Do All Your Clients Speak Your Language? II

[billdeserthills]

Just saw this posting from Global & it reminded me of a recent trip I had to make last week, after I received a call
from a client who could speak my language, for a friend of his, who cannot speak clear english. After receiving the
incorrect address and wasting time with re-calling and driving around trying to find my client, I did finally get the
correct address and arrived on the site to find an older hispanic woman, who was unable to clearly communicate in
english. I understood that she had filed a restraining order upon her former boyfriend and needed to have her
locks rekeyed, but she wanted a price quote first. After giving her my quote she immediately began haggling with me
over my price--I quickly attempted to explain that she was in America now and that I would not accept anything less
than the amount I had quoted her. She then demanded to know why my price was higher than the last locksmith she had hired &
not knowing who that might be, I told her she should call them and ask that question of them. At this point I tried to
explain that 'time is money', jumped into my service van and sped off into the sunset,while she chased my van down the
street, hopefully to a future where folks who cannot clearly speak my language are no longer to be found, at least in my area

[AlwaysLearningDavid]

We often get Spanish speaking customers and find that communicating via text is very helpful.

In text they can use a translator like Google, and it sets expectations in black and white.

Also, as far as haggling goes, it's true that a lot of other countries are more accustom to haggling and will often try to negotiate. I always tell people "the price isn't up to me" although that's a flat out like, but it shuts them down immediately and leave no room for negotiation.

If they still press it, I welcome them to shop around (we're very fairly priced and have an outstanding review score on all sites). And I'll sometimes call back to make sure "they're not stuck", which version often ends in them hiring us.

The one time someone was a real prick about it was actually a white frat boy.

It was 10 degrees F outside and the guy was locked out in his basketball shorts.

He told me he would only pay half after I got there and we already agreed on the price. I told him no. He was literally shivering and teeth were chattering. He then offered $20 less than asking. I told him $20 more than originally negotiated. He got mad and argued more. I added $20 more. He laughed and said "no way!" Got in the van, said "Alright, good luck getting someone else at 1AM with icy roads". He reluctantly agreed to pay $40 more than originally agreed on. I told him money first. Swiped his card ($120). And picked his crappy Jeep lock in literally 10 seconds. He sped off pissed.

Laughed about it all the way home.