Had to remind myself.
early Oct … went to look at a bath job. Visit went great … they had good ideas …
seemed like great people to work with. I priced it out and emailed them back …
but price was higher than expected. They emailed back … said they still wanted to go forth … but would need more time. Said they’d sent the scheduling deposit check to hold their spot for Dec.
never got the check … emailed and called. Left a coupla short messages … never heard back. Considered it a dead deal.
Yesterday … decided to email one last time.
Emailed … said Guess it’s dead … but I’d like to know why.
asked a little nicer than that.
got a reply today … they’re sorry for lack of communication … they’re still like to go thru with it as planned … just need more time than thot to get the money together.
and they have been following my advice to slowly stock up on the fixtures … and have been using the list and measurements I’d sent them earlier.
So … a remonder to everyone else … and myself … to keep checking back.
don’t assume … and try to ask “why” … if U can.
I don’t care when the job goes thru … I needed work when I bid it … and I’ll need work when they’re ready … no difference to me. I’m sure they’ll call at the worst possible time … Murphy’s Law … but they already know they gave up their spot in line … never hurts to have someone waiting in the wings.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Replies
Jeff,
Interesting post.
I have often been surprised when 'dead' quotes resurface, or when very live ones disappear. ("OK. I'm putting a check in the mail now, and we'll see you guys on the 15th!" Then...nothing.)
My most astonishing 'dead' quote was a kitchen remodel, years ago. Went out, saw what they wanted, told them the first deal was to upgrade electric...heated floor on a seperate circuit...cabinets need to be shopped...think about the counter-tops, etc. Wrote the whole thing up, mailed it for signature, got a call to clarify electrical needs, then a call from the spark to verify location for floor heating circuit.
Then, nothing. No agreement, no more calls. Well, people move, get divorced, die even. I wasn't diligent about calling them because I was busy. Heck, I filed it in the inactive file. 13 MONTHS LATER I get a call, 'Hi, it's Bob Smith, you're doing our kitchen remodel...'. O k-a-y, who is this again?
In their head I was their contractor. It was a done deal. Of course they understood if some prices had changed, but how soon can we get scheduled? Um, not for a few months. Shoot, they were hoping to go immediately!
It all worked out in the end, but how weird is that?
skipj
sounds like the same mindset.
even mailing the scheduling check months early was their idea at first.
anyways ... when ever they're ready ... I'll be ready.
I was able to fill their spot easily ... as I would have had to juggle to get them in.
I'da rather added one than subtracted one ...
but like I said ... needed work when they called ...
and I'll need work when they're ready.
I have to keep on top of myself to do the right follow up.
always feels uncomfortable ... I always dial that phone expecting to hear the worst.
but that's part of sales ... never let them see U sweat.
old sales manager used to say "the sales floor is a stage ... and U never have a bad day on stage"
or a negative thought.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I quoted a job in August '06 - converting an attic into a kids playroom. Everything looked good, spent a couple of weeks nailing down materials, finishes and schedules...and then the line went quiet. Couldn't get a call back for nothin' so I let it die, I was too busy to really chase them.
Business is slowing for me now, so 3 weeks ago I mailed out postcards to my "dead job" list. HO calls and wants to do the job, still has my proposal and contract. I adjusted the price to reflect current materials and overhead , I start right after New Years. Never say never.
-Norm
thanks for the reminder ...
I want to get out some end of year letters.
gonna write up a post-it right now.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I have a customer I've done a couple of jobs for who are like that.
I give them a price, don't hear anything for months, and then its a big rush. One time I was able to fit them in fairly quickly.
The other times they had to wait well over a month.
And they still didn't learn.
Right now I've got quotes out for 3 jobs they want. A raised floor in the basement, a new sliding door off the kitchen, and a new deck off the slider.
They'll probably call soon, wanting it done for Christmas <G>
Hey Shep,
You KNOW it has to be done by Christmas! The WHOLE family will be there!
:-) LOL
skipj
They'll probably call soon, wanting it done for Christmas <G>
lol. Reminds me of one several years ago.
Went to look at an addition/kithchen remodel. The lady of the house was.....scattered, to say the least. We would be talking about counter tops, then next thing I know she's in the living room wondering if a wall is load bearing or not and how much blah blah blah.
After an hour we haven't gotten anywhere and my head is spinning. I spell out the process for her-design contract,deposit,a FREAKING IDEA of what she wants,etc.
She wants to know schedule. I say usually about 12-16 weeks, but....we are a ways away from being ready to schedule this one. I review the necessary steps again.
Send a design contract with a very clear set of instructions on how to proceed, dont hear anything at all. No phone,email,snail mail, zippo.
16 weeks after the our meeting, I get a call. "When are you gonna start?" "Uh,WTF?" "You said 12-16 weeks, when are you gonna start? We want this done in time for our family reunion."
Turns out she had decided,on her own, that since we had done a job a couple years previous for a friend of hers, we could trust each other and a contract of any kind was unnecessary. Friends dont let friends screw contractors over seemed to be the logic, I guess.
Needless to say I passed.
Naive but refreshing !
Ok, so you're not telepathic either.
Nice to know I'm not the only one who can't read customers minds.
definitely finished by XMas ...
of next year.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Along the same lines of this thread...
Check your messages even if your phone deosn't say that you have any.
Just checked my phone, for another message that just came in.
Was another message on there - huh.
From 2 days ago - huh.
Just a customer who wanted me to finish out the details on her condo - thurs to monday.
.
.
.
.
.
.
IN THE FR4ICKIN' BAHAMAS!
They wanted to fly me down to hang ceiling fans etc.
I feel a little sick.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
what ...
and miss all this great weather!
that sucks ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa