Have problem with "little old Ladies"?

Question

Have a Plumbing Bus. We do alot of work for little old ladies which half of the time turns to custard. They have a problem and we look at it and advise them what we should do or we do what needs to be done. We are very mindful that some of these people do not have a lot of spare money.

What happens in about 20% of these jobs is someone else usually gets involved, daughter, son etc. They either tell mum that we are trying to rip them off or it is always too expensive and they want us to work for much less than the costs of the job. The family rarely bother to contact us so we can explain the situation.

Anybody have ideas how to avoid these situations.

Answer 1

I know, this is a facetious answer...

Tell the family to do it themselves when they call. After they've messed the job up, charge the kids double the original estimate.

Answer 2

Yep, clients like that can be a pain in the butt.  It's the same in the States.  

I'd suggest that you give them a clear written estimate with a 5% or 10% senior citizen discount and a few references that they can contact to show that you do quality work.  You may be better off if they DON'T hire you - they can be an even bigger pain harassing you while you're trying to solve their problem.

Answer 3

I am not a business person, but telling people charges before any work is done is usually good.  Also give them time to talk to children so that if they have an issue they can call an estimate and see that your prices are fair.

but that is also in an ideal world, and i may just be an idiot.

Answer 4

Get everything in writing ahead of time.Make sure you and she both sign it and that you each have a copy.Make your estimate very detailed, and stick to it.This way if the family has questions or concerns, you have a binding contract.

Answer 5

here is a trick, old people always wants attention, specially ladies, and they need someone to talk to, so when  ur having a llok at plumbing problem get casula with old ppl, talk to them make them talk, and then no matter who ever tells them wat, they will call u. try  it