This is an interesting thread.
When I do a job I have to see if I'm compatible with the owner. My wife and I will usually check out the vehicle and then go to dinner with the owners. This way we both can get a read on if it's a good match. She does a better read than me also since sometimes talking cars is enough for me.
You definetly have to listen for red flags, stereotype, profile, or whatever because guys that collect certain cars usually live up to the car's personality. For instance, If I walk into a collection to look at a job and he has a bunch of Vettes in there then I'm on high alert. During chit-chat I have to bring up the NCRS to get a read on the owner. If he say's "yah, those a-holes knocked me points for having my air filter element upside down" then were headed in the right direction. If he say's " Yes, those are a bunch of fun guys" then it's probably not going to work out favorably for me.
I work alone with the exception of my snow bird dad that I keep busy in the summer doing mechanical stuff. Otherwise I do all the body/paint/mechanical/light upholstery-kits and such.
I've been doing this in my own shop for 10 years now with another 10 years messing around part time with my wife's grandfather. I've learned a lot about people and almost zero tolerance for slow payers or complainers. A few years ago I sent a car to the curb for complaining on the first bill. I knew what direction we were headed and after complete photos/documentation of the extra work required he couldn't get it. Sometimes these guys get blinded by "it was my dad's car" and can't grasp that doesn't mean it's a good car.
I work time and material also. During the first phone call I will usually run a number by the owner to see if were on the same page. Good customers know your time and skills are valuable.
When I do a job I have to see if I'm compatible with the owner. My wife and I will usually check out the vehicle and then go to dinner with the owners. This way we both can get a read on if it's a good match. She does a better read than me also since sometimes talking cars is enough for me.
You definetly have to listen for red flags, stereotype, profile, or whatever because guys that collect certain cars usually live up to the car's personality. For instance, If I walk into a collection to look at a job and he has a bunch of Vettes in there then I'm on high alert. During chit-chat I have to bring up the NCRS to get a read on the owner. If he say's "yah, those a-holes knocked me points for having my air filter element upside down" then were headed in the right direction. If he say's " Yes, those are a bunch of fun guys" then it's probably not going to work out favorably for me.
I work alone with the exception of my snow bird dad that I keep busy in the summer doing mechanical stuff. Otherwise I do all the body/paint/mechanical/light upholstery-kits and such.
I've been doing this in my own shop for 10 years now with another 10 years messing around part time with my wife's grandfather. I've learned a lot about people and almost zero tolerance for slow payers or complainers. A few years ago I sent a car to the curb for complaining on the first bill. I knew what direction we were headed and after complete photos/documentation of the extra work required he couldn't get it. Sometimes these guys get blinded by "it was my dad's car" and can't grasp that doesn't mean it's a good car.
I work time and material also. During the first phone call I will usually run a number by the owner to see if were on the same page. Good customers know your time and skills are valuable.
