The funny thing about the $60 job? The client was located in Las Vegas – Harry went to hand-collect the cheque in full leather and on his bike. I felt like I knew the Mafia.

@ Monika – Learning how to cut your losses is something that comes with experience, too. Many people can’t afford to or they get all twisted up inside trying to do the right thing. It’s a tough call, but learning how to say, “This far and no further” is important.

@ John – Yeah, I’m generally the one of us two that says, “Just take it.” But this time, even I felt dirty. I’m rubbing my hands just thinking about it. The kicker? It seemed such a nice, simple job with a nice, friendly client.

@ Hank – Dave’s a smart guy ;)

@ AnnaLisa – Ha, that’s true. Sometimes the stress is worth every damned penny.

@ Shari – I hear you. We’ve been through our times of needing the money so bad that we couldn’t say no. But years later, we still remember the incident. Only the good clients should stay in your memory that long.

@ Cath – You pegged it perfectly. No matter what you do, sometimes, it just isn’t worth it.

@ Brett – Sleeman’s Silver Creek, my friend.

Karen

Sometimes it is better to cut your losses than trying to fix things that aren’t fixable at all. Not matter how hard we try, some clients are just never going to be pleased and separation is the answer for both parties.

I know what you mean though. I own a landscaping business and there have been a few clients we have turned away and had we taken the job, I’d probably have not wanted their money. But in the end I would have kept it.

An old real estate investor mentor of mine hard wired my thought process to look for value, hidden profits, and deposit every penny I come across.