How do you respons to the 'Is that it?' comment

[Rickthepick]

The cheek of some people...
You sort them out/get them in as quick as you can, that's what they're paying for right?

'Is that it?' or 'I could have done that' they reply

just had one customer say: 'we'l call it a drink then?'

haha

crazy fools

[squelchtone]

I would tell them before coming out that sometimes getting in takes 20 seconds with the special tools you carry and are trained to use, and sometimes on a stubborn lock it takes an hour. Either way your rate is 50 pounds per hour, and make them sign something before you begin the work. This way you have a legal contract, at least this is how it works here across the pond.

I've also had computer repair customers try to offer me a 6 pack of lager when I finish cleaning spyware from their computer in under an hour. "oh, so you just download mbam.exe and run a scan? I could have done that."

My time is worth money because the customer is paying for my training and 20 years of work experience. I'm sure you feel the same about your work.

cheers!

Squelchtone

[Solomon]

'I could have done that' they reply

Relock it and tell them to have fun.

[Confederate]

sometimes on a stubborn lock it takes an hour.

What? Spending an hour to try to pick a lock? Please tell me that's just what you tell the customer's and that you don't actually try to pick someone's front door for an hour.

[Rickthepick]

using mica is a dead cert. to get a response.

I imagine they go and cut up a plastic milk bottle afterwards and try it out themselves, only to find its not 'that easy'

[squelchtone]

sometimes on a stubborn lock it takes an hour.

What? Spending an hour to try to pick a lock? Please tell me that's just what you tell the customer's and that you don't actually try to pick someone's front door for an hour.

I'm not a working locksmith, that was a random example. I would be in the building via another way if I couldn't pick the lock, and when I do get called out to a friends or a random customer who knows I do locks in addition to doing security camera installations, I would leave drilling the lock to the very last moment, or call in a locksmith I know to do it since they have replacement parts and cylinder on hand, and many more random parts that I don't usually have.

mica ftw btw, that's been a goodsend on so many occasions,

Squelchtone

[UEDan]

I've also had computer repair customers try to offer me a 6 pack of lager when I finish cleaning spyware from their computer in under an hour. "oh, so you just download mbam.exe and run a scan? I could have done that."

I'd recognize that MalwareBytes executable anytime! I feel your pain!

[Eyes_Only]

Either way your rate is 50 pounds per hour, and make them sign something before you begin the work. This way you have a legal contract, at least this is how it works here across the pond.

That's what I always did (if I remembered to) on just about any job I went out to. Whether the customer seemed like an a** hole or not, if you get their signature first it'll save you out of most legal problems that could arise.

[FarmerFreak]

The answer can vary pending on the customer and of course how good of a mood I am in that day. The other guys are right, get the signature first!!

But the most common reply I give people that say something along the line of "Is that it, that was fast". I like to give them a puzzled look and ask "Did you really want to wait?"

Most customers aren't completely serious when they ask, so it makes it fun to throw back a half serious question. It can make for a quick laugh, or at least break the tension.

If a customer is really a dick about it, then I would consider locking the door....but I can't remember the last time a customer was actually mad at me for opening the lock fast!?

[npdaniels]

This is what I do on a lock out call.

When I take the call I tell the customer how much it's going to be to get them into their house, I then ask if they could meet me there with cash. On scene before I even get my tools out of the truck, I ask for payment, and then they know you’re serious. The old saying goes money talks and Bullsh!t walks. BTW sometimes friends or acquaintances are the worst for paying up.

Just my 2 cents.

[unlisted]

.... BTW sometimes friends or acquaintances are the worst for paying up.

Just my 2 cents.

I FULLY agree.. and have had this happen to me in the past before.

[butterboy]

Cash or check ?

[Eyes_Only]

If your friend tries to pay you with a check then the friendship is over.

[mylofox]

When I get "that was fast" comments I turn to my customer with a confused look and say "I guess I could go sit in the van for a while if you want." then give 'em a big smile. Tends to raise a few laughs. But I guess some people just don't like having to rely on some one else to do something for them. Even if it's something they can't do themselves some people have an inferioirity issue and don't like to feel helpless.

I see it all the time because most of my customers are older than me. I look young and like I shouldn't have the skills I do. I always try to keep a light hearted air around. It helps people relax.

[squelchtone]

If your friend tries to pay you with a check then the friendship is over.

+1


totally agree.

Squelchtone