ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Ethics: What to do?

Charge as normal.

I don't have a problem giving a discount or giving it for free even, but I do have a problem with doing that and then trying to convince yourself it is a good business move. If you want to discount do it out of compassion or sympathy. I have a real problem with the idea that "I'll give this guy a break, and I'll get more work." You might get more work, but it will be more discounted work. The best thing I ever did was raise my rates. If you charge a good rate and get more work and referals, they are already sold at the higher rate.

Kind of in the same vein.... also avoid working with and for people who want to be "Buddies" or at least resist being their "buddy." keep it professional, you don't need anymore "friends" who you help out, and then help out their buddies.

But back on topic..... there is a difference between overlooking a fellow electrician/competitor who made a mistake, and one who is clearly unqualified. Mahlere, how could you think of suggesting the company who facilitated this transaction offered good service. For that matter the pizza delivery boy probably could have offered better service (quicker response and cheaper bill). I'd give him my opinion..... If this tech worked for me I'd either fire him, or get him back to running parts (as long as he's still making $10 per hour).

Oh, sorry about that Roger. Hope I haven't offended you or anyone else.

long winded angry post.

[This message has been edited by mahlere (edited 10-11-2006).]

Mahlere, I would like to say thanks. Hearing other points of view will help me in the future from being to generous and more carefull when it comes to having to deal with an electrical mess that someone else has left. Whether it be a honest mistake or not.

luke,

i'm not sure how to take that post, it's hard to convey things on this internet.

But I hope you realize that I am advocating doing right by the customer. Just not taking a loss because another company did them wrong. If they didn't want to pay for the right fix, they should have called the 1st company back on a warranty call.

The only thing I would add, is that I would call the owner of the 1st company and give him a heads up. If it's a larger company, he may not even know what happened. (tech, office staff and manager may know, but not necessarily the owner)

All I did is make a post about consumers remmembering contractors who are honest, and you make it into another one of your personal attacks.

You need help.

rubbish post

[This message has been edited by mahlere (edited 10-11-2006).]

Her's a twist: would anyone even consider, for a second, letting the other contractor know their guy dropped the ball?

John, he already knows, he doesn't care, he got $450.

Why do you think he has to do so much advertising?

see post below

[This message has been edited by mahlere (edited 10-10-2006).]