[urq] problems with a business (LONG but hopefully helpful)

[urquattro at comcast.net]

Hi Michael,
Touchy subject...tough to know when exactly to stop being patient and start getting ultra-assertive. I've erred sloppily on both sides of this line with the associated kicking-of-self afterward.

The shop is in tough situation here as well, so the longer you can keep your approach "soft" and sympathetic, the better, IMO. A good friend started a shop here in the PDX area based largely on engine swap projects almost 5 years ago, but got out of the "radical projects" market recently after a few "thorny" experiences with frustrated customers. What I have observed is that the people who bit the bullet in terms of patiently waiting longer (in some cases a LOT longer) than anticipated and covered "pop-up expenses" instead of nailing the shop to their original quote ended up with some VERY nice cars and were extremely happy in the long run.

What is comes down to is whether you believe in the integrity of the people you are dealing with. When dealing with good people, if you extend them the flexibility they need shedule-wise, and assume responsibility for added costs they could not have forseen, then you will be aptly rewarded with a very good end product. If you are dealing with the people I think you are dealing with, I think they deserve the benefit of the doubt and your good faith.

Now as far as being gently assertive (and I'm speaking from my own experience of what NOT to do), I think the quickest way to their hearts will be to let them know how you FEEL about the way things are going rather than being accusatory or punitive. It could just be that their enthusiasm for your project has waned a bit, and you can take the positive step of reiterrating to them how much faith you have in them and how awesome you think the car will turn out. Alternately, letting them know how disappointed you FEEL that the project seems to have been back-burnered and you've been forgotten about will generally get you a lot further than threats of what actions you are willing to take.

The bottom line is your car will turn out a lot better if you remain partners through the process, and 5 years from now, that's all that you're going to remember. Best of luck; I really can't see them screwing you over.

(And the "most rambling-est post of the day" award goes to...)

-Jon

>>From: "Michael S. Williams" <oorqueue at gmx.net>
Subject: [urq] problems with a business

i've been having a lot of problems with a certain company that does 
modifications to cars, especially in regards to getting things DONE, and being 
told what is happening with my vehicle.  What was originally supposed to be 
something that took 4-6 weeks has STILL not been finished, and that 4-6 weeks 
started at the beginning of july.

at what point should i pursue further action as far as getting this project 
finally done, and getting my car back to me?

michael