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- #21
- Do better research on available various trades I did the research, he is qualified for medigas, and does plumbing for Seagate contract, and Parmas Development. Recommended by superintendents of these companies.
- don't ask that friend for any more references I never said the references were from friends.They were colleagues.
- never ever let a minor cost issue get to a point of a claim on clients title That's easy to say, but he would not even consider negotiation. He jumped the gun immediately.
- contractual clarity on issues like travel costs and parts pickup He made it clear that he charges one way, then changed his ways. Do you really think that he would say that he charges 2 ways, and needs 2.5 hours to pick up a p-trap and 2 compression fittings? I expect them to be efficient.
- never allow client involvement in your negotiations with subs, that's why he hired you Client was informed, not involved.
- never ever ever advertise or let it be known that There may have been a breakdown in your job management So let them be surprized? I have an honest open book agreement with most of my customers.
- consider seeking trades that you can create a relationship that includes some incentives for them if completed on time within monetary expectations, with a promise of consistent future work They are not puppets, and don'tt need hero cookies. They are supposed to be professionals and know I expect nothing short of excellence. I told him that I need a good, reliable, honest plumber to do installs for quality high end (up to $150,000) kitchens, they are fully aware that it isn't the cheap seats.
- never forget , it takes years to create a reputation of being a competent reliable General, only takes a couple jobs, your fault or not , to cause speculation and doubt in consumers mind, and they always have lots of choices in front of them. All my work and customers are based on referral. I do not advertise.
I'm sure there are lots more that others can offer, or that disagree with my suggestions , but long term , solid, wide spread reputations are earned from jobs that go smooth , and as soon as you say things like ,the client was on your side (but the lien was placed) and the client understood, etc, IMO, the damage has already been done. When he's asked by potential clients how it went , he's gonna say things like , well it went well except for the this and that , that's not a good reference , doesn't matter if it wasn't your fault.
What damage? Both of these customers are on board and understand. I create a close relationship with my customers, they totally trust me, and I have gotten nothing short of their total respect from all of them. If I withold any info, the trust is breached.
It's too bad that you have no idea of what I do, and never will..
... But thanks for your opinions.