What Is It With These High-Maintenance Clients?

Coinosaurus · December 4, 2012 11:17PM

I honestly don't know how dealers deal with it.

They ask research questions about inventory items that can't possibly be answered. And keep asking the same thing in a different way when you tell them that.

Then they call every day to see if you got their check.

And every day to see if you deposited it.

And every day until the item is delivered, "to make sure the PO hasn't lost it."

Then the buyer's remorse kicks in. And you have a whole new set of problems to deal with.

At what point do you tell them to go find another dealer?

astrorat · December 4, 2012 11:24PM

When the "cost" of servicing becomes more than the profit earned. You likely wouldn't entertain those questions from a client who purchases the occasional common Morgan but probably would if you were helping a client assemble a set of proof Morgans.

lkeigwin · December 4, 2012 11:32PM

Maybe those clients enjoy talking to you? You're pleasant to them, courteous, helpful...and they don't know that you're annoyed and/or busy.

There's usually a way to let on. But yes, some people are oblivious.
Lance.

BillJones · December 4, 2012 11:35PM

When I was dealer I provided these services happily. If you were a good customer of mine, you had my expertise at your disposal. I did all kinds of research for them. The profits can be more than worth it if you are working with the right client, and I might say that those guys could make a pretty penny today on the coins I sold them.

The thing that brings such relationships to an end come where these guys get their fingers on the Gray Sheet or worse yet the Blue Sheet and think you should be selling them high grade, tough to find coins at those prices. That is when customers like this are not worth the effort.

yellowkid · December 4, 2012 11:44PM

Any salesman should expect a certain number of customers to require some hand holding, if it becomes too much to bear, cut them loose, or find another line of work

PQueue · December 4, 2012 11:47PM

At what point do you tell them to go find another dealer?

Simple answer...when they become unprofitable.

BillJones · December 4, 2012 11:50PM

<< At what point do you tell them to go find another dealer?

Simple answer...when they become unprofitable. >>

Yes, that's what I did when one of my guys discovered the Blue Sheet and decided those were the prices he should be paying. I gave his name to another dealer friend who asked me, "How can you do that with such a big client?"

"Start trying to sell him anything, and you will find out," I told him.

My dealer friend contacted my old customer a time or two, but couldn't get anywhere.

crazyhounddog · December 5, 2012 1:06AM

<< Any salesman should expect a certain number of customers to require some hand holding, if it becomes too much to bear, cut them loose, or find another line of work

>>

braddick · December 5, 2012 1:09AM

<< At what point do you tell them to go find another dealer?

Simple answer...when they become unprofitable. >>

Or, truly annoying.

Lakesammman · December 5, 2012 2:09AM

You guys have it easy.

Try taking care of drug addicts with abscesses from shooting up - no insurance, no hope of getting paid and you get fined 50K if you refuse to provide these services for free.

crypto79 · December 5, 2012 2:14AM

I am so sorry, I had no idea I was being that bad

Mowgli · December 5, 2012 2:16AM

No customer is as bad as no customer (surely with exceptions)

TwoSides2aCoin · December 5, 2012 3:47AM

It's not easy being me. It would really suck being you. I'm going to send my problem customers your way.

2ltdjorn · December 5, 2012 4:47AM

<< You guys have it easy.

Try taking care of drug addicts with abscesses from shooting up - no insurance, no hope of getting paid and you get fined 50K if you refuse to provide these services for free.

>>

I am allergic to Tylenol, Percocet, Tordal, Morphine... But there is a medication that works its starts with a D... Dil? Dilaudid? It is the only thing that works, but I am in 10/10 pain... Yes I am just chilling eating my Big Mac but its excruciating... Also I believe I am having chest pain too. Also could I get a podiatry consult?

milkcoin · December 5, 2012 5:08AM

<< 

<< You guys have it easy.

Try taking care of drug addicts with abscesses from shooting up - no insurance, no hope of getting paid and you get fined 50K if you refuse to provide these services for free.

>>

I am allergic to Tylenol, Percocet, Tordal, Morphine... But there is a medication that works its starts with a D... Dil? Dilaudid? It is the only thing that works, but I am in 10/10 pain... Yes I am just chilling eating my Big Mac but its excruciating... Also I believe I am having chest pain too. Also could I get a podiatry consult? >>

That's a very powerful drug, I would advise not being on it. My sister in law took it for back surgery and they brought her down to higher levels of Morphine instead. a lot less severe of a medication.

mingot · December 5, 2012 5:14AM

<< 

<< 

<< You guys have it easy.

Try taking care of drug addicts with abscesses from shooting up - no insurance, no hope of getting paid and you get fined 50K if you refuse to provide these services for free.

