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Replies

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  Dan Frazer Gardening December 8, 2011 at 4:43pm

  Well it's not a lost job as she obviously wasn't going to give you a project anyway, just a bit of lost time so never mind, bit of a pain and sorry, all we can do is focus on those that are serious and ignore things like this!
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  Colin Hunt December 8, 2011 at 5:07pm

  At least you have made contact again and they may still yet contact you.  I've had a number of jobs that seemed to have gone cold and then got a call out of the blue and away we went.  Maybe you and she simply didnt 'click' - it happens.  Just move on Rose, no big deal.
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  Rose Lennard December 8, 2011 at 5:13pm

  You're right Gaynor and this is how I usually work too - if this woman wasn't genuine as I now suspect, I am impressed how she seems to have led me on - if it was deliberate on her part she's very good at it!
   
  Gaynor @ www.witchardgardens.com said:

  Rose, I'm sorry to read this. It's probably happened to most of us at some stage in our career. I have also learned the hard way - and am still learning!

  When I receive an initial enquiry now, I always ask a few questions first before arranging to visit:

  • full name
  • address including postcode
  • telephone number
  • do they want a design or just ideas
  • I state the initial visit is just to chat about what is needed and to view the site (I set my alarm after one hour)

  I give nothing away at the initial meeting. I look at the garden, pace it out so I can work out my fees, make notes and show the client my portfolio.

  Only the last few months I have changed the way I work again, as I was finding clients would go no further than a detailed consultation for a low set price and I would be dropped like a stone. Enough information given to be used, without any more work for me.

  My ideas are precious - if people could 'see' their garden the way I do, there'd be no need for the likes of me, which is why I hold back.

  Now I have a different fee structure and it hasn't put people off - and I no longer feel resentful.
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  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt December 8, 2011 at 5:50pm

  I like Gaynor have had to change the way I work and deal with potential customers/clients because of having to learn the hard way.  It isn't a pleasant way to be - not to trust people.  As always though, it's not the many. it's the few that spoil it.

  You have got to be wise, but then that only comes with experience.  Don't get down-hearted.  Focus on the good jobs and those you have mad every happy and satisfied with your work. 
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  andy @Doughty Garden Maintenance December 8, 2011 at 9:46pm

  Not really the same as your situation Rose as I am maintenance, but i have had the odd potential customer call me for a quote, I go there and give the quote and they try and haggle the price down! really annoys me! Would they do that at tescos when they get there shopping,

  One indian lady i went to wanted a long and tall conifer hedge reducing in height by about 4 feet, I explained my price clearly particularly the waste aspect as there would be a hell of a lot of it,

  She was adamant that she would only pay half of my price!! I politely said that i couldn't do that, she asked if i knew of anyone that would do it for her price (unbelievable),

  I just laughed and said "tell you what, get a quote from tree surgeons, then you'll see that my price wasn't to bad!"

  and walked away.

  I note that the hedge still hasn't been cut ! :-)
• PRO

  Gary RK December 9, 2011 at 7:34am

  Being interested, I found the videos you spoke about (helped by the new LJN google search):

  http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/video/video/listForContributor...

  Makes interesting watching/listening whether you are a designer or contractor (althought Pt1 for me seems to stop abruptly)....
  
  Gaynor @ www.witchardgardens.com said:

  I remember listening to an online tutorial by Duncan Heather on this very subject.  Very informative and down to earth good advice. I'm sure I found it via LJN...
  
  Gaynor @ www.witchardgardens.com said:

  I'm afraid I'm very suspicious of everybody these days! What a way to be!
  
  Rose Lennard said:

  You're right Gaynor and this is how I usually work too - if this woman wasn't genuine as I now suspect, I am impressed how she seems to have led me on - if it was deliberate on her part she's very good at it!
   
  Gaynor @ www.witchardgardens.com said:

  Rose, I'm sorry to read this. It's probably happened to most of us at some stage in our career. I have also learned the hard way - and am still learning!

  When I receive an initial enquiry now, I always ask a few questions first before arranging to visit:

  • full name
  • address including postcode
  • telephone number
  • do they want a design or just ideas
  • I state the initial visit is just to chat about what is needed and to view the site (I set my alarm after one hour)

  I give nothing away at the initial meeting. I look at the garden, pace it out so I can work out my fees, make notes and show the client my portfolio.

  Only the last few months I have changed the way I work again, as I was finding clients would go no further than a detailed consultation for a low set price and I would be dropped like a stone. Enough information given to be used, without any more work for me.

  My ideas are precious - if people could 'see' their garden the way I do, there'd be no need for the likes of me, which is why I hold back.

  Now I have a different fee structure and it hasn't put people off - and I no longer feel resentful.
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  Richard Thornton December 9, 2011 at 8:30am

  It happens....had one a few weeks ago, client wanted £10k of paving. Submitted a quote, then client asked for a plan, then - could you do labour only if you give us a list of materials? Er no, sorry!
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  duncan ross December 9, 2011 at 4:04pm

  Oh dear, it happens to everyone, dont beat yourself up over it. Just remember it is a numbers game. Gaynors list of pre-meet questions is a bout as far as you can go, dont get cynical as then you wont be you and that will affect the way good customers perceive you.
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  Rose Lennard December 9, 2011 at 4:11pm

  I will say I have been lucky and had some really lovely clients including one who sent a huge bouquet to my office at the end of the job (!) so yes, some you win and some you don't. It would be a sad state of affairs if we became so cynical that we never trusted anyone! 
  duncan ross said:

  Oh dear, it happens to everyone, dont beat yourself up over it. Just remember it is a numbers game. Gaynors list of pre-meet questions is a bout as far as you can go, dont get cynical as then you wont be you and that will affect the way good customers perceive you.
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  duncan ross December 9, 2011 at 4:32pm

  there have been occassions over the years when i have driven past jobs we have quoted on & been messed about & you see what they have ended up with. 1, its nothing like you quoted for. 2, very often its such a mess that you can gain satisfaction from them deserving a poor job3. you are so glad you were not involved with it at all. Isnt it funny that most customers are gr8 but its the idiots we talk about. I am thinkin of starting a debate on idiot customers.. should be entertaining!!!
   
  Rose Lennard said:

  I will say I have been lucky and had some really lovely clients including one who sent a huge bouquet to my office at the end of the job (!) so yes, some you win and some you don't. It would be a sad state of affairs if we became so cynical that we never trusted anyone! 
  duncan ross said:

  Oh dear, it happens to everyone, dont beat yourself up over it. Just remember it is a numbers game. Gaynors list of pre-meet questions is a bout as far as you can go, dont get cynical as then you wont be you and that will affect the way good customers perceive you.