Yes, when we first started our woodworking business. We had a customer who wanted us to make a gun case for him. He backed out of the deal and we were stuck with the case. We learned to require a deposit before starting a new job.
Heck, I've been screwed by neighbours when I was doing the job for free! Needless to say, folks only get to do that to me once. After that, I am too busy to call them back....ever! Some people just don't understand how common courtesy works.....
Donyboy, I “dabbled in stuff like this, and, doing yards, for about 9-12 months. Man oh man did I lose my shirt, sweat, quite often blood and almost everything else it was possible to lose. Guys and gals, pay heed to whatever he has to say! Just check your own local laws, I believe that he is in Canada, which might make a difference. I have been watching him for some time now and one thing that always comes out to me is his honesty! THANKS Donyboy, for what you do and for entertaining us. Much appreciated. Sincerely, Rod
The technical term is "abandoned in place", And all customers should sign a standard contract when they Place a deposit for diagnostic work that after so many days The machine will be considered abandoned in place unless Storage payment is made. Thanks for sharing your excellent professional experience Don! 👍👍👍
Very sound advice. Once owned a business and this is a problem that all business owners face. For me, I was a mobile home repair contractor. I learned real quick to get a significant down payment prior to ordering or purchasing parts for the job. After getting burnt I required at least enough to cover the cost of parts prior to doing any repair. With the exception of a few elderly widows who were "good Christian" people that didn't have any money until a future date but assure you that if I replaced their furnace today they WIILL pay me at a defined future date. Then, you guessed it. They stiffed me! Took me a couple of these before there were no exceptions. It was hard to stick to my guns because in the example above it was winter and this lady's furnace was unrepairable. It is funny, these individuals either find someone else to potentially take advantage of or they find a means to come up with the money. Of course, in these cases I demand full payment because at this point I don't really want the job
@@squirrelcovers6340 Yes, it really disappoints me because I am a Christian but I have found your statement to be true. In fact, it is a red flag for me when they pull out the "I am a good Christian........" Like I said, it saddens me that individuals would use their faith (or not) to cheat someone. It goes completely against the tenants of Christianity
I realized that this was going to be a serious video when i saw the can of Molson in your hand. As a person i give you guys with a business credit for dealing with all the BS of customer service. Honestly i just love to find, repair, and flip equipment on the side while holding a part time job. I do not want the stress of customer service. I really do not repair equipment for others except for maybe once in a great while depending on the person. I also find, repair, and flip used bicycles too. As an introverted person i would love to be employed independently, but i just cannot deal with people. As for the trashy yards tell me about it. I am always trying to keep my part of the yard tidy to prevent city complaints. I wish i lived out in the country so i could park my stashes of equipment out in the pasture out of sight, and out of mind. Thankfully my neighbors are cool, and can deal with it. In my leisure time i ride a 1987 Honda Helix 250cc scooter.
Don, my family used to be in the woodworking and refinishing business. I know EXACTLY what you mean about certain customers. We've even had some customers telling US how to make and refinish things. Mind you, we've had many loyal customers who kept coming back for work to be done. It definitely can be stressfull at times dealing with certain customers. We usually requested a deposit before we started on a job. Take care my friend👍
Thanks Don. I have had people get a little upset wen I tell them I cut my lawn with their mower as they are thinking that I am taking advantage of them until then I tell them that I was making sure that is would work for them.
Hi Donny, been awhile. Business was always tough and getting tougher have to be alert. Only takes a few to cause grief. We know why. You give good tips in this video especially for new shops. Adding another 👍 to the 1000s Stay well, Joe Z
Integrity is more becoming a thing of the past ,same like manners, courtesy etc.,all have taken a slide into the abys ! We certainly need more people like you, Australia isn't far behind! Keep up the good work mate, that's why I'm with you for years 😊
Donny you are so right. A good friend was a service manager in the car business for 35 years and he could tell you stories that would make your head spin.
Great video Dony. I think most people are still honest today, mayby not as many as there were 25 years ago. I recently launched my boat at a Marina ramp in southern Ontario after they were closed. I went back the next day to pay them for the boat ramp fee. They thanked me for my honesty. The point is. That was just the way I was brought up and I hope the majority of your customers are too. Happy you are showing people how to cover themselves for the dishonest one's. Cheers
Great video Donyboy, your experience and knowledge are very useful and thanks for being an honest a reputable person, you are a great person for passing this on!
