i am into my second season as a licensed taxidermist and was wondering about two possible customers and some previous ones.
the first possibles one is a doctor who contacted me about redoing a head. i did not hear from him for a week or so and stopped by his practice he said he was going to wait till the bear season or something. i won,t pursue this guy any further, however, this brings me to my second possible, a self made millionaire, he has a moose that was damaged and wants a quote for repair (insurance is taking care of it) I gave him two estimates, one for repair and one to completely redo. i havent heard from him either. both have seen my work proir to their requests and i doubt price is the issue for either so should i stop and ask customer no.2 what is going on. I am also having trouble collecting on some debts from last season. how long is long enough to wait (has been 6 mos.) before selling their mount or notifying collection agency etc. i have good turnaround and fair prices. any suggestions?
thanks
greg
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So far as the two money bags customers, I'd leave'em be. They know who you are and how to get hold of you, They're educated and responsible folk. IF and when they're ready to do business they'll come see you. Getting pushy could turn them away. Would be okay to bring it up if you happen upon them though. But I wouldn't be hunting them down. As far as collecting money due... This should be spelled out in your contract. You do have one right? If it's not, I'd contact them registered mail and give them a deadline or else the mounts are yours. From now on have it in your contract.
It should be posted in your contract on how long your willing to wait for payment. I do 15 days no charge for storage and 15 days with storage. Also it states that after being notified by a certified letter I'll hold it for only the 15 day storage and then either sell it or dispose of it. If you don;t have this in your contract you better put this in.
Now if you don't I would contact them with a certified letter and let them know you will only hold your mount for the amount of days you suggest and then after that you will sell them. Or take them to court. You have a contract that was signed and they are held for that amount.
Did you ever mention to someone that you need to get a haircut, then have them stop by where you work wondering when youre going to stop by to get it cut by them? Of course not. They approached you, they got your info, now being confident enough to go on about your business. Theyll contact you if and when theyre ready. Its a no-brainer on the insurance deal...it takes time. Many guys get more than one quote, too.
Frank was right on your other issue, go to your town office or an attorney and get your legal wording done for your contracts. Its the only way that protects you.
greg, don't look too hungry, they have got your #, if they decide to do it they will get a hold of you. Don't act like the pushy car salesman at the car lot most people don't want to deal with them guys. In taxidermy nothing is a for sure deal till you have the item in your posession and get deposits. You will find a lot of price shoppers and people that sound like there going to come to you and on the next call find somebody that is cheaper and go with them. Let the price shoppers go elsewhere they are ussually the guys that there mount falls apart and wonder why?
If I followed up on every potential customer that I quote a price to I'd just get way further behind in my work. Quote the price and forget about it- they either bring in the job or they don't.-Aaron H.
i think i will have someone help with the contract. and thanks for the advice with the other guys i just will wait and see.
Your help is on your left under search ,type in contract there is a good one there I use. Dave