Resturant customer calls up. Needs air conditioning. He took over the place a 2 years ago. From the description it sounded like one I estimated for the previous owners a few years back.
I say to the guy," I quoted this job a few years back. I could probably use my old engineering if nothing has changed." He said, "Oh yes it has changed all I need is the outdoor thing." " I had XYZ Sheet Metal put in an air handler and ducting. Now he saids because of government regulations he can't get a condensing unit."
Hmmmmm. I know the owner of XYZ Sheet Metal. So I call him up. Bud what's up with this restuarant guy. Come to find out he stiff him 6 grand for the work he already did.
The restaurant guy called and wanted to know why I didn't keep my appointment yesterday.
I sent him a note saying that since we talked I got some big jobs and I can not take on any more work at this time.
I also sent a copy to Bud at XYZ, just to make his day.
I like it! He'll keep dialing though. He'll find someone else to stiff.
I'm very friendly with 2 or 3 other small shops in my area. We regularly share info and help each other out. The great part is that if someone stiffs one of us, he doesn't have a chance to stiff the other 2 or 3. Working with my competitors has worked out much better than beating each other up.
One of the great things about living in a town of 140,000 is all the HVACR guys know each other... Only the city guys coming up here to snatch work get ripped like that.
Is this a Fabreze moment? C.Y.D. I'm voting white elephant. 2¢. My competition are my best salespeople!
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