While I agree that telling a lie to a customer can make a contactor look bad, I do not agree that this instance justifys your bitterness. I’m sure in the many years you have been in buisness you have run into your share of shady contractors and they have left a bad taste in your mouth. I do not think this gives you the right to assume that everyone you run across is one of these. As I explained I am very honest and upfront with customers about the risks of this type of wash. More so than most of the washers in my area from what I’ve been told. Im the first person to suggest the right thing over the things that make me money and I’m proud of that. So next time lets have a conversation befor you just assume im some liar trying to rip people off.
Regardless of legalities, IBS is spot on that honesty is best.
Never said you were ripping people off. Just don’t care for the lying to customers. Like I said, I don’t sub to you or sleep in your bed. Carry on with what you can live with
Well then maybe I should re think my approach. I just don’t see it as a lie ment to decive anyone out of anything.Its not like I’m telling people their house would be fine, having them sign a waiver, then ruining their home just to make a buck. I would never consider running my buisness that way. But if me doing it this way makes other contractors i repect question my integrity then maybe I’m doing it wrong.
Just don’t lie to the customer, Just explain to the customers that there are very high risk with washing aluminum siding. Then ur waiver should explain everything that could happen and if they choose to move forward with washing of their home after everything that could happen to their home was explained that u will not be held liable. Just my 2cents… u never know one of ur customers could get on here looking for answers about what they are told and come across this.
If you read what I posted you would see that’s exactly what I do. The only diffrence is when I explain the waiver I say my insurance requires it. More of a way to make it an un negotiable part of the transaction that to decive someone.
If I’m going to be crucified for being honest then so be it. And as far as one of my customers reading this goes I’m not the least bit worried about it. I’ve been nothing but honest from the start. Guess that’s my real fault. Enjoy!
I did read it I was just stating try to leave out that ur insurance company makes u have them sign a waiver. Be truthful by explaining way they are singing it.
Did you read the part where I said that maybe I should reconsider how I’m doing it?
And you still felt the need to lead with…“Just don’t lie to customers.” Because I’m sure I’m the first person in the history of this forum to take this approach right? Or am I just the first to be honest about it.
Just stating that being truthful goes a long way. I was just letting u know that there could be a chance a customer could search and come across this and could give u a bad name… Not bashing u in any way
Then I misunderstood your intentions. Rest assured my point of view on the matter has been changed. While I’m not fully sold that my way is not the best option the legal side of the argument is going to change my approach.
I think protecting yourself AND your customer is a good thing. And their are scammers out there. I just filed mechanics lien paperwork on a guy here who was only the 2nd ever to stiff me because I couldn’t get the stain overspray from his arbor off white vinyl siding. The house was completely cleaned otherwise and I didn’t promise to get the stain out. I told him I’d try some other methods like hand scrubbing to get the stain out, but at no point did I promise it would look like brand new siding.
I don’t feel like you’re lying so much as trying to cover your butt, but it might just be best to say no. Sometimes some customers want to have a half hour conversation about over-the-top expectations and it’s easier to kill that conversation with a little white lie.
I love the waiver idea, but own it. Don’t blame it on someone else because the liability ultimately falls on you. I don’t think you did anything wrong here, but I think you may have went about it the wrong way.
At the end of the day, if you do great work, you’re honest with customers 100% of the time about what you can and can’t do, give a little extra than you promise, and your customer service is next to none, and this is your only sin in business, you’re still better than 99% of the jokers out there doing what we’re doing.
Well said
@Sharpe you’re a good egg. 99% of guys would have argued for 12 days but you stepped up and said you would consider changing your approach. Good luck and much respect
I put the following verbiage on my quotes. Its not perfect and I make changes as they come to mind. I have recently had jobs where oxidation from painted shutters has bled down onto siding & brick & I address that with the customer before starting (probably deserves a separate thread) : Comments welcome.
Artillery Fungus is present in your area and can produce dark specs on siding, windows, gutters or any
hard surface. It can be extremely difficult or impossible to remove & removal of it is not included in our
service.
Removal of paint splatters, smeared caulking or sealants, staining from chemicals previously applied to
your home, & oxidation from adjacent materials are not included in our cleaning service.
It is the customers responsibility to close & secure all doors & windows prior to service.
Rust stains on any surface can often be removed but unless specifically listed as part of service,
removal is not included.
As it is not economically feasible to haul water, our service techs will need to connect to your homes
outside water supply for washing & rinsing. If you have questions about water usage please contact us.
I’m stealing the paint splatter part of that after this last week a guy lost his damn mind over stain on the siding. He paid his bill today after I initiated an intent to file mechanics lien letter from zlien, but I paid $50 for that.
