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Showerthought: A client's simple note about my invoice totally changed how I handle estimates now
I fixed a tricky boot loop on a custom rig for a guy named Mark, and when I sent the bill, he just wrote back 'Thanks, but what was the $50 charge for?' It was my standard diagnostic fee, but I realized I never actually said that up front. Now I always list out the flat rate for the initial check before I even touch a machine, and I got a little notepad just to write it down for them. Anyone else have a small change that made clients way less confused?
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dylanbarnes16d ago
Yeah that's a solid move. I started putting the diagnostic fee in the first text or email now, like right after they describe the problem. Just a quick "hey, first step is a 75 buck check to see what's wrong, that cool?" Stops the surprise bill chat later. Also keeps people from ghosting you after you give them the real repair price.
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tara_palmer4d ago
Setting the fee up front is smart, but in my experience you still need a signed work order before you touch anything. A text saying "that cool" might not hold up if someone gets upset later. @jakep24, to answer your question, that's exactly when they argue, after you've done the work but before they've signed off on paying for it. Getting that paper trail first saves a lot of headaches down the line.
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jakep2416d ago
Good call, @dylanbarnes. Do you ever have people try to argue the diag fee after you've already found the problem?
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