So what would you do.....

[Malinda]

Someone asked me to make something....then it turned into 2 somethings. I said ok because it was a simple piece, I mean I cut both of the panels in one night, that simple. So I gave a price of course.....and as I worked on the first one I realized what a bargain my price is, I mean what the hell was I thinking? Now I can't very well go back and say "you know what, boy was I mistaken on the cost it's really going to cost you double the quote per panel". That's just bad business in my eyes. BUT do I really want to give these away? NO!

They did have another supplier of these panels in the US, I'm not even really sure why he asked me to do them this time instead of the regular person. One is finished and it's needed in a couple weeks. The second isn't needed until January. He's got time to get one from the person in the states...... My second one just needs grinding, foiling etc....a one session job to finish....like around 3 hours total left.

So...what would you do.....continue making the second one for the bargain price or ????? Note to self....this is the kind of crap that can happen when you want the money/business regardless of thinking everything through BEFORE answering.

[JoanFrances]

sounds like the person knew that you were way to low on your price and that is why they gave you the second one to do.  

You could deliver the first one and explain what happened and beg out of the second saying you are in the middle of getting ready to move and never did the research prior to giving the price for the second.  As long as they didn't pay you in advance for the second one, I don't see the harm.  I think it would be bad business to take the double lose now knowing what happened.  But it is a tough call.  

[Anne]

If the second panel is one that is fairly easily saleable I'd be keeping it Malinda and selling it to someone else.  Morally I'd feel I'd have to sell him the first one because I'd committed to doing it but you have a perfect excuse - because of the upcoming move - to just tell him it would be best if he got the second one from his other source. Then, finish the second one (or not- would it be easier in the move to bring it back in pieces?) then finish it and sell it later.

That's what I'd do anyway, I'm not into giving my work away - except to friends and family maybe.

[Glassic]

Wot Anne said.

[Kev]

And....it's not like your going to get repeat business from him, since your moving..so the only thing your going to lose is your money. Finish the first, and then be honest with him, that you underestimated the price and felt obligated to complete the first one for the agreed price, but cannot take a lose on a second one. Then it's in his ballpark to either ante up the price or get it elsewhere.

[Barbara]

I agree Kev and that is the truth and you won't feel like "you" got robbed

[ct4mom]

I agree with Kev, Malinda and if he really wants the 2nd piece he will understand and pay the difference, if not you have a panel to sell at a later time.

[Graham]

And....it's not like your going to get repeat business from him, since your moving..so the only thing your going to lose is your money. Finish the first, and then be honest with him, that you underestimated the price and felt obligated to complete the first one for the agreed price, but cannot take a lose on a second one. Then it's in his ballpark to either ante up the price or get it elsewhere.

That answer gets my vote!

[Lou Ann]

And....it's not like your going to get repeat business from him, since your moving..so the only thing your going to lose is your money. Finish the first, and then be honest with him, that you underestimated the price and felt obligated to complete the first one for the agreed price, but cannot take a lose on a second one. Then it's in his ballpark to either ante up the price or get it elsewhere.

That answer gets my vote!

mine too

and if he should cross your path again he will respect you for it and not have a bad taste in his mouth if you just bailed on the second one

[Wayne]

This is an interesting thread to say the least.

Were both panels ordered at the same time?

[Audrey]

I agree with what Kev said. Honesty is always a good policy.

[Elizabeth]

Aggree with Kev - I've under estimated many times and know how it feels!!  Honesty is the best approach - especially if he DID place the second order because your price was so low (and he was taking advantage???)
Beth

[Becki]

An estimate is one thing, a price quote another.  Once I've quoted a price I don't go back on it unless the customer changes the order in any way. If I'm not sure at the time of the request I ask if I can get back to them with a price after I work it up.  I know it hurts the pocketbook but sometimes, especially when it's our own mistake, we have to suck it up!

[Malinda]

thanks everyone...unfortunately he asked for the second panel straight away before I gave the price, so I can't consider him being cheeky lol. I just screwed up.

I've decided to just go ahead and finish the second one since it is already started and may not resell that easily (or at all). Hopefully when he get's them he will realize they are not only slightly larger than what he was used to getting BUT nicer and cost less so maybe he'll ask if that's really all I want for them? If he does then I'll be honest and see what he says to that.

Live and learn right...... :)

[Vic Rothman]

An estimate is one thing, a price quote another.  Once I've quoted a price I don't go back on it unless the customer changes the order in any way. If I'm not sure at the time of the request I ask if I can get back to them with a price after I work it up.  I know it hurts the pocketbook but sometimes, especially when it's our own mistake, we have to suck it up!

I  have to say that Becki has the ONLY professional answer. The only thing that separates a lot of people in this business is their word. You made a deal, bad as it may be, now you need to do what you committed to do. As Becki said, I ONLY change prices I quote when the customer changes the job, or the job drags on for years through no fault of mine.
Vic

[Malinda]

Thanks Vic, I am happy with my decission to press on and just learn from this. Regardless of anything I never want people to be justified in saying anything negative about me.

[Tom]

Malinda I think you made the best decision.  I agree with Vic.  People, rightly or wrongly will judge a person by how that person either did or did not live up to their word.  I know its hard to swallow sometimes, especially when it is going to cost you in one way or another, but I also believe you will have the right to take pride in the fact you stood up despite that cost and followed through with your commitment.  Circumstances can alter your ability to keep your original price, but if they are legitimate reasons, as Becki stated about a change in the order, or unreasonable time delays, or any other number of possibilities, then there should be no problem in changing the price quote.

[Becki]

This is an interesting thread to say the least.

I agree, Wayne.  Do you have any thoughts on the subject?

[Malinda]

All is good....delivered last night and he was happy with them, that's what's important to me :)

[Becki]

I'm glad it worked out for you, Mal, and that you're happy with the outcome.  I thought this was a good topic for discussion and would like to have heard from some of the others.