Today I was processing (my fancy word for opening) my mail. I was totally taken back from a bill that I received. In February I was interviewing landscape designers and landscaping companies. I met with one particular woman, a landscaping designer, who designed the yard for a customer of mine.
I liked her... enough. However, my husband was not blown away with her ideas or her. She was also extremely pricey... $2000.00 just for plans. We ended up not hiring her for the job.
Well today I received an invoice from her for $500.00. I called her to ask her "why am I getting this bill?" To me she replied, "for my time". I chuckled. She then continued, "after we met, I started to design the job". At that point I had to chime in.... "But, you were never given the job". OK, so you see where this went.
I apologized that she has jumped the gun and started designing. I also told her that I was sorry but there was no chance that I'd even consider paying this bill. I also explained, and maybe I shouldn't have, that she really muddied the waters for the potential of future business or referrals from me.
I hung up the phone....floored. I started to think that I'm going to start charging people for CMA's, showings that never materialize and such. What do you think? Sounds like a great idea huh? I'd be retired!
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