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Fired my first client this year

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(@brad-ott)
Posts: 6185
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Dear potential new client,

After reviewing the attached agreement, and also after completing the initial site walk visits last week in M and B Counties I have decided that unfortunately we have to decline your company's request for our professional land surveying services.

I wanted to let you know this just as soon as the decision was made in order to give you the best opportunity to seek out other professionals who may be able to help.

This is just an arrangement that I do not believe would be mutually beneficial.

Respectfully submitted,

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 4:29 am
(@holy-cow)
Posts: 25292
 

Excellent display of character. No excuses and no accusations. Just the bare fact that you will not participate.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 4:47 am
(@jimmy-cleveland)
Posts: 2812
 

There have been a few jobs that I wished I would have taken this approach.

Well done

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 5:07 am
(@dave-ingram)
Posts: 2142
 

I have found that many times when I take this approach they actually turn out to be good clients in the long run.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 5:44 am
(@shawn-billings)
Posts: 2689
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Sometimes a very necessary approach. Well stated.

I've never understood the mindset that a surveyor in private practice must take every job, but I've heard surveyors make that assertion.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 6:02 am
(@dave-ingram)
Posts: 2142
 

I agree with you, but ....

And I don't want this to sound political, but it is ......

But how long do you think you'll be able to refuse a client with some of the stuff that has gone on lately with people of a different life style suing a bakery; ruining a pizza shop; etc.

Better get used to it.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 6:13 am
(@paden-cash)
Posts: 11088
 

> I've never understood the mindset that a surveyor in private practice must take every job, but I've heard surveyors make that assertion.

Not around here. I should put a decal on the side of my trucks that says, "Sending A**holes packing since 1997!"

Being able to pick and choose my clientele is probably one of THE most satisfying things about being the one that signs payroll.

Think about it. If you fill you client list full of jerks and idiots, what does that tell a prospective client? It tells them plenty. I have politely turned work away due to circumstances, timing, and differences of other natures and never thought twice about it.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 6:26 am
(@shawn-billings)
Posts: 2689
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> I agree with you, but ....
>
> And I don't want this to sound political, but it is ......
>
> But how long do you think you'll be able to refuse a client with some of the stuff that has gone on lately with people of a different life style suing a bakery; ruining a pizza shop; etc.
>
> Better get used to it.

Don't give a reason for your refusal to provide services, particularly if you feel that it will open you up to that sort of scrutiny.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 6:28 am
(@thadd)
Posts: 78
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As long as you are not dismissing clients due to race, creed, gender, orientation, etc. you are fine.

We are not bakers. When a client is a PIA, you should look to relieve yourself. I have never been disappointed over firing a client; I have been very disappointed when I have not fired a client when I should have.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 6:30 am
(@plumb-bill)
Posts: 1597
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Agreed, happened to me twice now.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 8:33 am
(@dallas-morlan)
Posts: 769
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>
> Think about it. If you fill you client list full of jerks and idiots, what does that tell a prospective client? It tells them plenty. I have politely turned work away due to circumstances, timing, and differences of other natures and never thought twice about it.

Just another way of saying "Word of mouth is the best advertising!" Who do you want doing your advertising?

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 8:37 am
(@holy-cow)
Posts: 25292
 

I've been known to do internet searches of the potential clients. Have one right now that I have not returned their call. It seems they have a nasty habit of not paying their bills.

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 1:37 pm
(@sjc1989)
Posts: 514
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When I see IRS filings against their ground, I don't figure I have much of a chance of collecting. Even if I see they eventually paid it off.

Back burner. Way back.

Steve

 
Posted : 11/05/2015 5:25 pm
(@rplsntx)
Posts: 63
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if they are desperate and/or have a neighbor that's doing something or they are planning on using some crap in court i get nervous....i don't like to be subpoenaed .

 
Posted : 12/05/2015 1:00 am
(@kris-morgan)
Posts: 3876
 

Paden

I've never lost money on a job that I didn't get/take. 🙂

 
Posted : 12/05/2015 12:07 pm
(@paden-cash)
Posts: 11088
 

Paden

Just keep rememberin' that, Kris!

 
Posted : 12/05/2015 1:09 pm
(@jim-in-az)
Posts: 3361
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Paden

AMEN!

 
Posted : 13/05/2015 6:46 am