how do you all go about turning down customers that you get a gut feeling may be a problem to deal with, whether it be payment, delays, poor coordination or people that you don't really feel comfortable with doing electrical work for because they just seem too ignorant or reckless.

do you tell them "i'm not interested in the project, it seems like it might be a pain."
do you lie and say "i'll get back to you on this" or something like that and not get back to them?
or something better


thanks

How about just being 'too busy' to be able to take the job?
That way you leave the door open if you ever want to work with them in the future...and eliminate the chance that you'll get a bad rep on social media.

Too busy, and/or unable to conform to performing your job in a timely manner.

Worked for me.

When my wife was in the HVAC business a very important skill was just being able to just say "no". Taking on a job that you know you are going to lose money on is bad business. "We are not going to be able to do your job right now" is perfectly acceptable but you can always just price yourself out of the job. If you make the price high enough, it still might be worth doing but make that a big number.

thanks for the suggestions, i like them

what do you think about

"thank you for the consideration but i'm not interested in the project"

if they ask why

"the condition of the property concerns me, and the access to do the work is going to increase the price drastically and i don't think you will be happy with the end price, which means i won't be satisfied with my work, i would only consider that type of work for long-time existing customers."
or
" i get the feeling we might not get along"
or
" i only take problem work like this for long-time existing customers"
or
"i think to do this right would cost more than most people would want to pay and i like for my customers to feel like they got a deal and i wouldn't be able to do that on this job."

"i don't think i am the right contractor for you"

all circumstance dependent obviously

I wouldn't use any of those because the day may come when you need his job to get thru a lean time...or need him to not say mean things about you to other potential customers.
I generally like to give them the impression that I would love to take on their job...but circumstances beyond my control won't allow it.

Remember - Salesmanship is all about telling someone to go to hell in a way that makes them look forward to the trip.

The safest thing is just to price yourself out of competition and be sure that even if they bite, the price is high enough for you to make enough money to make it worthwhile.
These kind of jobs always come with "risk" and that is the part of a contract that too many people do not price out properly.

gfretwell

what if your concerned about payment?

If payment is an issue, run away.

I don't like saying I'm too busy because it might come back to bite me in the ass. A lot of times I try to address the issues head on or price myself out of the job.

Wiresmith:

Your list of 'excuses' above are not something that I would ever say to any clients, back when I ran my business.

Jobs that look like 'problems' require talented approach, and there are no problems that cannot be surmounted, albeit the costs may be high. Explaining the scope of proposed work, and what is required for compliance with Code, and cosmetically is all part of the 'Proposal' stage of all jobs.

As to a concern over payments, spell all payments due within your contract/proposal documents. If you 'feel' that $$$$ looks like an issue, I did what Greg said.....RUN.

My approach of details and dollars, along with the suggestion to unknown clients to 'get at least three (3) estimates/proposals solved the problems of those that appeared 'shaky'.

And, yes, no matter how hard we try, I believe all of us have been 'burned' somewhat over the years.

thanks john,


the issue i have with just running from jobs with fear of non-payment is i see it as a little unprofessional, i'm considering your suggestion, but i'm still looking for a solution where i can be upfront about the issue

If you are not being paid you are not a professional, you are a hobbyist

wiresmith:

OK, do you have a business plan?
Do you write estimates? Then a Contract, when the estimate/proposal is accepted?

Does your paperwork (Estimate/Proposal AND Contract) specifically state a payment schedule, Including a deposit?

Was/is your paperwork reviewed by a lawyer for legality? Do you have a relationship with a lawyer?

All of the above CAN help, although none are a guarantee of not getting burned.