Customer was unhappy over some bird poop spots that would not come off. Chemicals, you name it. It was dark green painted siding (new rule: no house washes on dark siding colors for me), and I think the poop stained it somehow. There were some other small issues as well, but the big one was the few bird poop spots.
Anyway, I want to tell the customer I can’t remove the poop spots, that I will fix the other issues and give her money back. However, I was advised that I should not do this because it is anadmission of liability, and that if she hires another company to do it I could be held liable for the cost, somehow. What are your thoughts? (Job is $250, so not a big a deal.)
Don’t stop doing dark colored siding just be careful doing painted houses. I’m big on 100% customer satisfaction but I don’t think we’re talking about a stain here. That bird poop likely ruined the paint. That would be like her not being happy that you couldn’t wash that scrape mark off from when she turned to fast with a shovel over her shoulder last year and scraped a layer of paint off the siding.
I agree with @DisplacedTexan . It’s only $250. Refund her money and move on. I don’t see what you could be found liable for if you gave her her money back.
I can be talking to a client and in one minute I know if I am going to be dealing
with a problem customer. Sounds like you were. If you feel refund right thing to do, do so and move on. The other small issues you mention make me think you
were dealing with a problem customer. And yes, if the poop was left on there long enough, there will be some permanant stain left on the the painted siding.It is a washing wand, mot a magic wand.
Yeah, I k ew from her tone that she was probably not going to be reasoned with, at least not to an extent that would prevent her harming my reputation. Thus, I figure she has nothing to criticize if I just give her the money back and correct the other issues. Definitely a problem customer.
When in doubt. Give it all back. And then some. A $10 gas card for their inconvenience. Consider it an investment in reputation. And black list those customers.
I mean, you don’t have to keep one on retainer but you definitely should start to cultivate a relationship with an attorney if you’re in business. It also helps to at least have someone to call if you ever need one for other life matters. Hell, barter some services for a consultation if you can.
A attorney on retainer has been a wise investment for me. I’ve needed it for what would be seemingly silly stuff. It’s saved me a lot of headache and money. I’ve used it more than I’ve used health insurance.
Interview some of them. Just like you should interview a couple new CPA every three years or so.
Google is your friend here. Search for “Small Business Attorney Near Me” and you’ll get a list. Take an evening and go check out their offices. The ones in the newest and fanciest buildings are probably not your guy. They deal with big fish and you’re a minnow. Check their reviews and then find your top 3. Go see if you can set an appointment with those and then go from there.
I was Pre-Law in college and my mother has been in the Legal profession for 40+ years and works for one of the largest firms in the Central U.S.
A good attorney is worth their weight in gold. And they’ll charge you accordingly.
This is my big picture project for this month. Last year I met with three different CPA’s and ended up filing on my own with Turbotax. One straight up told me he didn’t have time to take on any new clients. I’m assuming I wasn’t enough of a high roller for him. The other two both had the personality of a wet sponge and just didn’t sit well with me.
I had the best chiropractor in the world at one point. She was 5’ 5", blonde and drop dead gorgeous and despite her size she cracked me like I’ve never had before. Her office was right next to my car lot so o could walk next door and get adjusted and go back to work. I hated moving away from her.
Wait did i miss something why cant you remove bird poop. I’m so confused I have never seen bird poop that could not be removed. What type of birds are in your part of the world
