying the work there?

With fuel costs the way they are, I am increasing my prices and that might be enough to get them to switch farriers BUT in case it isn't, I want to be direct about letting them go.

Cheri

[Gary Hill]

Be upfront about why you don't want to work there anymore! Otherwise ,and most likely your name around there will be "MUD" for a long time! Don't sweat it because down the road ,closer to home there will be more horse's to trim or shoe. You never know ,they might just actually listen to your problem and maybe, just maybe, look in the mirror at themselves and agree and make your life better- either way it will be better for you! Good Luck! Gary

[Mike Ferrara]

LOL, I remember when I quit most of my accounts because I had exepted a full time job. after all the people who said quit every one but me and got me to agree I counted things up and I hadn't hardly quit any one. I had to start all over again. LOL

I'm with Gary, Just be honest in a polite way. Sometimes people do surprising things like offer you a bunch of extra money to make the drive. Even if they don't leaving without hard feelings is still best.

[Phil Armitage]

I agree, be up front. Don't think your name will not be mud though, just because your honest. :D

You brought up 2 very good reasons for refereing them to another farrier.

1. You do not agree with the horses going barefoot if and when thier is an increase in work. If you cannot live with the fact these horses will remain barefoot and this bothers you then you need to tell them.

2. The location is to far for you to travel. Traveling to barns too far away not only cost you in gas it also eats into your day, figure the time to get there and back this is a huge part of the day. Gaining customers closer to home is much better, saves gas and time. The more time you save the more you can do, which is much more productive than driveing. If they are willing to pay more for travel, then tell them money is not everything, it takes a a lot of time out of your day and you want to get home to do your things or your local buisness is growing and this is your first priority.

[Kaydence]

It has all been taken care of and I feel GREAT! Thanks for the comments and support guys. The PR is far harder than the damn shoeing most days! (and today in particular because I only had to haul a horse into the track with a friend and then trim her stud. I'm feeling good. That is a fun day off. :) )

Cheri