Category: Let's talk
Something weird has been happening. Some time ago I was contacted by someone who has a virus on his computer. He had heard my ad on the radio and he requires my survices. We schedule a time an he doesn't show up. I give him a call and he says "um, uh, my starter went on my truck! Give me a couple days and we'll reschedule." Well, no big deal. So 2 days later I call. "oh, uh" he starts, "I'm working close to you...but...we'll work something out. It'll be soon; thanks for checking in!" My question is:
What's going on? Should I just say the hell with it? My wife believes it is just strange and I should just not work with this guy. I might have to do that but I hate to say no to money. What's the deal? Is this guy just fucking around? I feel silly writing this as I feel I should know better.
There's no way to be certain. He could be unwilling to commit or whatnot, and he could honestly just be bad at planning stuff. It depends on how long it persists and exactly how shifty he seems.
I say, go with your intuition. If the guy can't even seem to be able to make an appointment with you then, will he pay you in a timely manner? Will he pay you at all?
Just some thoughts.
Well if it's just one excuse after another with him I'll wait it out. If he calls he calls. That's probably the best way to handle it.
I would just leave it and let him contact you again if he needs your help. Don't keep calling him. And if he does call again and schedules an appointment, let him know that if he does not keep that appointment your time is too valuable to keep scheduling appointments that are not kept.
You're absolutely correct. I cannot be screwing around. I just don't have the time for bullshit.
Have him pay you something upfront if he wishes an appointment.
Talk about what services he wishes, and tell him before you start, you receive whatever up front.
That way, you don't care if he shows or not.
Many type businesses do this.
Oh wow. So you can take viruses off of my computer? As soon as I get this starter fixed, I'll bring the laptop over...
For you Anthony, I'll need money up front. lol
You said you have an ad on the radio. Do you also have a website for your consulting business? Is there any way this guy could have Googled you in an attempt to find reviews,, found out that you're blind, and decided he didn't want your help anymore? Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, but it might be something to consider.
Becky
Good question. I don't advertise that I am blind. Not because I am ashamed of course but because it isn't relevant in my view. So I am starting to think he heard my ad, saw the website and thought "I'm lonely...I'll waste somebody's time now."
Wayne has an excellent point, ask him for payment upfront if you do decide to take him on at some point. I wish more businesses operated that way, honestly.
I may have to start operating that way if such things keep happening.
At least half, or some % of the total cost of your services that make it worth you taking an appointment.
Say you give a person 1 hour to show, or that money is lost.
Recording studios, and other such places make you pay in advance.
They don't care when you show up, and will wait for you for the time you've booked.
If you show up 30 minutes before your sessions over, you get 30 minutes.
ah, the old win win situation. :)
margorp, why wait till there's a "next time?" if I were you I wouldn't want there to be so I'd change my polocies ASAP.
I didn't say I'm going to wait. I guess the reason I am so relaxed is because I do so many things that I can afford to be relaxed about it.
you said you were gonna wait it out if it was just excuse after excuse with him. that's the same thing as saying you'll wait till next time, but how are you supposed to determine what classifies as too many excuses? sounds to me like that's too much work, work that you aren't even getting paid for at that! it's your situation to handle however you want though. I simply added my two cents worth.
I meant wait it out with this guy. The ball is in his court.
your choice. that doesn't change what I said though.