Customer Turn Down

[johnZ71]

Well....it had to happen eventually. I am going to have to tell a customer no. I have not had to do this before now.

Without going into all of the details....the job is just too big and too much for me.

How do you guys tell customers no....sorry cant do it?

[RTexasF]

I'll copy & paste my response on Autopia Forums:

Honesty......"I appreciate the opportunity but this particular job is not one I could do to our mutual satisfaction so I must decline."

[GenesisCoupe]

I had a boat detail this past weekend, and it was for a "light polish" and general clean up of interior. Upon completion of work the customer goes... "actually can you also clean the engine bay compartment (the engine compartment is located underneath the lounge area of the boat, it lifts up giving a 4ft space to crawl in... NOPE i'll pass!!

[Pureshine]

It really depends what it is. The best thing is always to be honest and don't try to do something your not ready to or want to do. I will never do a smokers car ever The smell makes me sick. I just pass them off to my friends shop. What was the job you passed on??

[808_detail_nut]

I sometimes have trouble reading waterspots. Took a job yesterday on a accord that had some bad waterspots from reclaimed water sprinklers constantly hitting it. Use everything I could(waterspot remover and clay) other than polish/compound but to no avail. I wanted to polish/compound but the clear was so thin that I was afraid I would burn through. I called the customer and told him the problem and he understood but I just hate not being able to do what I say during the estimate. I'm sure you all know that feeling.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using AG Online

[sn0w]

I sometimes have trouble reading waterspots. Took a job yesterday on a accord that had some bad waterspots from reclaimed water sprinklers constantly hitting it. Use everything I could(waterspot remover and clay) other than polish/compound but to no avail. I wanted to polish/compound but the clear was so thin that I was afraid I would burn through. I called the customer and told him the problem and he understood but I just hate not being able to do what I say during the estimate. I'm sure you all know that feeling.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using AG Online

Try doing a test spot with the customer present so they know whats going into it and whats to be accomplished

[BradsDetailing]

Tell them the truth?

[TundraPower]

Well....it had to happen eventually. I am going to have to tell a customer no. I have not had to do this before now. Without going into all of the details....the job is just too big and too much for me. How do you guys tell customers no....sorry cant do it?

I guess I'd have to know why you are taking a pass. Is the car trashed beyond your ability? And they are expecting perfection? Is it about the money?