A customer (company) that i often provide a catering service to approached me and asked if i can cater for their christmas party. After going back and forth many times, they agreed to my proposal which includes a service i do not usually offer (chritmas hampers). when it came to request a deposit, the customer decided my proposal was not to their satisfaction but liked the christmas hammpers offer. They have now confirmed that another catering company will be offering them their christmas lunch at half the price for a similar menu.
They still want me to provide the christmas hampers, though this is something i offered to do in order to win the business in the first place. There is no profit in me providing their hampers.
My question is this...........Am i being unprofessional if i refuse to offer the hampers?
A lot depends, I think, on the wording in your quotes. Was your written quote to the company explicitly for:- (1) a complete package (lunch plus hamper for Linda CareersPartnershipUK
Look, Its your decision; I would do this if i were in your place 1. If I can make some money out of it that's good, I will do it. 2. If I am at breakeven than I would do it just for the sake of experience. 3. If I'll have slightest chance that I wont even make breakeven and will go in loss, I wont do it. Well that's the way I think. If you plan on doing it, do share your experience! JackD
What an interesting question. I guess the issue is how much is this customer worth to you in repeat business? You've said you often provide services for, so I guess it's weighing up the risk of alienating/losing future business, versus providing a service you are unfamiliar with, making no profit and potentially a loss if the margins are that tight? It sounds like you haven't got an agreed contract as they never paid a deposit, so could you re-negotiate a deal with a higher price, citing the original price was combined with a bigger order. Or is it possible to offer a cheaper alternative giving you a profit? I've been asked numerous times to do some SEO consultancy, which I've never done as a paid service for anyone else. Although I've considered it, I know customer expectations would be potentially higher than what I could deliver, leading to extra pressure, and detracting me from my core business. Maybe you could be in a similar position?
It's your decision either you will provide what they want if you don't even provide what they want. If you not really and can't provide what they want so better to back out. unitedcp
I would tell them that you've been hampered by the bad weather and forget about it. If your are not going to make money out of catering this time of year then there is little point. But you could do, say a Thanks, Barney
thank you for your advice. i will most likely follow your 2nd advice. kind regards 67Ltd
“A lot depends, I think, on the wording in your quotes. Was your written quote to the company explicitly for:- (1) a complete package (lunch plus hamper for 67Ltd
“What an interesting question. I guess the issue is how much is this customer worth to you in repeat business? You've said you often provide services for, so I guess it's weighing up the risk of alienating/losing future business, versus providing a service you are unfamiliar with, making no profit and potentially a loss if the margins are that tight? It sounds like you haven't got an agreed contract as they never paid a deposit, so could you re-negotiate a deal with a higher price, citing the original price was combined with a bigger order. Or is it possible to offer a cheaper alternative giving you a profit? I've been asked numerous times to do some SEO consultancy, which I've never done as a paid service for anyone else. Although I've considered it, I know customer expectations would be potentially higher than what I could deliver, leading to extra pressure, and detracting me from my core business. Maybe you could be in a similar position?” Sound advice and one that offers me with a useful approach for next time. Thank You! 67Ltd
If you want to survive in the market you should accommodate to your customer. Losses are the part of business so don't be worry. Marry martin |
Recent Posts Easy-to-Assemble Bed Frames for Every Home Is a Super King Size Bed Really Worth It? Thinking of Upgrading During This Big Sale… The Rise of Ottoman Beds: A Smart Investment for Modern Homes  Glossing 4 comments Advantages of Hiring a Remote Court Reporter 1 comments Improving Website Visibility and Performance for E-commerce Best Windows and Door Companies in your city/town How resource smoothing worked for my business Accounts for International Payments and FX? The benefits of therapy for entrepreneurs and businesses Investigating the Integration of Salary Sacrifice in Fleet Administration 3 comments A New Year begins - what's your resolution? 5 comments  Businesses that aren't yours but you would recommend 15 comments profits and new van 2 comments Composite front door 4 comments |
