Hi,
After taking someone on last year things were on the up, all going well £400 PW, I was very honest, truthful to my word, Loyal and respectful. Even a few bonuses during year, I also keep the person right in the loop and always to took his opinion into account. Only to find out that's he's starting up on his own - no problem there, was going to wish him all the best and even help him out, (In terms of advice and things he may have found difficult)
Then you find out, and how to people think that your no going to find out, that he's been pilfering clients on the side and approaching others. You can imaged my response. After calming down, he obviously wont be doing any more of my work. such a shame. Moving on...
Were in the process of finding a new full timer, and commercial has been picking up which is great.
Non of our domestics are contracted...how do you get on with domestics, surely nobody would sign a domestic contract to keep you and stop this happening again?
Its put me right off employing a youngster really and has really burnt me. We pick ourselves up, dust off and move on.....Opinions? Has this happened to you?
Regards
Andrew
The Lawn Ranger Grounds Maintenance Co Ltd
Views: 1691
Replies
How many has he stolen? At least you now know which customers value your services vs just looking for a cheaper alternative.
Can you write it into employment contract that they will be sued if they steal your customers within a year of leaving your employment?
I like to think I've formed a strong, friendly bond with most of my residential customers and if I did lose a couple they could easily be replaced and quite a bit is commercial contract stuff.
Unfortunately it is very hard to enforce in the employment contract as it could be deemed as you have denied him (or her) of their right to earn a wage etc. Yes you could get a legal team involved but at what expense?
Personally, I have found that the better relationship you have with your clients the less chance you have of them jumping ship. Mine will always phone me up even if they have received a flier from another company to let me know other companies are touting for business :-).
Look on it as a positive, you have given a young lad a leg up and head start in business, if he fails (as most do) the clients know where to come but if I'm honest I wouldn't want them back!
Its a real shame because overall he's an ok lad, just lacking some morals in life really. I tried explaining that to him when we sat down and had it out. However he won't be doing any further work for me, I can't take the chance.
It's really burnt my hand in terms of taking on a youngster, as he was given a van and given a great deal of trust, I'm going to try to stick to an elder employee, I know there's rules re discrimination, but I have to look out for my family and girls...sod the rules now.
Unfortunately when you grown you have to delegate and I kept in touch with all the clients, but I suppose he undercut me. He'll learn when he maybe doesn't get the work in or gets burnt in a similar way himself. Do they call it Karma!
I lost 5 with him, It could have been one, the result would have been the same. Look at it like a £25 per fortnight job is worth £450.00
Happened to me this year. The lad even used pictures of my work to advertise how good "his" work is.
your work or 'your work' which he has carried out.
you were paying him 400 a week? your all alot older than me but i would knock his block off haha or go out my way to make his life hard.
I don't think getting vengeful would help anyone in this situation and only make Andrew look far worse.
I think a 'quiet word' in his ear is called for Andrew. Probably a bit late to get your customers back but it needs pointing out that it is not the done thing. He should be building good contacts and not cutting ties on the way up. He may just upset the wrong person one day!
Sorry to hear about that Andrew.
It's a tricky situation, I suppose, because on the one hand if you employ somebody who isn't top quality, they won't ever steal your customers but they won't reflect positively on your business. Whereas if they are good enough to show your company in a positive light, there's always a chance that this can happen.
Trust me a very quite word was had with him, to let him know this wasn't the done thing. Mitchel are you saying that £400 a week seems to much. He wasn't a 17/18 year old, he was responsible for
1 of my vehicles, Keeping an eye on mechanics, faults, servicing etc, of which he got paid slightly extra when done if its was not done in his 5 days p/w.
Making sure that days work was done either with me or with one of the other casual we have.
collecting cash if cash was paid.
remembers jobs, what's done, when, clients, locations etc etc.
Representing me.
Helping push things forward.
Everything I promised him I fulfilled, work between Mar - Nov, could not guarantee work in Dec, Jan , Feb.
A couple of bonuses per year !
Re-Payed - Like that !
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