A recent email reminded me of a lesson I wish I learned sooner.
A prospective client wanted my expertise pruning a hedge in a town 45 minutes away. I calculated travel and gave a rough estimate to see if we were in the same ballpark. They said the job was worth a quarter of my quote.
I don’t want to offend clients, or future clients, here. If I’ve worked for you or visited to discuss a job, please know I’m not referring to you.
Unfortunately, there are some people you’re never going to please. You’re never going to have a low enough price, quick enough availability, etc. It’s good to recognize these situations early and use your time talking to clients who value your expertise and time.
Don’t be afraid to politely say no.
Don’t let others determine your worth.
Just because someone is only willing to pay a quarter of your quote doesn’t mean you’re worth a quarter of your quote. It’s them, not you. There will always be people who want you to lower your price and give away the farm.
Of course, if you don’t get any jobs that’s a sign too. I suggest reading a book on sales discussing closing ratio and what it means to your business.
Keep your head high and your shoulders back when looking at jobs. You’re the expert and deserve your quote!
Comments
6 responses to “Don’t Let Others Determine Your Worth”
I agree with you completely. When they can get somebody that will do the job for 25% of your price. they will be paying for somebody less skilled and the work will probably be a hacking of the hedge and not a pruning.
It’s frustrating for sure Mark. I have yet to find a way to show people that all pruning, landscaping even lawn mowing ISN’T created equal. Even with the YouTube videos. I know different people want different levels of service, myself included. However, I don’t understand how some expect to pay the same for expert pruning as someone with no training and get the same results.
I completely agree with you and Mark.. If you are too expensive in their eyes, then let them hire cheep and live with what they end up getting. I have one very difficult client, and after charging her $10 to drive 8 miles to take dead geraniums out of two raised patio pots last November, I’m not sure she wants me back this year. Normally I would do it for nothing for a congenial, elderly person, but because of everything else I put up with, and I am a lot older than she is, I charged her.
Wow, Kay. You’re a kind person for sure. I think this industry attracts a lot of very kind, caring people who are like lambs to the slaughter to some people. I thought if I was kind and honest to others they would be the same to me. Life simply isn’t that way. I fear my last couple posts make me come across as a cruel, callous person, I hope that’s not the case. I feel a need to share my experiences so others in the field can learn from them.
Because it is snowing, and I am confined to my apartment because of you know what I am getting caught up on neglected computer stuff. Thanks you for your kind beginning. I will never stop treating people how I want to be treated, unless they continue to turn the table, then I will treat them like they treat me, then wonder why they are like they are. Do not quit sharing your experiences, I find it mostly confirming and also educational.
Kay, I wish I had the whole talking to prospective clients thing figured out. I don’t think I’ll ever get it. I just posted a video on YouTube where I share the same story and you can see the heartbreak on my face.
I’m nice to clients but I’ve learned to recognize signs earlier and set the groundwork of how I work early as well. Again, not everyone, but some people will keep taking until you say enough. I wish I learned that lesson earlier.