Episode 21 - Navigating Tricky Customers: A Guide to Free Estimate Objections

At times, dealing wih certain clients can be a handful. From constantly changing their minds to expecting miracles in a matter of days, it can be difficult to remain professional and handle the situation with ease. 

However, one of the things that many electricians can agree to, and most likely have encountered at some point in their careers are clients asking, "This is a free quote, right?" Of course, there's no harm in asking, but when they start to bring up the question over and over again, and make other remarks like they've got other electricians who can do it for free, then things start to get a bit tricky.

Not knowing how to handle these sorts of sitution often leads to feelings of frustration. You might end up losing your cool and getting into a heated argument with the customer, which will hurt your reputation and could potentially cost you a job.

One of the things you can do when you encounter such a customer is smile, say that you understand what they're saying, and then ask "What are you trying to communicate to me by telling me that?" This way, it catches them off guard, and gently bring them back to their senses. 

You may also ask them when they plan to have the job accomplished so you know whether or not they really need your services, or just looking for an estimate with hopes of finding the cheapest offer. 

The key to dealing with a client who is asking for free quotes is to remain professional, calm and collected. You need to change your perspective and how you look at the situation. Instead of seeing the customer as an "enemy" try to understand where they're coming from. Keep in mind that they're asking for your service because they need help and you're one of the people they're considering to trust for the job. 

In the end, it all boils down to how you approach the situation. Mindset, after all, plays a crucial role in customer service.