Was I right to say no?

[deanosnana]

The thing is, I now feel a little bit guilty, as she is a valued client, but I do feel I have to draw the line somewhere when it comes to the areas I cover, otherwise I'd be going here, there and everywhere!
I don't like turning business away of course, but I think that I should stick to my own rules!
So, was I right to say no? What would you have done?

Thanks in advance for your opinions geeks!!

Personally, I would have done it. If you have a valued client and she was asking a favor, why not do it? You never know where that one mani could lead.

Best of luck!

 

[persianista]

I have a large salon and personally run an enormous clientelle. Even I work late to help a client out, and was happy to drive for an hour and a half at silly o clock one saturday morning to do hair for a wedding 2 counties away! Yes you must put yourself out for clients.
This is a service industry. Never ever forget that.

 

[Pebbles#1]

If you had the time in your diary you should have taken the booking. I agree you have to have limits when mobile but you must look at the bigger picture. By doing the manicure you would have pleased your loyal client who very easily could have booked a therapist in her mums area to do the treatment. |You would have also pleased her mum with a lovely treatment. The best business is word of mouth. Who knows it may bring you some more business when her mum recommends you to others

 

[Mich77]

Thanks for all your advice geeks.......I did ring her back, and told her as she was a valued client, I had reconsidered and would be more than happy to go and do it! She chuckled and said, ok, I will check with my mum and let you know. I am going to do her infills next week, so I will find out then if she still wants me to do it!

I think the reason I was fairly reluctant to really 'put myself out' as it were, and travel all over etc is because of past experience and my other half and our garage!!
He is also one to put himself out for others, and I suppose I have seen over the years how much his customers take the p*** out of him, by expecting him to be there at all hours of the evening, even though they know he shuts up shop at 5.30, and expect him to drop everything he is doing and fix their car straight away etc.....
It has even caused problems in our relationship in the past because of his inabillity to say no to people, and coming home at stupid o'clock of an evening, purely because a customer popped in to see him as he was closing and asked if he could just do something quick!
I guess I just thought to myself that I'd never run my business the same way, as I felt if I did it once, then they'd expect me to do it all the time, like his customers do.
Sometimes he complains about it, and I never sympathise, I just tell him, he built a rod for his own back!! lol
I also know that my other half never gets any extra thanks for the way he puts himself out for others, so I suppose I was just basing my way of doing things and sticking to my own rules because of this!
Oh well, maybe I am wrong, and shouldn't tar all clients/customers of different industries with the same brush!! lol

 

[geeg]

Thanks for all your advice geeks.......I did ring her back, and told her as she was a valued client, I had reconsidered and would be more than happy to go and do it! She chuckled and said, ok, I will check with my mum and let you know. I am going to do her infills next week, so I will find out then if she still wants me to do it!

I think the reason I was fairly reluctant to really 'put myself out' as it were, and travel all over etc is because of past experience and my other half and our garage!!
He is also one to put himself out for others, and I suppose I have seen over the years how much his customers take the p*** out of him, by expecting him to be there at all hours of the evening, even though they know he shuts up shop at 5.30, and expect him to drop everything he is doing and fix their car straight away etc.....
It has even caused problems in our relationship in the past because of his inabillity to say no to people, and coming home at stupid o'clock of an evening, purely because a customer popped in to see him as he was closing and asked if he could just do something quick!
I guess I just thought to myself that I'd never run my business the same way, as I felt if I did it once, then they'd expect me to do it all the time, like his customers do.
Sometimes he complains about it, and I never sympathise, I just tell him, he built a rod for his own back!! lol
I also know that my other half never gets any extra thanks for the way he puts himself out for others, so I suppose I was just basing my way of doing things and sticking to my own rules because of this!
Oh well, maybe I am wrong, and shouldn't tar all clients/customers of different industries with the same brush!! lol

I think you are wrong.

It is doing that extra that will get him and you the work ... anyone at all can work 9-5. Those are not the ones who will have the reputation of going out of their way for their clients.

Whether or not you think the clients are grateful . I'm sure they are and because of that will return to your partner and to you. You never get anywhere without hard work in this life and without some sacrifice.

Why do you see it as people taking the piss? I see it as .. my car won't work and I need it asap!!! Please accommodate me!
My nail just broke and I need it fixing NOW or all my nails will look bad.
We should be there to do it for them.

 

[minky]

Hi, I have been reading this with interest and I am really glad you rang her back I am sure it made her happy
and as long as all the clients are paying the proper prices and are being charged a little extra petrol money where its required ,
then I think this is why you and your Hubby are so busy ,
you must be giving them really good customer service having so many returning clients

regarding your Hubby and people taking the **** I can fully inderstand you feeling this way if they are not paying him properly ?
and if this is the case he must charge properly if he is in business,

but just think if your Hubby wasn't a mechanic....... and your car broke down and you were booked solid for the next few days
just think how grateful you would be if someone went out of the way for you to stay a bit late and fix it for you ? I'll bet you wouldnt mind paying a bit extra cash for a mechanic to stay late ,
I know I wouldnt mind paying a bit extra for someone who is willing to stay after hours, or travel a bit further ,
hope that made sense :hug: x minky

 

[Mich77]

Well after giving it alot of thought, I think you are both right Geeg and Minky, so you'll be pleased to know I'm going to be changing my ways pronto! lol