A teeny tiny "grrr" not big enough for a full-blown rant

G

GeorgiaXplant

Well-known Member
Location
Georgia
One of my clients--I don't know which one--gave my name and number to a friend of hers. All my clients know that I already have more on my plate than I can say grace over and am not taking any new ones. What's really aggravating is that all my clients are either in my subdivision or live within a mile or so, and they all know that I won't go outside our neighborhood. The person called and left voice mail, but it was garbled and just about all I caught was that "a friend" of hers gave her my name, that she needs somebody to clean for her and where she lives. Where she lives happens to be about 10 miles away, and the only way to get to that area is through always-busy streets.

Her number was on the caller display, of course, but I didn't call her back and am not going to.

Tell me...would you do that without checking with your cleaning lady first? I do have a new-ish client who asked me about a week ago if I would consider taking a new client, and I told her absolutely not! I sincerely hope that she's not the one who passed on my name and number.
 
I think that your client should have checked with you first; however it speaks volumes about how much she appreciates your work, that she did refer a friend to you (wanted or not). So, even though you are not interested in this particular client; it is great that your other client believed that you would do the best job available.
I believe that I would at least call the new lady, and explain to her that you are not taking any new clients; that way she can begin to look for someone else to do the job, rather than waiting to hear back from you.
Otherwise, she may just continue to leave messages asking for your help, so this would politely settle the whole issue once and for all.
 
I agree that maybe by forwarding your number, they were giving you a compliment and thought they were doing you a favor. Even if they know you're busy and you won't take work that's too far anyway...people don't always think logically. I guess there are times when someone who's fully booked gets an opening for some reason and would consider the new job. I personally would not have given your number without checking with you first, but that's just me. :)
 
I agree with HFL - it's just more professional (and good for future business!) to give her a quick call and tell her that you're sorry but you're booked solid. If you can, refer her to another cleaning service in the area - that's a nice touch.

All in all it's a good problem you have. ;)
 
You're fortunate to have more work available than you can handle.
So many out there are struggling. It's possible someone likes your service and wants you to succeed, so without malicious intent, they passed along a recommendation for your business.
Don't be annoyed because you're popular with your clients. They admire your work and have actually given you a great compliment.
 
Yeah, it's nice that somebody thinks well enough of me to refer a potential new client...except that they've all been told time and again that I absolutely, positively won't take any new clients. A while back, I had a waiting list as long as my arm. About a year ago, I called all those people and told them that I was doing away with the waiting list because as people dropped out, I wouldn't be replacing them. So far (more's the pity!) nobody has quit so I'm still covered up with work.

Phil, it's sort of an embarrassment of riches:D And HappyFlowerLady, the biggest reason I'm not going to call her back is that I want to make sure that whichever of my clients passed my name and number along doesn't do it again! Rude, I suppose, but there ya go. Maybe I get a pass on the rude part because I'm old? LOL

Not quite ready to give it up just yet, but soon. If the Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise, as we used to say in Texas, this time next year the only house I'll be cleaning is my own.
 
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