Flickr image by dieselbug2007

We are in the middle of another remodel and surprisingly this one is going quite well.  Since all tasks at hand are taking not as long and coming in under budget we decided to tackle the windows now instead of later.  Which brings me to my rant.

I called three companies to have them come out, give their pitch and quote me an estimate.  In all fairness to the story, all three did ask if there was a Mr. and I did tell them we where getting quotes and information to make our decision.   Well number one scheduled and came, number two scheduled and came, number three is the subject for this rant.

After asking if there was a Mr. and being told there was I did let them know we would not be making the decision today.  Mainly because I need to process things a little before changing my mind a few times.  He then asked what would be a good time to come and I told him anytime I work from home and am flexible.  He then said okay what about Mr. and I stated he worked and I would be getting to details of the information.  I was then told, “well I can some on a Saturday” which I replied I am not available then.  He said that was okay he could meet with the Mr.  Did he really just say that?  I let him know he would be meeting with me and only me, take it or leave it because now I am offended that he does not think this is worth his time.

Move to the meeting, my husband thought it would be funny to pop in during the meet so he did.  During the whole time he was there he talked to my husband only.  Strike two.  But the hubs being the straight shooter that he is said he like the product but ultimately it was my decision because I will have all the details.  Redemption for me!  The hubs then left.  So now I was important enough to talk to.

Then comes the final straw.  Instead of touting the benefits of his product, which we knew because we used them before, he started bashing the other choices we made.  Especially the fact that they used employees and everyone else used subcontractors.  As he continued on his rant that the other companies probably got their people from the local pub I could not take it anymore.   Hmm, that is my business model.  I am a subcontractor and my team is made up of subcontractors.  No more explanation needed.

Moral of the story, if you have a great product then sell that product.  Don’t insult the intelligence of your potential customer by excluding them or bashing your competition.  We are still in the decision making process however with a great quote and great product I do not even know if they are still in the running because he discounted me as a dumbass.

Have you run into this before?

Signing off,
Lee