Discussions
When the customer is WRONG
Posted by Anok • 7/03/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: stupid aholes.
We've all heard the age old cliche "The customer is always right" but that is not always the case.
Long story short, I unveiled the bike today, and all I got was "It's not what I wanted".
Really? Because here are the sketches you provided for me to go on. Looks exactly like what you wanted.
"But those were quick sketches! What I really wanted was for it to look like this...."
Then you should have provided what you really wanted it to look like the first go 'round. I'm not psychic.
I'm also not redoing it. I did what was asked of me.
Grrrr.
User Comments
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What do you do with the bikes? Let's see some pics.
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I can't upload photos on this computer
This was a paint job though - tank and fender.
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Customers are not always right. Some of them use this really used up line to take advantage of the products as well as the employees. I have dealt with impossible people in my different jobs and I always softly turn them down. No I am not rude but I let them know who is in charged.If they shout on my face I just smile and reason out with them coldly to let them know such behavior is unprofessional.-
The problem is what happens when it's all said and done? The product is finished. He wants me to re-do the whole thing. Two weeks almost three weeks of work!
I swear, he's acting like a child.
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Wow that person is a total Diva. Ask him if he can sing that high. Kidding. That's the problem. You can't always choose your customer. That is why it is important to have a warranty seal or something that he needs to sign before making the purchase. This could be a lesson for future business transactions. You can also reason with him in a nice way. Tell him the benefits of the 'new' design. Sometimes a smile or maybe a bottle of beer can do a person good. If not then you have to do harder tactics.
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Have customers sign a non-refundable agreement. Have them initial the sketches. If they initial the sketches it is a binding contract. You can make another bike for them, their just not getting their money back, pending they had given a deposit...lol-
That's another good idea
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In the art world (and various sub-art worlds) there is always a 10% non refundable downpayment. That is to cover the costs of materials and some of the time should a client opt to never bother to pick up their commission. (It happens often enough - you'd be surprised).
But like Celtic up there said Diiiivvvvaaaaaaa! Some people are just never satisfied. -
I agree with deoangel. We don't allow people to mess us around in our business. The customer signs the contract and that's that.
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I mean, what if you make another bike again and he doesn't like it. I think he is just trying to be difficult. You may be spending more money than you are making.
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If we can find a compromise, that will be good. That's my name out there, and that's my bread and butter - I don't need my work getting trashed.
*sigh* -
Agreed and that's why we refuse to negotiate in our business. In the early years we experienced idiots like the one you described then I brought the hammer down. Contract!
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One bad review doesn't affect anything. People will consider the source. (He says, speaking from much experience). -
This can be a tough field, though. It's word of mouth - reputation based. I count on my work advertising itself, but if I'm being labeled as a primadonna I could be toast, real quick.
I watched as a fellow striper (established) quoted a price to a potential customer - and his attitude and out-of-reach pricing quickly had his potential customers coming to me, instead. It can be that harsh -
I have to deal with word of mouth issues and online negative reviews all the time. You can't let this one person hold you hostage. Maybe you need to treat the sitch a little like online reputation management.
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Perhaps....perhaps....
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Things like this take ingenuity and time. Happier future customers will wipe out one negative review. Got anyone who was happy with your work who would provide you with testimonials?
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Maybe I've got a few jackets out that people see and ask about. That oughtta count for sumthin
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Build up a loyal following on Facebook. I've found it to be a much more effective tool than twitter.
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Personally - if he provided those sketches and you did exactly that - then if he wants something else - he will need to pay you for those changes.
You have done what was asked of you. -
I agree with wagerwitch. I would NOT bend. You did the job as specified. You deserve to be paid for the extra work and that's that.
Also you are far too busy to discuss when you might be able to schedule any extra work for the next 2 to 3 days. Idiots tend to become brighter when we can't be reached and they have to think about things for a couple of days.-
I agree! If he can find someone else to buy the bike thats already made, then it would be a great compromise
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Be diplomatic, and find a compromise. But you should get paid extra for extra work. -
Wow, thanks guys - I feel much better now I was beginning to feel like a bit of a bitch about this.
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- Stand your ground. My husband and I have been in business for over 30 years and have heard every line that's ever been spieled. When anyone becomes an idiot my husband is suddenly unavailable.
"I'm so sorry Sir but he's away on a business trip so you have to deal with me. Now what did you say the problem was again?" -
Heh I had to make sure that this was not an issue of my ego getting in the way. WHen I was in school, one of the biggest hurdles was getting over the subjectiveness of art - and the preciousness of one's own art - so that you could actually function in the art world. Sometimes complaints of this nature can sting on a personal level.
I have to make sure that it my reaction is based on principle, and not a bruised ego -
- Been there - done that - years ago. This isn't about ego. It's about an idiot who is trying to manipulate you. Do NOT be accommodating! You are far too busy to discuss when you might be able to schedule any extra work for the next 2 to 3 days. Let him think about things for a couple of days.
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If your work matches or is above the level of the sketches - then you have done your work.
He cannot envision what YOU as an ARTIST produces.
If he does NOT like the work - he can commission you to redo it - but YOU have provided the artwork LIKE he stated.
If he envisioned something else - then he needed to communicate that to you.
Let this be a learning lesson for him.
You could - however be kind - and advise him, since he is not happy with what he asked for you'd be willing to change it for him for a discounted price - and again you BOTH go over the BLUEPRINT --- and he needs to be specific about what he envisions - and you need to be able to tell him if it's possible or not. -
NO! Do not negotiate. Do not in any way shape or form allow this person to manipulate you. Stand your ground.
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In explaining - advise him that you did EXACTLY what the sketches requested.
And you have spent YOUR TIME - YOUR MONEY - and YOUR PRODUCTS on this art piece.
It is exactly what he wanted - the sketches there prove it.
If he wants it done differently now - he needs to pay more for the time and the products involved.
I guess that explains what I mean better.-
Thanks : )
I think letting some time pass is best - I've already explained that I created what I was instructed to create. I was then accused of messing it up intentionally. *sigh* -
I was then accused of messing it up intentionally.
We've been there Anok. False accusations are a manipulative tool. Do not speak to him for at least 2 - 3 days -- urgency is a manipulative tool. Needing the money can also lead you to become a victim of manipulation.
P.S. Make sure you have photocopies of the sketches and photographs of the bike for future reference. -
Yep.
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If i had a nickel for every time a customer was wrong I wouldn't need to have any customers at all. As Ms Thief says, Stand your ground, earn a nickel.-
LOL
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Oooh TT -- You're Ms Thief now - too cool!
LOL!
I really like that.
It may just stick now. It's cute.
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Well, are you gonna finish the damn bike for me or not?
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Do you want a bike? We'll design one for you for sure! Might be a bit tough since you're so far away, I would need you state's registration/street legal requirements...
Hey, wait, don't get my hopes up! -
Actually, I am scared if bikes.
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Really? Beloved has a 1973 Norton 850 Commando Cafe Racer in mint condition. Previous to that he had Triumphs - only British bikes - he likes doing the mechanical work.
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Oh noes! How about a trike, then? Really, once you get the hang of them it is addictive. (And cheaper than a car, too
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No kidding, TT! Sweet.
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I would love to have a trike.
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I want to build one out of a VW bug
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I'm so clumsy I'd just crash it. I had a photography teacher in high school who totally scrambled his back in a motorcycle accident. Lost use of both his legs and eventually blew his brains out from the pain. So consequently I don't like bikes.
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Ouch *winces* that can happen - although fortunately, not much.
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Please Mrs. Anarchist Lady, don't make me ride the scary bike!
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Mrs. Anarchist... LMAO!
WoW - we've got some new nicknames - too funny! -
OH OK! I won't make you ride the scary bike
Maybe a little 50 will suit you better (it's a dirtbike built for kids - it doesn't go very fast ) -
Give it four wheels and turn it into a car and you've got yourself a deal!
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Isn't it funny? When you let people push you the first time they will push you again and again.Some people will always find that weak spot in us in order to get what they want. Setting up your boundaries will give them that signal not to mess with you because you might be nice looking and really sweet but you carry within you Wolverine's metal claws.
to echo from Bugs Bunny " I speak softly but I carry a big stick!" By the way my friends gave up teaching me to ride bikes because I don't have a good sense of coordination. Sigh.-
That's another reason trikes are cool. Balancing isn't an issue.
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Yeah...you do need some coordination Do you have trouble with standard cars, as well?
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Cornering can be trickeir - unless you get one of those weird camber bikes. Have you seen those?
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OOPS! Yes, I know what you mean now -- brain fart -- sorry
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Lemme see if I can find a picture of one - the wheels lean, rather than you leaning the bike/trike when you corner. It corrects the cornering problem in trikes (but the one on the market have two wheels up front, rather than in back).
This is sort of what it looks like:
images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_01...
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Hahahaha I don't drive too lol. But I know I have to learn eventually.
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Not if you live in an area where other transportation is readily available!
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Thank goodness I live in that area.By the way you should let us see your bikes. For the sake of fun
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I gots no photo skillz right now. Stupid computer
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On a totally different side note, did anyone see that Sarah Palin just quit?
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I did! We have been discussing it on the political board. How weird!
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Sell her a paint job on a snow machine!
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Hahahahahahaha *snort* LoLlol
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LOL.I hope she still makes news
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One of Anok's paint jobs?-
Hahahahahahahahahahah!
You guys are the greatest, you know that? I feel so much better now!
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