Great advice, Donny, and from the heart. I found that you have to have a LOT of abandoned machines lying around if you're hoping they'll be a source of usable parts for your repairs. Think first of all of all the different kinds of machines we work on, from pressure washers to edgers, from generators to snow blowers . . . and then add to that all the different models, makes, and years. Even supposing you have the 10,000 square feet of available storage to warehouse it all, you have to remember what you have and where it is.
Some great points. Years ago, I worked for a small shop. And I saw it happen too often. And the boss had a storage area full of mowers and 2 cycle stuff that had been sitting for years and wouldn't sell it because he thought the customer would come back for it. I'm not a business but have experienced some of the issues you mentioned. What pisses me off is when you tell the customer that more needs to be done than the original repair, they only want the original issue fixed. You do, they pay, then start complaining to people because something else is broke and I had told them about it.
Any small business where you deal with the public is a stressful pain. I was a consulting civil engineer. There's always people trying to get you to do work for free. Good Luck, Rick
Looks like this Is universal thing. Happy to do these as an hobby only. Too much hassle when running bisnes and dealing customers is only small part of the circus. I respect guys who can do all that and still manage to fix something.
You have to watch out for yourself even if you're doing it as a hobby. There's nothing more disheartening than to put four hours into a piece of junk someone brings you because professional shops won't work on it and end up with nothing: no money and not even the satisfaction of having reparied something.
I was in business ( not small engine) But a lot like it. I can testify. That every word of this is truth! Something like 90% of people are nice. But you MUST always be prepared for those that will argue with you over what you charge or how you operate your business! Exhausting sometimes!!
By the way I consider myself a a tinkerer. I fix my own stuff and have worked on family and friends. I don't charge time but do recoup parts cost and have had some grumble why so much and like you've pointed out that parts are 2 to 3times more expensive than the states. And I don't like to automatically go to China parts. And without you and chickanic with your superb instruction knowledge and know-how tips and tricks my success wouldn't be as great . Thank you for all you do and wanting to share. Thank You 👏👏👏👏👊👍✌️🙃 Love Your Videos
Great video! I ride a 2023 HD Street Glide ST. I have the same motorcycle stand. Love it! I also use it for lifting my Gravely Pro Stance 48 to change the blades.
I’ve been through that a time or two I used to fix small engines heavily, but I don’t do that much anymore, but I did run into that. How people can react like that awesome video very good tips enjoyed watching.👍
Well said, as an automotive repair shop owner i have experienced those kind of problems of which you spoke. Your advice is spot on. May you have continued success and thank for your videos
Don I can tell you are a good honest man. Don't worry about the people who say you are ripping them off - you are NOT doing that. It happens in many businesses and as you said there's a BIG difference between "fixing it" and fixing it properly so it's just as good as new.
Perfect advice, Donny. I just watched a video similar that this from Taryl’s channel where he had to call the police to deal with a customer who left his equipment at his shop for forever then turned around and called asking for it back after he legally sold it. I’m self employed as a PC repair technician and put on the bottom of my invoices that must be signed authorizing work and diagnostic fee, that after 30 days when the job is complete, we can keep and scrap or resell computers as abandoned. I send out registered letters after numerous phone calls first to cover my ass before I use parts, donate or scrap the PCs. Within 30 days, if you think your Uncle Fred’s butcher’s kid can fix it with a $20 Chinese carb from Amazon, you can come get it, you already paid the diagnostic fee that you griped was too expensive but gave me any way to look at your computer. Good advice for any small business owner dealing with physical product.
This is a great video, thank you. I do this as a hobby, and I have had all these clients as well. I find that most folks are very reasonable as long as I'm honest with them. Great advice.
GROS GROS MERCI DONY. Ce video est vraiment précieuse pour tout le monde. Personellement il m'arrive de réparer des petits moteurs et je sais que le temps passe super vite. Démonter une machine, faire un diagnostic et s'informer pour le prix des pièces consomme beaucoup de temps. Je demande toujours au propriétaire d'acheter lui-même les pièces surtout pour un horsbord. C'est un piège de payer des pièces et de se faire dire qu'on est un voleur et rester pris avec des pièces payées une fortune. Je répare des moteurs en hobby et tout ce que vous dites vaux de l'or. MERCI pour les précieux conseils. Si possible, refaire cette vidéo en français. Il ya très peu de vidéos de cette valeur en français pour les réparateurs et pour les clients. En passant, cette vidéo est pertinentes pour les électros ménagers aussi.😊😊😊
Great idea be sure to get a sign disclaimer ! Here in GTA ... that's a tradition to leave what ever unwanted metal equipments or stuffs by the edge of the front lawn ( Not on the road itself ) the night before garbage pick up day. There're always someone with their Pickup truck driving around for " Road side pick up " likes, lawnmower, washing machine , bikes , etc; Not sure it's happens in your neighborhood, Don !
