? for all you business owners

[catman3126]

I run a small diesel shop on the side and frequently I have customers, repeat customers drop by with their vehicle to leave it for repairs or to get it checked out "quick" and before I know it I can't seem to get the person to leave and they talk for an hour of my time some people I can get away with a few minutes of going over with them what we are doing and keeping them on track and not getting off on a side subject but I have literally stood out in the shop or outside and not been able to get away from someone for 2 hours. These are repeat offenders that I know and try to get them to drop off their rig while I'm gone, Some people after awhile you can flat out say well I better get to work or "I better get going I got alot to get done today and its like they don't care and will just start talking about something else. I have one guy who has been a good customer and has referred several good customers to me. but I cringe when I see him show up unannounced just to "BS" and "see what I'm up too", what I have started doing with him is after a few minutes say well I gotta go to a few parts stores and get some things, Or I have to go look at a vehicle at some place and then he gets the hint and leaves when I leave so then I go find something to do for a little bit and come back to what I was doing. which unless I actually have something to do is still wasting time. 3 customers are the worst. any way so I'm sure some of you have ran into this lingerer and have some suggestions without being rude and telling to GTFO. LOL I would never do this. but sometimes you want too. I guess I just keep working and reply the minimum that I have too. idk, frustrating at times.

 

[TheBac]

If I could, I would talk to everyone on my route for hours on end. :hehe:

When I am talking to a customer, I always try to keep control of the conversation. I do this either by saying, "I need to get going", or by backing myself toward the door (or truck if outside), and then winding the conversation down.

Just be polite and say, "It's been great talking to you, but I really do need to get back to work."

 

[LBZ]

Hand him a broom or a rag and tell him if he has time to talk he has time to clean.

 

[catman3126]

Hand him a broom or a rag and tell him if he has time to talk he has time to clean.

Lol yeah that could work.

 

[RHallenbeck]

I have used my Cell and acted like I was texting somone and actually called my business phone and hung up the cell as I answered the business line. I then start a conversation and tell the ghost on the phone to hold on for a second please and then tell the customer that I will give them a call when I get to their vehicle and that the phone call is a return call on long distance from a supplier ..

Rick

 

[matt78]

I do not run a diesel shop and I never will. However I work for a mechanical contractor, and have customers who we do 15,000-2,000,000 jobs for. Some of the customers are good as gold but seem to drain us mentality,but they spend the money. And without money we don't get paid. So in my humble opinion as long as you can get the work done and deal with the b.s.great,if not you will have to try a new strategy. Bottom line whoever pays ,keeps your pockets fat,it is what it is. Good luck.

 

[Awenta]

Ask for a hand and see if they stay

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[SmokeShow]

There's a guy at work like that. Hell pop in w/ a work question but goes on tangent after tangent if you let him. As long as he's not talking about something important (we both have new babies so I try not to cut him on the baby stories cause "I understand") I'll just fade back into my work. Never looking up or towards him & only giving "uh huh", "yep" "haha" "oh yeah" meaningless replies. He gets the hint now. The guy in the office next to me gets sucked in everytime tho. And I'm not kidding 1-2hrs can get away before they wrap up. My work neighbor usually ends up stressed out bc he's behind from BSing & closes his office dr to keep unwanted guests away. I'm ok w/ being an ass when need be.

Now with a client, meh. I'll chew the fat just about as long as they want to. I can get into conversations about nothing w/ the best of em. Just depends on the circumstance I suppose.

I'd assume if you dove back into whatever you were working on & started w/ the BS responses, he'd get the hint I'd hope. Some just won't though & you're gonna have to gauge if he can handle be blown off or if you have to coddle him.

 

[Mpsoldier]

I have the same problem i tend to be a very straight forward guy and just come and say "hey man nice talking with you but i have to get trucks done." i have some i cant get off the phone then tend to just loose service then send them a txt i will call you back when the truck is done.

 

[DBUSHLB7]

IMO people can tell BS from honesty. Tell them politely "hey man i really need to get back at it" or hey man I hate to cut it short but I gotta get this job done or I'll be staying late tonight and quickly reach for a handshake to seal the deal. Here you were honest, polite, and reminded him that you need to use your time for paying jobs without actually saying that he isn't worth your time. By the same token a 3-5 min chit chat with repeat and supporting customers is well worth your time in the long run.

 

[Mike L.]

I have a kick ass crew that does not speak to customers and just does great work. I do all the flap jawing as I realize people need to talk about why and where they are spending their money. They deserve answers and my time.

 

[TheBac]

I have a kick ass crew that does not speak to customers and just does great work. I do all the flap jawing as I realize people need to talk about why and where they are spending their money. They deserve answers and my time.

^^ and this man likes to talk about some very interesting topics. :roflmao:

 

[Awenta]

I have a kick ass crew that does not speak to customers and just does great work. I do all the flap jawing as I realize people need to talk about why and where they are spending their money. They deserve answers and my time.

Sounds like a really good excuse! I kid! :hug:

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[Evan@InglewoodTrans]

I have a kick ass crew that does not speak to customers and just does great work. I do all the flap jawing as I realize people need to talk about why and where they are spending their money. They deserve answers and my time.

I feel the same way. Even small jobs people are spending a lot of money. I'm on the phone an easy 5 plus hours a day and that doesn't include texts and walk ins but I will continue to answer and respond. I enjoy talking with everyone and I know when I call places I want someone to answer or call me back A.S.A.P It makes for long days but it's worth it.

 

[Pure Diesel]

I have a kick ass crew that does not speak to customers and just does great work. I do all the flap jawing as I realize people need to talk about why and where they are spending their money. They deserve answers and my time.

I will attest to this. Mike just helped me out immensely. I was at his shop two weeks ago, at closing time, picking up my new tranny. I needed to get back home but I loved listening to him tell a few good stories after hours. Thanks Mike. :thumb:

 

[Mike L.]

When you get my age; you have a lot of stories to tell.:woott:

 

[catman3126]

I have a kick ass crew that does not speak to customers and just does great work. I do all the flap jawing as I realize people need to talk about why and where they are spending their money. They deserve answers and my time.

Lmao well yeah Mike you have a "crew" I'm a one man band" care to send a guy up??? I'll cover the bus fare!

 

[NC-smokinlmm]

I just start working then if they get persistant f it, I bill the time...

 

[56taskforce]

If I could, I would talk to everyone on my route for hours on end. :hehe:

When I am talking to a customer, I always try to keep control of the conversation. I do this either by saying, "I need to get going", or by backing myself toward the door (or truck if outside), and then winding the conversation down.

Just be polite and say, "It's been great talking to you, but I really do need to get back to work."

The UPS guy that use to deliver here was awesome. When I was building my 56 he would be more excited to see me open the box than I was to open it. He always found the time to see how the truck was coming along.