>>

I am allergic to Tylenol, Percocet, Tordal, Morphine... But there is a medication that works its starts with a D... Dil? Dilaudid? It is the only thing that works, but I am in 10/10 pain... Yes I am just chilling eating my Big Mac but its excruciating... Also I believe I am having chest pain too. Also could I get a podiatry consult? >>

That's a very powerful drug, I would advise not being on it. My sister in law took it for back surgery and they brought her down to higher levels of Morphine instead. a lot less severe of a medication. >>

I disagree.

When you are in severe pain ask for it by name.

When they offer it, say yes.

It's so good it actually makes me look back on my kidney stones and gall bladder surgery fondly.

fastfreddie · December 5, 2012 5:19AM

johnny9434 · December 5, 2012 5:22AM

<< At what point do you tell them to go find another dealer?

Simple answer...when they become unprofitable. >>

Buzzybest · December 5, 2012 5:32AM

<< It's not easy being me. It would really suck being you. I'm going to send my problem customers your way.

>>

NONSENSE! Just send me a blue sheet pronto!

I love this place.

stman · December 5, 2012 5:37AM

Hey was that you when I asked and was ready to pull the trigger on a four figure coin?

I asked if it had any hairlines on the coin, no reply, no buy.
And before that guy that will use the quote button till it's worn out starts in....... I know the dealer well and have done a fair amount of business in the past.
Easy do deal with when you say "I'll take it." That's all he wants to hear. So, it wasn't a mistake of him not responding, wasn't he forgot etc. Just thought I'd cover that. Months later still has the coin. Guess I'm too "High Maintenance."

TomB · December 5, 2012 9:45AM

I actually enjoy interacting with folks. Face-to-face conversation is easy since there are social cues to pick up and phone conversations are relatively easy with their real-time discussion, but email and PM can be tougher because of the time lag between responses and also because the written word can convey a meaning that is not intended. I've had clients run the gamut from a simple "I'll take it" to extended email conversations that include shipping the coin for in-hand inspection and having it returned only to revisit the possible purchase months later and go through all the details again as if it were the first exchange. I am generally okay with all of this as long as the other party is not rude.

magikbilly · December 5, 2012 10:43AM

<< I actually enjoy interacting with folks. Face-to-face conversation is easy since there are social cues to pick up and phone conversations are relatively easy with their real-time discussion, but email and PM can be tougher because of the time lag between responses and also because the written word can convey a meaning that is not intended. I've had clients run the gamut from a simple "I'll take it" to extended email conversations that include shipping the coin for in-hand inspection and having it returned only to revisit the possible purchase months later and go through all the details again as if it were the first exchange. I am generally okay with all of this as long as the other party is not rude. >>

This. What Tom B said.
I am getting more "I'll take it..." these days. Then there is some settling dust and a small figure on the horizon. I still send emails asking if people are happy and satisfied with my services. No one responds hardly at all these days, even 10 year customers and new folks who seek me out by word of mouth. Sales are good

How do you get a handshake out of a screen though...

I saw a guy at the PO today try to use a ipod/pad/screen thingie as a means to communicate with the clerk! He was using the screen as a mediator. It was sad and funny.

Eric

Rodebaugh · December 5, 2012 11:00AM

<< 

<< You guys have it easy.

Try taking care of drug addicts with abscesses from shooting up - no insurance, no hope of getting paid and you get fined 50K if you refuse to provide these services for free.

>>

I am allergic to Tylenol, Percocet, Tordal, Morphine... But there is a medication that works its starts with a D... Dil? Dilaudid? It is the only thing that works, but I am in 10/10 pain... Yes I am just chilling eating my Big Mac but its excruciating... Also I believe I am having chest pain too. Also could I get a podiatry consult? >>

This

PCcoins · December 5, 2012 11:34AM

<< 

<< You guys have it easy.

Try taking care of drug addicts with abscesses from shooting up - no insurance, no hope of getting paid and you get fined 50K if you refuse to provide these services for free.

>>

I am allergic to Tylenol, Percocet, Tordal, Morphine... But there is a medication that works its starts with a D... Dil? Dilaudid? It is the only thing that works, but I am in 10/10 pain... Yes I am just chilling eating my Big Mac but its excruciating... Also I believe I am having chest pain too. Also could I get a podiatry consult? >>

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is extremely strong pain killer, along the likes of opana (oxymorphone), which is basically the strongest synthetic pain killer on the market. Be very very careful if you have been taking them for an extended period of time. If so you are physically addicted to it, whether you know it or not. My father has been on strong pain meds for a while now, so this is just my 2c.

Coinosaurus · December 5, 2012 11:50AM

<< Be very very careful if you have been taking them for an extended period of time. If so you are physically addicted to it, whether you know it or not. >>

One time I was administered those meds that killed Michael Jackson, for a surgical procedure. I came away with a completely different view of addiction. It is amazing, scary, and sobering all at the same time, how drugs can make you feel.

