Is the Customer Always Right?

You asked if the customer is always right. I would say yes IF you represented yourself as a honest agent and letting him know everything up front. If he does not follow the instuctions that you and him set out in the beginning, the client might be right, but you don't have to deal with him. Royal..

When I wasnt my own boss prior to being in real estate I had a saying:

The customer is never right!

Now I have a new saying:

What does it matter if the customer is right if they are angry?

Sometimes we are helpless either way.

Elizabeth - I think if we are honest with ourselves, we know that the customer isn't always right!  However, because it's usually the customer who is paying for a service or a product they desire, it's our job provide that product or service as professionally as we are capable of. 

But as we all know - it's easier to do with some folks than others.  That's why there is a spa in your backyard, and in mine - so we can unwind, and let off steam at the end of a horrendous day:-)

Some people can't be pleased.  They expect us to work for them forever to find that grossly underpriced property.  Or they expect us to write offer after offer that is thousands too low thinking that they'll get one bought someday.  New agents have time to do that.  Seasoned ones usually don't.  That's why we see people that we had worked with buying something from another agent.

Elizabeth:  Sounds like this guy might be disloyal, and a pain in the neck.  A bad combination.  Don't know I'd waste too much time on it.

Hello Ron: I try to explain to buyers who want the truly incredible deal that if the truly incredible deal was out there, the agents would buy it themselves, but they rarely believe me. However, there have been times when I have found buyers an exceptional deal that I would not buy because I don't have the time nor inclination.

Hello Royal: We can choose our customers to make our clients. If a customer does not conform to the marketplace, however, that customer is not really a buyer.

Hello Shane: Are you saying that your customers are angry? I don't understand.

Hello Myrl: Yes, thank goodness for the spa on those busy days.

Hello Barbara: I expect clients to be reasonable and if they want that fabulous deal, to be patient and listen to my advice. If they don't want to listen to my advice and cannot show respect for my professionalism, then I refer them to a newer agent who doesn't care about such things.

Oops. Hello Chris. Thanks for stopping by. I have found that with certain buyers, you can end up spinning your wheels, both mentally and physically, for nothing. If there's no engagement, no communication and no commitment, it is a waste of time.

Elizabeth, just fire the suckka! No time for people that won't listen.

I think you should buy up the best deal yourself and then sell it to your buyer in a few years!!

I think you'll give him the same brilliant advice you would any other client... and if he elects to take advantage of your expertise, help him... if he doesn't, you'll cut him loose and move on to the other buyers who are interested in your informed opinion. Life is waaaay too short for bs. 

Hi Fred: Well, tell me how you really feel. :)

Hi Allen: It's impossible to represent myself as a seller and my client as a buyer, and I wouldn't even try. But nice sentiment, though.

Hi Jesse: Straight to the point. That's one of your very fine characteristics that I appreciate about you.

Elizabeth - almost 30 years ago I adopted the concept that "The customer is not always right, but, the customer pays the bills, and if he isn't right, we need to make him aware of that, with respect." Basically, we have to get them through there error with as little pain as possible to both sides. That aside, I agree there are some out there who we can't help. This guy of yours sounds like he may be one of those.

Hi Mike: That's been my motto, too. I can give the information but if the customer isn't receptive, then the customer can go be right for somebody else. I believe many people are misinformed, which is why they come up with odd agendas and criteria. Sometimes, even though it goes against my better judgment, I fulfill those criteria because that's my job. My job is NOT to cram what I believe down another's throat. But when it causes offer rejection over and over, I just save myself the headache and refer them out because it means it will never close. And if by some miracle it does, the agent will be lying in a ditch somewhere with her head shaved bald. And I don't want to be that person.

My vote would be to cross him off thelist.  If he is not interested in your advice then it does not sound like a good fit.  Period. 

Sometimes clients don't like when we tell them the TRUTH!  Sometimes the truth hurts.  They come fresh out of a "get quick course" and don't like the reality check we give them. I feel bad because they want desperately to have the expensive class pay off for them in a quick flip in the Sacramento area. 

Most times these types of client end up with the biggest liar (who tells them everything they want to hear) and they end up getting burned.

There are so many folks out there that want to work with you. I say spend your energy and time with then!

ELIZABETH - I think that people have a hard time understanding that some markets are still relatively strong (bank owned homes being one of them).  Buyers shouldn't base their decisions on the sweeping generalizations that are made by the mass media.

Hi Erin: You're right, of course. I prefer to work with those that need my skillset than those who think they know everything.

Hi Adam: Everybody has their own criteria, and that's OK. But when they don't listen to you and treat you like some glorified taxi service, that's where I draw the line.