The 30-second visit
Filed in: Contractors
The 30-Second Visit
The man on the TV commercials came by 30 minutes ahead of our confirmed appointment.
His first words were, "I bet you regret taking on this renovation." I said, "No, what I regret is that it's been hard finding people who can do quality work. That's why I called you."
He walked past me toward the kitchen and said, "This is too big a project for us to take on. But thanks for thinking of us." And he turned around and walked out. He never bothered to see more of the house or see the list I typed up just for him.
He was in and out the door in 30 seconds. I was stunned. No handshake hello, or goodbye. Perhaps he thought (wrongly) that I didn't have the money to finish the project or that this home wasn't in the right neighborhood for him. He'll never know who I am, who I know, what I know, or what opportunities he will miss out on that I can provide.
Of course, it's acceptable to turn down a prospective client if you think there isn't a good fit, but don't be so brusque that you miss out on something you may want down the road. I doubt if I'll call his company for the third house I may buy and renovate.
What could he have done instead? You'll find out in the book.
The man on the TV commercials came by 30 minutes ahead of our confirmed appointment.
His first words were, "I bet you regret taking on this renovation." I said, "No, what I regret is that it's been hard finding people who can do quality work. That's why I called you."
He walked past me toward the kitchen and said, "This is too big a project for us to take on. But thanks for thinking of us." And he turned around and walked out. He never bothered to see more of the house or see the list I typed up just for him.
He was in and out the door in 30 seconds. I was stunned. No handshake hello, or goodbye. Perhaps he thought (wrongly) that I didn't have the money to finish the project or that this home wasn't in the right neighborhood for him. He'll never know who I am, who I know, what I know, or what opportunities he will miss out on that I can provide.
Of course, it's acceptable to turn down a prospective client if you think there isn't a good fit, but don't be so brusque that you miss out on something you may want down the road. I doubt if I'll call his company for the third house I may buy and renovate.
What could he have done instead? You'll find out in the book.
