The CON woman

I have been in the biz all that time. With some ups and downs. I usually visit this site from time to time or when I get an email telling me of a post on a thread I have posted on before. I don't usually post unless I feel an overwhelming urge to expose my opinion which isn't very often. But I do grind my teeth alot.

Avoid the room special bs by charging per square foot. It is by far the fairest way to set prices for you and the customer. And always give yourself room to move if the customer doesn't like the original charge you can give her a small discount just to make her happy and you won't lose money. But if you get the sense that it's going  to be a real headache, reach for the stars. At least if she goes for it you will be amply compensated or her bs. 

You can look at my coupon page on my website. I haven't had a price problem in a very long time. Knock on wood.   I found that if my prices are high enough, I can avoid the people who try to force a deal on you. The exclusive price shoppers avoid me since I'm out of their price range. The cheapest clients want the most done for the littlest amount and then they tend to have higher expectations. Avoid the problem client, they will suck the joy out of owning your own business.

Never argue.. Negotiate

Exactly! 

MR. STEAMER wrote: Never argue...walk

I do that too.  As I see it, the appointment is a sales appointment.  The prospect sees it differently but that does nothing to change my thoughts.

I am the doctor of dirt.  If a prospects wants to argue my diagnosis it would be like arguing with their doctor, dentist or eye doctor.  It is also like challenging the plumber or someone who is fixing the washer.

Bottom line, I am the expert at this, they are the expert only in what someone is paying them to do.  I don't claim to know their job, I expect the same respect.  If I decide something to be true, it is.  If they want to challenge me, they are invited to take action.  All they need to do is go get a second opinion.  I have other patients to attend to. 

I need to go to my van and get something.  That something is gone.  Add them to the small list of 86'd prospects.

You get crazy customers in any business that you try. Does anybody have any advice for how to advertise so that you don't spend too much time dealing with people like that?

only you know what you need to make money on the job. If you can't make any money that it is time to move on.