Any Advice Appreciated!

19 years ago

Hello one and all.

I am facing a rather thorny professional problem, and wanted to get some insight. I am trying to keep this as anonymus as possible, so it may get a little confusing. Last year, I oversaw a large yard renovation for the company I work for. The client had a reputation for being difficult, which I was told after the contract was signed. I always take good care of my clients, but I was extra attentive on this project, visiting every day, meeting whenever they asked, and carefully noting any comments or concerns. Just before we were finished, the client requested a meeting to answer questions and do a walk through. At this meeting, the client was verbally abusive and insulting to myself and my collegue. The client also presented us with a list of additional work that we were expected to do for free. Needless to say, the meeting was cut short. We tried to resolve the situation through letters and phone calls, but the client sued us. After a year, this client has finally settled with the company, as there is absolutely no case on their side. My problem is that now this person is now smearing my company and my own professional reputation in the community. I suspect very strongly that we lost a job with a past client due to these lies. Have any of you ever experienced something like this? If so, what did you do? I am very upset by this whole situation, and would appreciate any advice.

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Comments (3)

deeproots
19 years ago
I had a similiar experience.
a landscaper I used to work for, decided to smear my name around when I first started my own company.

Take the high ground, don't even acknowledge the insults, and above all else, don't take it personally.

There are alot of customers out there, and I always view with speculation anyone that wants to 'bad talk' right off the bat. I always think, well gee, if they are so fast to bad talk this person, how quick will they talk about me?

Plus, pain in the arse customers are typically legendary among the contracting populace.
I remember one woman who after several years of being a nonpaying, badtalking, overly demanding customer... well, she couldn't find someone to pick up a leaf out of her yard, let along mow or landscape any of it.

dp
The_Mohave__Kid
19 years ago
"Take the high ground, don't even acknowledge the insults, and above all else, don't take it personally. "

Good advice...

"... well, she couldn't find someone to pick up a leaf out of her yard, let along mow or landscape any of it."

Yep .. I had a very famous client like that ... they had to call two cities away to get service.

Good Day ...
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GreenieBeanie
19 years ago
Good advice from all above.

This client has probably pulled this trick a time or two with other contractors. And the "high ground" advice is good.

However, if you feel you are being intentionally slandered, it may be a good idea to try and learn more about whether the slander is related to the lost business you mentioned, and if so, some action may be warranted. If there was a settlement, there was probably a clause indicating that the terms of the settlement were confidential. There may be other language in the settlement intended to protect you and your company from exactly what is happening now. If that is the case, I personally would not hesitate to have my lawyer fire off a letter to remind the deadbeat to knock it off.

Finally, the "lost client" may come back. If they were good clients, write a light, breezy note to thank them for their past business and let them know that you look forward to working with them again in the future if the opportunity ever arises. Then leave them alone. There's a good chance, that if your service is as good as you claim it is, they will come back to you.