Nowadays, trust is gained one deal at a time.

I'm a pretty simple guy. I've always said that it's easier to be me than it is to be multiple people. I don't want to have a public persona and a private persona.  What you see is what you get, warts, bad hair and all. 

Another characteristic of me is that I'm a very loyal person. I will never throw a friend under the bus even if it means I get run over by the bus. I won't lie to you or about you. I won't cheat you. I won't try to manipulate you or trick you. I have always felt that I answer to higher power, and as long as I make God happy, I'm good.

Last week, my son needed to have his car repaired. Jon and I do most of the repairs on his car, but this time we couldn't do the repair. It needs to be in a shop with engine lifts and other specialty tools that I would love to buy, but I don't have a place to store. So, I started shopping around for a shop to do the repair. 

This is one area where I am very distrusting of the person on the other end of the line. I would love to find a shop where I know that the owner will always have my best interest at heart. I haven't, yet. I called the shop I've taken my Volvo to and found that their price was 300% higher than the next closest shop. 

I inquired about a repair I need on my Volvo and it was the same thing. A full 400% over the next closest shop.  My only response is to say, "Goodbye folks." You have abused my trust, and I'm moving on.  We will not negotiate this one.There will be no divorce papers sent to your shop, but you will not see me again, and I will never recommend anyone to your shop. So, consider our relationship over. Don't call me, and don't assume it was just a misunderstanding. It was theft. You were not looking out for me.

I just had a similar situation with an insurance company. I have all of my insurance policies reviewed by multiple companies every year. Why? Because when someone makes his/her living on commission I have a very fluid trust in them. I want to trust them, but I will make sure they are trustworthy by checking with other companies to see if I'm getting the best deal my faithful agent can provide.

If the estimates come back for the exact insurance and they're 30% lower, bye bye.  I can live with 5% or thereabouts, but when it rises above that, it tells me that I am no longer a valued client, but I have become a meal ticket. 

What do you do? Do you assume that the person offering their services to you at the repair shop is making sure your best interests are being met? Or, do you assume your insurance agent is making sure you get the very best deal for your current needs? What about your title company, home inspector, plumber, electrician or any other service provider in your profession?  There is nothing wrong with checking on those who work with you. If they are making sure they protect your interests, you'll know right away.  If not . . . .

 

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Give me a call, or email me for all your real estate needs, and let's make something amazing happen. 

mikecooper@cbginc.net, 888-722-6029

Cell: 540-336-5522

 

Real Estate Sales and Property Management         

 

 

(Disclaimer:  All grammatical mistakes, punctuation breakdowns and misspellings are purely for your amusement and entertainment.   Feel free to cackle.)