Not exact topic, but a shop around here offers to pick up and store summer type equipment for the winter for like $30 with the additional service of having it fully serviced by spring. He then has a storage building full of work he can pace himself with all winter. And customer is happy because they don't have to store their equipment.
True, it doesn't matter what you do. You just cannot please them all. And time is money regardless of what you do. Just be honest, and it will pay off. The world is just getting dark, but you can be the light and make some good for someone or yourself. Times have changed, and the people are worse than ever.
Great coverage, Don! Having been in Windows computer repair since 1997, I have dealt all those types of customers. I would like to see a video about how you deal with other businesses that try to shut you down. And if you get comments about things you didn't mention here, please make a follow up video.
Nice video and good advise, don't let other shops or shady customers get the better of you. What wrong with the generator? Interested in it, yes. Cheers
Thanks for the business advice Don, good idea about getting it in writing or a text. Chear to see you have been down the road. With having stuff around the yard, you have a good dea there too. Keep it out if sight, out of sight, out of mind. Have a good weekend and don't stress, just enjoy that beverage 😊😊
Hello to you, Donyboy, most excellent advice from your wisdom and experience I to have had to deal with the strangest kinds of people when it comes to a fiscal responsibility. You definitely learned to read some people after a few minutes of conversation and I have turned down jobs exactly for that reason.. I believe and feel and being honest and upfront is the only way to go and being prudent and careful before hand is always, a good business practice for yourself and the customer
I have a sign posted in my shop stating, any equipment left 90 days becomes properly of the shop. I take notes on everything, and take pictures as needed. Usually it is the handheld equipment that gets left that is cost prohibitive to be repaired.
Enjoy all of your Videos. I have been doing small engine repairs out of my garage in New Hampshire for about 3 years and only had problems with 2 customers. One I'm dealing with now brought old mower to replace pull starter, I did that and wouldn't start. Of course he insisted it ran before he brought it to me. Spark plug looked original, air filter fully packed with dirt, carb no good and blade bent Downwards on both ends. I'm thinking he got at yard sale and had no clue what he was buying !!
My dad had his own business for many years back in the 70s doing remodeling of homes and businesses and he always said any job where you have to deal with the public it’s going to be a headache more times than not.
Paper work is very important. Deposit, name of machinery to be repaired. I get everything on paper, cash receipt, deposit and the item to be purchased. I'm in a different business so my invoice is made to suit me. People have to remember its your business and the reputation that is at risk. Im a one man operation so these extra steps will take me a little longer but protects my business. I've been running this way for 25 years.
Several years ago I had a friend who said he had a snowblwr that didn't run...I said it's probably the carb..I could take a look.. he said took mech and said it would cost $$(?) and got it fixed aftr a few snowfalls...in a rush..(LOL). I realize thru ur video how my generosity could've ruined our friendshipm
I never wanted to deal with deposits, but obviously still ended up with hundreds of units. It's funny how many comments I get from viewers thinking I stole someone's equipment because the customer didn't want to fix it or it was too much of a gamble for me to fix for a customer, they leave it with me, not wanting to pay the $15-$30 diagnosing charge, then I decide to fix it. What they don't understand is it is not as much of a gamble for me to fix myself or sell I sell it for parts. Then I get my diagnosing fee back.
I prefer getting diagnostic fee up front to save the hassles. You you want to do a livestream with me one day to talk about this subject and more let me know!
In a former life I worked in a welding equipment repair shop. We had a tag that went on the piece of equipent a customer would bring in to us. Their name and the date went on the tag and a stub from the tag was given to the customer with the date and what the item left for repair was. On that stub was a statement that item left in our shop may be disposed of after 30 days (I think 30). Most of the time there would be a longer period before we did anything with them, depended on the customer. But yeah there wasn't a thing called texting back then...can you say radio bag phones...lol. Thanks for sharing your knowledge sir.
Nice video Dony, I started working on my own stuff 30+ years ago due to a crooked shop in my area. It's still my hobby but I get busier by the year from word of mouth. I have recently had my first abandoned ZT with no return contact from the guy. I know just as soon as I get rid/part he'll show up wanting to know where his mower is. Thanks for the insight brother.
