Customers Buying Their Own Paint/materials

Mike Finley

Nancy Reagan said it best back 20 years ago but we all weren't listening...

Nancy said "Just say no!"

LOL

ProWallGuy

Definitely. In fact, it is a big red flag if they even ask that. I am the pro, they are hiring me to do the job. Would you go to your dentist, and say, hey doc, fill this cavitiy, but I don't want to pay for your over-priced filling stuff. Use this Durham's Rock Hard Putty instead, it kick's ass and is very durable. Plus I got like 3 drums of it in my shop.

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

Humble Abode

LOL

I think it was you, Pro, that first talked about an NF? I used it for these particular customers. The ones that "inspired" me to post this thread. They havn't even signed the contract yet and have called me twice with more hoops to jump through...

It's just a simple $1100 interior...

__________________
Just because some of us can read and write and do a little math, that doesn't mean we deserve to conquer the Universe. Kurt Vonnegut, (1922 - 2007) from the Novel 'Hocus Pocus'
The NAPP
Milwaukee Painting Contractor

ProWallGuy

Humble, I would say if they called back twice, they are serious about buying. I would take control if it, and say, Ma'am, or sir, I would love to do this job for you. I know what it is going to take to complete this job successfully, and it will cost you ***. If that is not in your budget, then maybe we are not the right company for you and your project. But thank you very much for allowing me a shot at your project. Have a nice day.

And the proposal gets dropped into the X-file.

Btw, they are already burning up your time by all the call-backs/stipulations. Your profit margin is getting smaller by the minute.

And on a side note, Teetor said way back when about aiming for a particular customer. I have been actively seeking/courting all high-end work. My sale closing is down, but profit margin is up. I don't even want a customer that nickels and dimes you to death. don't get me wrong, they are still there, I just try to dodge them if I'm busy enough. surround yourself with the elite, birds of a feather.........

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

Humble Abode

Don't get me wrong, I want this job. It's easy money and I will be jumping through those hoops. And I will exceed their expectations. This job was a referal from our accountant who likes to call us "his guys." He has had us estimate three of his neighbors houses, so I can't complain, but I still do.

We are doing the same thing. We only leaflet in higher end neighborhoods with 500k + homes. But this being our second year of business we still can't afford to tell the PITA's off. Oh how I long for that day...

__________________
Just because some of us can read and write and do a little math, that doesn't mean we deserve to conquer the Universe. Kurt Vonnegut, (1922 - 2007) from the Novel 'Hocus Pocus'
The NAPP
Milwaukee Painting Contractor

Trey

Humble, I know the feeling, we have been operating here for over 15 years and I still take everything I can. This week coming up I have two million dollar homes to work on 3 one hundres thousand dollar homes, two rental apartments, 50 dumpsters, one dance studio, oh and dress up one $85,000 home for a realator. We are trying to seperate our company into 4 different enitys but the problem is we have a sizeable amount of debt right now so I can not afford 3 or 4 more employees. I would like to run high end, have my wife do the books, hire one guy to run production, and hire another guy to run commercial/industrial and property management. The problem is all my clients want to see and talk to me even if I'm not needed, I have turened into a security blanket, instead of selling more jobs. I'm the CEO, CFO, CMO, head of customer relations, plus head foreman, I don't eat, sleep, fish, golf or anything. If all works out though buy 4th of July we should be debt free, but then I have to buy myself a new truck, and if my equipment doesn't last, I'm up a creek again. If I had to do it all again we would be alot smaller of a company working on higher margin, but we worked ourself into a size company that rely's on cash flow, winter hurt bad, so I'm working triple time to build us back up.I forgot to metion I might be starting a drywall company soon as well, I must be insane.

ProWallGuy

Trey, sounds like the company is running you, and not you running the company. I been there several times, and it ain't no fun. But it does build character :Thumbs:

Good luck

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

Trey

Thanks I need it and you are 100% right. Winter hurt us because no matter what my sales are, taxes, insurance, and phones still need to be paid. Much less my own expenses.So the only way out is alot of work. I'm very stressed, and actually ran my truck into a ditch, I'm fine and the truck should be ok, but now the police are throwing the book at me so time to see a lawyer. We need a nervous breakdown board on these forums.

ProWallGuy

Maybe this would help

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

Trey

PWG, My wife's zanex doesnt seem to. I am probally going to see a doc this week after a lawyer about my tickets. What I need is a VACATION

ProWallGuy

Sorry to hear that. Xanax and Crown Royal are the only things that got me through my wedding.

__________________
Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

Humble Abode

I thought that was funny when you said it... it happened the other day

__________________
Just because some of us can read and write and do a little math, that doesn't mean we deserve to conquer the Universe. Kurt Vonnegut, (1922 - 2007) from the Novel 'Hocus Pocus'
The NAPP
Milwaukee Painting Contractor

AAPaint

It must be going around or something then....cuz I just got the "I think I still have some paint left....." and guess what kind of label was on all 10 of the little gallon cans??? I'll only give you ONE shot!

Humble Abode

LOL


Yea like I said before my partner and I can't wait until we can afford to bail on those kinds of jobs.

__________________
Just because some of us can read and write and do a little math, that doesn't mean we deserve to conquer the Universe. Kurt Vonnegut, (1922 - 2007) from the Novel 'Hocus Pocus'
The NAPP
Milwaukee Painting Contractor

AAPaint

Don't feel bad. I can't afford to bail on these jobs either. $700 in labor putting on crap paint that will take maybe two days by myself....I'll take two please!

Humble Abode

Same here! Not to metion the fact that we get to put our sign up in a really nice neighborhood for a week.

__________________
Just because some of us can read and write and do a little math, that doesn't mean we deserve to conquer the Universe. Kurt Vonnegut, (1922 - 2007) from the Novel 'Hocus Pocus'
The NAPP
Milwaukee Painting Contractor

ProWallGuy

That's great ma'am, let me take that can up to the Benny Moore store, and I'll use it to get some real paint mixed up for you. :Thumbs:

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation