making a profit!

[george792]

Hi all, normally when pricing I will advise customers to go to a retailer where I have an account get them to either get a quote or a price thwn I will sort it and pass on some discount and make a bit myself. but tonight I have a customer who insists on meeting me there to pay what do you do!

 

[Gazzer]

Have a word with your retailer and tell him not to release your prices to the client.

 

[mikethetile]

talk to your supplier and ask if they will keep your discount back or agree a percentage for the customer

Ive had this when clients want to put it in their credit cards

your supplier can give you cash or a credit note

 

[aph257]

as Neale says above.

 

[SandyFloor]

Do you usually supply the materials and the customer pays you?

 

[Dan]

As above, speak to the supplier and tell them to give the customer X discount and keep your Y discount. If they pay by Credit Card most shops won't give you cash back, it screws with their books. But they can give you a credit note. If the customer pays cash, it's easy for them to give you a cash 'refund'. But a 'refund' if the customer pays by card should legally go back on card.

 

[mikethetile]

thanks Dan

I should have explained that

 

[Mike]

my local tile shop accepts full payment off the customer then credits my account the 15% discount i get

 

[kilty55]

hi george,simple if the customer wants to supply the tiles himself then let himbuy them at retail price

if he wants you to supply them then state that your terms and conditions are full payment for tiles and you will pick them up

i wouldnt be having a customer demand i meet him at the tile shop wen it suits him andf so it suits his pocket

 

[mikethetile]

I wouldnt be laying any laws down with people at the moment, if you say take it or leave it they will say leave it and the next tradesman will look after me

 

[kilty55]

its reaaly up to you george what you do and what you have agreed wiht the customer prior to him wanting to be there when the tiles are paid for

i have never actually had a customer insist i meet him at a certain time so he can see how much the tiles cost,if you need the work then as mike says go for it

personally i would be saying no and reaching an agreeement that suited me as well as the customer

put your quote in writing as well before you start or he may well be dictating the labour bill to you as well

 

[tfs]

If you want your cut be he insists on buying let him do it but, if you want a cut offer to supply dont allow retailer to discuss your discount with the client. If client wants your discount that is your call mate. If this is the case tell him that you will supply and give him a discount for yourself whilst maintaining some mark up for yourself.

Its realy your call mate!

At the very least you should supply and bill for adhesives (should make a little on this), just tell him you dont want him to purchase the adhesive as you have a pallet in the garage that you buy in order to supply.

 

[hillhead]

I only get 5% from my main retailer !!
Again credited to my account.
I'd tell shop to work it out so you still have a percentage ! even a low percentage is better than nothing.

 

[tfs]

Any percentage is good if you dont actualy pay from your own hard earned cash! I would deffo do this, sounds good.

 

[Andy Allen]

im with kilty on this one, i would tell the customer that the trade prices are only if you buy the tiles through your trade account, if he wants to be there to pay for the tiles then he will have to pay retail as hes not in the tiling trade and the shop won't allow this.