Worked in a shop years ago that would demand 1/2 the estimate up front when it was more than the value of the machine. All but stopped the abandoned equipment issue.
Loved this video and when you were talking about sending a text to customers about releasing ownership of a machine and agreeing that you can have it to do whatever with. Those folks who take their time in responding in my mind playing games because now your storing it for them when they don't want to make a decision or have and just don't want to reply . I was saying multiple times while shaking my head and you said the magic words for me is that if your not going to make a decision within 4 or 5 days . In that text for them to confirm that you can have it that you will now be charging a storage fee. Also you may want to think about also stating in the text of a customer who doesn't want to reply that after 30 to 60 days the piece of equipment will be deemed abandoned and that they are giving you non written concent to dispose of said piece of equipment. And if they return or call past all dates laid out again a storage fee needs to be paid in advance of returned equipment. GREAT JOB and GREAT video. 1500cc Suzuki what are you riding. ✌️🙃
I worked for 18 years as a custodian and also worked in a small engine repair shop, eventually building my own work shop and did both for toilet cleaning and small engine repair. I was professionally trained and was supposed to go to Briggs and Stratton under a sponsorship to become certified, but the owner had dealings with Briggs reguarding warranty work, so the owner decided I shouldn't go. I am retired as a custodian, but still do small engine work.
Brother, I agree with you and have done all the above one thing you missed is when I register the machine and give them the paperwork for the beginning with the diagnostics fee.There also is a paragraph at the bottom of every short one.That says storage fee
My dad had the same problem he was an auto mechanic people would want work done on their cars I never come back for the car that was probably about 35 to 40 years ago Buffalo New York so everything you were saying me and my dad went through what you were saying thank you for the video
I mow lawns and blow snow as a job and I also fix some of my own equipment. Currently I am trying to get a fairly large organization to pay me money from two years of lawn mowing and I am getting no where very slowly. It's been eight months and they sent one cheque but for only about half the amount I was expecting and without actually following payment instructions (to whom they make the cheque). I will be calling again this week to see what the issue is. That said, I have two dealers and one additional mechanic who is ramping down, retiring and selling his house and shop (he's an everything mechanic from regular bicycles to small engines to automobiles like cars to large diesel trucks) that I deal with. The two dealers have been pretty good, one is my Echo and Cub Cadet dealer and the other is primarily a John Deere dealer but I have purchased one Honda commercial lawn mower and this year, had them service it and another Honda. All three have been pretty good to me so I cannot complain. The Cub and Echo dealer is roughly my age (born in the mid-80s), fairly new around here and for owning a business and working alone since his business partner retired and passed away a couple of years ago, his quality of work has been fairly good. When my snow blower started making a grating sound and we found out that $200 worth of parts in the transmission had to be replaced he was able to give me half time which I thought was kind. The really odd, yet ironic thing was the snow blower was in a day after the warranty expired.
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➡Have you ever been screwed by a customer? Please comment!
record every call and saved them and email or text
Yes, when we first started our woodworking business. We had a customer who wanted us to make a gun case for him. He backed out of the deal and we were stuck with the case. We learned to require a deposit before starting a new job.
Oh yes I did but, I kept their machines, until the cops showed-up. Not a pleasant feeling 🤨.
Heck, I've been screwed by neighbours when I was doing the job for free! Needless to say, folks only get to do that to me once. After that, I am too busy to call them back....ever!
Some people just don't understand how common courtesy works.....
Couple times, but they're Family so what can ya do, Man ? 🤷🏼♂️
Donyboy, I “dabbled in stuff like this, and, doing yards, for about 9-12 months. Man oh man did I lose my shirt, sweat, quite often blood and almost everything else it was possible to lose.
Guys and gals, pay heed to whatever he has to say! Just check your own local laws, I believe that he is in Canada, which might make a difference.
I have been watching him for some time now and one thing that always comes out to me is his honesty!
THANKS Donyboy, for what you do and for entertaining us. Much appreciated.
Sincerely, Rod
I have been working on lawn equipment for over 65 years- good video
I used to work for a cell phone repair shop and we would run into all the same things. I agree with you 100%
The technical term is "abandoned in place", And all customers should sign a standard contract when they Place a deposit for diagnostic work that after so many days The machine will be considered abandoned in place unless Storage payment is made. