I guess you can't make EVERYBODY happy.

[gabulldog]

well it hard when your tryin to build your our biz you try to not be like the others and give the best you can and even sometime free stuff to build your rep the sad part now adays poeple all want something for free

[jafacman]

I would only give discounted rates to loyal customers as a discount in this case would only insure the thoughts that they were being ripped off...

[Fishtaco]

When I go to pick up the check he tells me he feels like he's getting ripped off. That I shouldn't be charging him for a service call. I tried to explain to him that this was NOT the same issue. I tried to explain that whoever put that faucet in picked the absolute cheapest thing they could find and you pretty much get what you pay for. You may have saved 20 bucks originally on the faucet but it's costing you more in repairs. It's really got me bugged that he feels like I'm riping him off. I try so hard to do the right thing and this one has me bothered.

So what did he say to all this?

My take on it? Its income property. He's blown around $300.00 on plumbing in just a day to three and he's ticked. Most folks that own income property see it as only that, income. They don't service their investment properly and they wind up blaming the messenger for the bad news (Bad PRV, low quality faucet, lack of maintenance, etc.). Too often, its the guy there doing the right thing for the right reasons (like you in this case) that gets blamed for what is really the owner's problem.

If the guy wanted a nice bullet-proof faucet in there, he'd have sprung for a good Chicago with quaturn valves in it. Instead he got something off the display in the aisle of Home Depot for not much more than a dozen hand-tied jigs would have cost him.

You were fair, you were honest, you are standing behind your work. If I were you, I'd tell him to keep the service call and promptly lose your number. In other words, fire him as a client.

Sorry to butt into your board, but I'm a plumber too, and this burns my butt. You are a business, not a charity. Does he rent that place at a discount? I bet not.

[crappie cowboy]

Hey I feel your pain. I'm not trying to hijack your post, but I book guided crappie trips for 3 time Crappie National Champion John Woods.

You would not believed the bs I get about guide fees from people who have never been on a guided trip. And these same people will knock your brains out on there chargers on there job fees.

I will say that guys that use good guides, don't question his rates, and are very glad to get him.

It gets me down sometimes, but after a while I just consider the course, and go on. I always will run a seasonal special and give a large discount, but it doesn't matter to most, it's always to much.

If a carpenter, or brick layer, or whatever had skills and charger the same thing it might be a lot different. When it comes to fishing it's a different.
Like he's suppose to be enjoying taking ''Me'' fishing, or something, and willing to guide for $10.00.

If I offered his services for $10.00 they would not even call about a trip, thinking he's no good. What's up with that?

crappie cowboy

[Polefisher]

Wes some people you can never satisfied even if you did it free. It seems most of the people nowadays are in such a hurry and want it done yesterday. As long as in your mind you feel comfortable with what you did your reputation will be value alot. Dang wish you were closer, my last plumber cost me $90.00 a hour plus parts. Plus it only took 15-20 minutes to fix the problem.

[papasage]

i have ben in buisness for over 40 years . have ran into some people like that . i keep them in mind and when they call again i refer them to some one else.as long as the satisfied out weigh the unsatified you will be ok . you know you are right in what you did .

[TnT]

In other words, fire him as a client.

Wes, I wouldn't let it bother you. I know it has to get under your skin, but you do what you do for a living, not a charity..You, or nobody can please everyone, and there are times when all of us are not pleased. But as long as you do what you do with pride and integrity, your business will always be there. Most businesses that falter along the way lost their pride and integrity first, then their clients! I bet he has had these same type of words for his mechanic, carpenter, etc..................

[drill instructor]

Thanks Score, this is what im talking about. Good people do great things dont go unoticed. I ll give you a call.

[arcadiainc]

As far as I am concerned Tacofish has it right. Would have given him the job and told him never to call me again. Some customers simply cost more than they are worth. As a friend of mine would say, "they would complain if you hung them with a new rope". You walked away upset and everyone you tell feels your frustration. There is no profit for anyone.

[Papa Dawg]

I have 13 rental houses and I could use a CHEAP plumber.

I also want one of those $10 guided fishing trips.

Just kidding fellows. Go fishing and forget about it. I'm headed out in the morning. My guide in the morning is free plus he provides baloney sandwiches at no extra charge. The rascal wants me to furnish the drinks, can you imagine that?