@autospec , anything that has a 98% Fail isn't worth wasting your precious faith on anymore.
@bigkidz has a good approach for you to follow. Advertise FIRM, state the parameters of the deal clearly and succinctly. "No ship without cleared check", etc.
Anyone that doesn't want to play by your rules doesn't deserve your time, nor what you're selling.
In our business, we've learned how to pre-qualify our clients....literally in first contact, both on the 'net, the phone, or even in person.
Recent call: Prospective customer, wanted pretty much the whole 'A' ticket, pretty much a 'turnkey' project for us.
That's our 'Question #1', without fail.
"What are you interested in?"
Followed by 'Question #2'....also, without fail....
"What is your budget?"
The 'ballpark figure' was considerably less than one could do as a DIY.
"We're sorry, but our 'A' of that nature generally Starts at 'F'.
A figure 5X what was asked for, especially 'site unseen'.
We are NOT operating out of the back of a pickup truck.
We are NOT a charity organization.
We are NOT 'doing what we do' to rip anyone off and ruin a good reputation that we've spent over a decade to create.
We require a certain level of Trust.
We require 50% down.
We repay that trust with a project that tends to exceed what was expected.
We consider that our SOP.
We like doing what we do, and would like to continue doing so.
Play Fair. Respect us. We will return that respect and attitude with something you will Absolutely Enjoy having done for your Children.
Yes. We make things for your Children. For their FUN.
That, in itself, demands Trust in Us.
We repay that.
Now, that may becoming rare 'out there'.....but we'll be damned to sink to that percieved level.....
Regards, J
