Red Alert! Danger! Warning!

[Colin]

Just received this email, Tuesday morning, with all artwork/set-up needing to be done as well:


Hi,

Can you give me a rough idea on the cost to letter our van here, I have included a pic of a van that I would like to copy and just add some of our own flair. I would like to get the van done for this Saturday so I need a rough idea on cost we are almost out of money for signs.

(Combination of digi-print and cut vinyl).


I'm going to try and positively turn this into a sale, but I'm aware that I'm steppin' through a minefield. It's also my 50th birthday this Friday, so I don't have a lot of interest in spending that day busting my butt stressing over this guy's inability to plan ahead.

 

[john1]

Screw it man, Enjoy your Birthday. That 50th only comes once, this idiot is a dime a dozen lol

 

[Marlene]

I would like to get the van done for this Saturday so I need a rough idea on cost we are almost out of money for signs.

no money and wants a rush job...sounds great! (not) price out, add rush charge and collect money before starting the job.



Have a happy birthday!

 

[JoshLoring]

Get these all the time. Give your normal price and if they don't like it.. Oh well.

 

[genericname]

The Good/Fast/Cheap line comes to mind. Shame if he expects it to include all three.

 

[Gino]

First of all……..

Happy Pre-Birthday…...

Next, he said he wants it done by Saturday. Close the deal today. Do it Wednesday and Thursday if necessary and take Friday off… it’s a holiday anyway.

Charge enough to make it a fun-filled birthday without any headaches looming over for a Saturday install.
Tell them to pay in advance regardless of their money status…. they’ll find the money somewhere if they really want it done.

When someone has all their ducks in a row and ends the whole correspondence with a ‘funds are short right now…. go easy’ that’s a bunch of poppycock. They’re just trying to grind a little more sweat out of you. Stand your ground, unless you feel generous on your birthday…. In that case, tell them…. hey….. you guys are in luck, because it’s my birthday, I’m gonna give you 5% off for my 50th and see if it flies.

​

 

[2NinerNiner2]

Happy upcoming birthday! ... spent my 50th in Montego Bay, mon!

For your "potential customer" ...

"Your lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my behalf"

 

[TyrantDesigner]

For your "potential customer" ...

"Your lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my behalf"

Little different wording, but I have a sign in my office that says that. Good stuff.

 

[Colin]

The Good/Fast/Cheap line comes to mind. Shame if he expects it to include all three.

Yup, we should all have a sign in our shop that says:

"Good - Fast - Cheap.............Pick any two"

 

[sardocs]

These days I only let 'em pick one....

 

[Baz]

The only deals or "good prices" i give out are to existing customers in good standing. That's it that's all. Anybody else is my standard price. Rush jobs i'll quote a little more than regular. If they are not happy they are always welcome to call around and see who else wants to take up the challenge.

 

[ddarlak]

anyone who tells me they don't have any money i quote them higher to make them go away. i don't even waste time figuring a real quote i just pluck a high number outta my head. no time wasted by me and once in a blue moon you get the job.....

 

[TyrantDesigner]

I only give "good prices" to only 3 companies I do constant repeat business with ... don't make as MUCH money with them .. but as a whole I make more just based on the bulk of work they need. The rest only get standard rate ... only time this varies is when they start throwing racist conversation around then it is 25% more.

 

[genericname]

These days I only let 'em pick one....

Now we're talkin'!

I always thought the "pick two" rule was too customer friendly. It's well suited for cute little wood-burnt signs you hang in your craft shop, but not to the real world.

 

[phototec]

anyone who tells me they don't have any money i quote them higher to make them go away. i don't even waste time figuring a real quote i just pluck a high number outta my head. no time wasted by me and once in a blue moon you get the job.....

If he doesn't have any money, how does he expect to pay YOU, and WHEN?

I'd pass on this, enjoy you birthday, without the stress!

Happy Birthday

 

[Gino]

Soooooo.................... what happened ?? Did you get it or did you send him walking ??

 

[Colin]

I got a $400 deposit yesterday, but he refused to use his credit card, and insisted on a cheque instead. It cleared the bank.

Could still prove to be interesting.

Last day of my forties today - sniff.

 

[phototec]

I got a $400 deposit yesterday, but he refused to use his credit card, and insisted on a cheque instead. It cleared the bank.

Could still prove to be interesting.

Last day of my forties today - sniff.

Yep, he could still STOP PAYMENT, it has happened to me before, but will never happen again, because I would wait on the check to make sure it clears his bank also, takes extra days....

Just sayin!

 

[Fatboy]

no money and wants a rush job...sounds great! (not) price out, add rush charge and collect money before starting the job.



Have a happy birthday!

 

[Colin]

Yep, he could still STOP PAYMENT, it has happened to me before, but will never happen again, because I would wait on the check to make sure it clears his bank also, takes extra days....

Fortunately his bank was the same as mine, so it clears instantly (same day), if it was a different bank, then a couple days; out of country banks - up to 2 weeks.

 

[Fatboy]

Since We ahead of time let me be the first to wish you a happy and blessed birthday Colin.Thank you for all your input here!'

God Bless!