There are certain folksy “wisdoms” that accompany someone going into business for themselves. Some have not stood the test of time; however, not all customers are trustworthy just as not all sellers are ethical. But when learned and applied, most of these will enable the self-employed to succeed.
- the customer expects a service to be performed on time and at the agreed fee
- offering a price discount is a way to draw customer interest
- customer and entrepreneur both understand the scope of work prior to acceptance; additional work requires an additional fee
- buy now, pay later is a service to generate sales; this should only be offered to reliable, repeat customers
- count out the customer’s payment and any change due, at the time of service
- in God We Trust; all others pay cash (IGWT AOPC); this is particularly important with new customers who may wish to pay with credit that the processor refuses.
- respond quickly and appropriately to negative feedback (especially online)
Truths, Half-truths, and Sea Stories 