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If I get one more call like this - I may just scream

Got a call this afternoon. A woman told me she was given my name by a good friend, AND her Realtor to do a home inspection. I asked a few questions and gave her a price of $350. There was a long pause. She then told me her Realtor told her it would be about $150.

I told her that she must be mistaken because I didn't even charge $150 when I started in 1989. She got off the phone saying she would get back to me.

A little later I see an e-mail from her. She said that she had also called XYZ Inspections and they quoted her $295, and if I would match the price I could have the job. But she really liked my report style, and her friend said I was really good.

I looked up the guy she mentioned, since I didn't recognize the name. He got his license in Early 2007. He has 11 CEU's. (He's going to need 21 more by the end of this month, but I'm guessing he doesn't know that).

Let's see: he's been in business 22 months and has probably done 250 inspections. He's going to charge $55 less than me. I've been in business about 233 months and done close to 9,000 inspections. He has completed 11 CEU's and I have completed 65 in the same time period. She has two people that referred me. She has seen my report style and likes my attention to detail.

She just doesn't think that I'm $55 better than the other guy.

I think i just decided that I don't want to work for her. She deserves the low priced guy.

Posted by Jack Feldmann on 03/24/2009 08:34 PM

Comments (13)

just dont get it sometimes too cheap for their own good you get what you pay for

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13 Comments on If I get one more call like this - I may just scream

MAR

You know and I know if it was the 55 dollars she would not have emailed you... Apparently your the man and she knows it but like everyone else these days shes trying to wear you down. Keep to your guns and she'll come around.

Hello Jack, I sell the value of a GREAT inspection to my buyers. I tell them they need someone certified and experienced...like me, but in another area that is going to take great care of their needs! Now I'm wondering, what type of agent does this lady have? Did you recognize the agent's name?

Good for you Jack! I like not only the attitude, but your opinion (that she deserves the other guy...!)

Hi Jack~ Yes, she deserves the other guy. You get what you pay for. NEXT......

Jack - I want to scream for you just reading that. Those kind of calls drive me nuts.

Yes I do know the Realtor. I'm guess she told this woman to call me to schedule. I think I'd rather pull weeds than do her insepction.

Jack, we all go through it. I've had 3 or 4 in the last 2 weeks. There is one good thing about that though, business is picking up. Hope the next one is better.

Hi: Jack, sorry to hear about that phone call I get a lot of them. Some people when I tell them my price they said "that is expensive" then I said relative to what you are buying a home for $350000 to $600000 don't you want it checked out from top to bottom?

Go Jack!! I think you should tell her due to economic conditions your prices have just increased $50.00!

Jack, tell her you would be happy to do it for $495.00:). I flat out don't deal with price anymore----if they want me they pay what I charge-----if they don't want that, and are willing to go with the guy that charges 5 dollars less, I don't really want to work with them. This job is not about the money at all, and I am not going to be humiliated over $5.00. Like you----these people drive me nuts (if you can't tell:)

MAR

Jack, I just had a similar call recently. The woman however was a realtor. Turns out a part timer and from what I could gather new to the business. Basically the same conversation. She called two other guys and I was $50 higher. She says she liked me best and if I could match the price... I called her and told her no. She got very angry!

The best quote from her was "that for the same service I was a lot higher than my competition."

UPDATE!! This morning I told my wife that if this woman calls. I really didn't want to do the job. Well, she did call. My wife scheduled the job. She then kind of put me in my place.

My feelings were hurt that she did not value my experience, professionalism, etc.

I sent the kind of nasty e-mail back telling her she should go with the bottom feeding scum sucking....errr, lower priced guy.

I was pissed off and my one feeling was hurt. I was gonna show her.

Well, my wife so wisely pointed out that I DID make my point, because she did call back. She DID listen to her friend and Realtor, because she DID call back. I AM going to do the job for the price I quoted.

I guess I needed her to smack me in the head a little.

I guess I can now dazzle her with my sparkling personality and lightning quick wit. I will turn this woman around and MAKE her want to give my name out to everyone she knows that need an inspection. I HAVE A MISSION

MAR

Hi Jack,

I also receive many calls from price shoppers. It is to be expected, especially in this market where it seems everyone is offering discounts and rebates. Actually I sometimes enjoy talking with these people because I am able to actually set my business apart from my competition. We offer so much more than the other inspection services that most clients use us even though we are a little more expensive. We need to realize that there are Wal-Marts and Dollar Stores for a reason, not everyone wants quality.

Cheers,

Howard Tennyson

www.acehomeinspection.biz

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