2ltdjorn · December 5, 2012 11:58AM

<< 

<< 

<< You guys have it easy.

Try taking care of drug addicts with abscesses from shooting up - no insurance, no hope of getting paid and you get fined 50K if you refuse to provide these services for free.

>>

I am allergic to Tylenol, Percocet, Tordal, Morphine... But there is a medication that works its starts with a D... Dil? Dilaudid? It is the only thing that works, but I am in 10/10 pain... Yes I am just chilling eating my Big Mac but its excruciating... Also I believe I am having chest pain too. Also could I get a podiatry consult? >>

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is extremely strong pain killer, along the likes of opana (oxymorphone), which is basically the strongest synthetic pain killer on the market. Be very very careful if you have been taking them for an extended period of time. If so you are physically addicted to it, whether you know it or not. My father has been on strong pain meds for a while now, so this is just my 2c. >>

This is true. But my point is that all professions have their headaches. But as OP states he is frustrated with demanding customers he should remember he is selling luxury items, and to complain about having customers is completely idiotic... What a blessing to have a customer. I will always go the extra mile to meet the needs of my customers. If they bother you, then leave the business and chose another profession.

Edit to add: I am not saying people who seem pain medication are the issue, but rather my statement refers in nearly every hospital in the country. Drugs addicts are very manipulative, and very costly drain on healthcare resources... Nonetheless they deserve the same respect as everyone else... Mind you it is very frustrating at times.

Another profession with difficult customers would be the auto industry... Nearly everyone gives the car salesman a hard time! But they still show up to work, because they know the game is profitable!

MFH · December 5, 2012 12:05PM

I have to chuckle, after reading your opening post,
as one frequent poster here immediately came
to mind. ( Fear not, that person has yet to respond ).

A friend of mine has this type of customer and he no
longer responds to the clients emails and won't return
calls, because its just not worth dealing with him.

Coinosaurus · December 5, 2012 12:07PM

<< I have to chuckle, after reading your opening post,
as one frequent poster here immediately came
to mind. ( Fear not, that person has yet to respond ).
>>

Yes, I also noticed that that person has not responded

AMRC · December 5, 2012 12:08PM

Need to keep it on-topic. Post a coin that is drug related.

Or one you must have "been on drugs" when you bought it.

stman · December 5, 2012 12:40PM

No doubt if I asked TomB, "Hey Tom, I can't tell if it's an artifact of the image, or if the coin has any hairlines would you mind taking a look for me? Thanks Tom"

Tom would not only answer the question, he'd long post me with every thing he can see on the coin, and the holder, and any history etc.

TomB · December 5, 2012 12:50PM

<< No doubt if I asked TomB, "Hey Tom, I can't tell if it's an artifact of the image, or if the coin has any hairlines would you mind taking a look for me? Thanks Tom"

Tom would not only answer the question, he'd long post me with every thing he can see on the coin, and the holder, and any history etc.

>>

And no doubt I would get a return email from stman stating "Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!"

stman · December 5, 2012 12:52PM

<< 

<< No doubt if I asked TomB, "Hey Tom, I can't tell if it's an artifact of the image, or if the coin has any hairlines would you mind taking a look for me? Thanks Tom"

Tom would not only answer the question, he'd long post me with every thing he can see on the coin, and the holder, and any history etc.

>>

And no doubt I would get a return email from stman stating "Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!"

>>

originalisbest · December 5, 2012 12:54PM

LOL! I would agree with stman. You just can't do BETTER than buying a coin from TomB. You could do equally as well with other fine sellers -- but not better, IMO.

It goes without saying, you could do far, far worse looking elsewhere as well!

Swampboy · December 5, 2012 1:33PM

<< It's not easy being me. It would really suck being you. I'm going to send my problem customers your way.

>>

Like heck you will.

I ain't goin' anywhere!

Bochiman · December 5, 2012 2:22PM

<< I have to chuckle, after reading your opening post,
as one frequent poster here immediately came
to mind. ( Fear not, that person has yet to respond ).
>>

Ditto

I also laugh when hearing people complain about having clients, high maintenance or not, with the economy the way it is anyway.
There are some folks that love the "high maintenance" types, and price accordingly.

Of course, unless it is stman who is the customer (and I doubt he is high maintenance), then we don't know the other size of the story and it could be very well a pita dealer

There are more than a few dealers that are good to deal with and would happily answer questions. Even "every day to see if the check was received or cashed" as it doesn't take long to say yes/no and it fosters a business relationship.

If their business bothers you, by all means, immediately tell them to go elsewhere. I am sure someone else would like their business/money and I am sure they would like to have someone appreciate them as a customer.

What Is It With These High-Maintenance Clients?

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