How to Win When the Job Fails
This week I had a customer pay $2,500 for a repair. I told him upfront: this might not fix the bigger issue, but it could buy time. He chose to move forward knowing the risk.
A short while later, the engine gave out completely. On paper, that’s a “failed job.” But here’s the twist: the customer is still happy, he sees me as a trusted advisor, and he’s already referring me to others.
Why? Because I framed the situation clearly, set expectations, and made sure the choice was his. That turned a potential nightmare into a long-term win.
Key Takeaways:
- Always set clear expectations.
- Give customers informed choice, not false certainty.
- Win-win means even worst-case can build trust and referrals.