Re: ot. need opinions

Posted by JRSutton on December 17, 2013 at 06:02:27 from (100.0.77.120):

In Reply to: ot. need opinions posted by greg k on December 16, 2013 at 16:22:48:

Agree with others that the best time to have the conversation about your fees is BEFORE you do the work and send a bill.

But also, it sounds like you closed badly too.

It's a subtle thing, but telling him you're too busy to keep "messing" with it was probably the wrong thing to say. It implies your guessing has no value - a common mistake people make when billing for their time.

To his ears, what you said is "I don't have enough experience to do this, but I'd like to be paid like somebody who does, so here's my bill for trying".

(not a knock against you - just putting it in perspective)

It may have been better to lay out an action plan for him - of what you've done, and the next steps to try.

Diagnosing intermittent problems can be very difficult. It often involves guesses, and replacing parts that may actually be good.

What you get paid for is making the EDUCATED guesses - and avoiding the wasteful shots in the dark.

You should have laid out a plan of action:
1.) check X
2.) check Y
3.) replace breaker 1
4.) replace breaker 2
5.) replace fan motor
6.) replace wiring

If you feel you're too busy to complete those final steps, you could explain that, and still bill him for the steps 1 and 2 that you've completed, and leave him with an action plan on what to do next.

Then it'd be clear to him that he at least got SOMETHING for his money, if not a fix.

Granted, another electrician would probably have to start from square one anyways, but it's mostly about perception with your customer.

OR --- if you really DON'T have any idea of what to do next - never be afraid to admit that, but you can't bill him for not knowing - you're in the fixing business, not the visiting business.

Replies:

Add a Reply Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Optional Video Title: Optional Video URL: Advanced Posting Options Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.   Advanced Posting Tools   Upload Photo  Select Gallery Photo  Attach Serial # List  Return to Post

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]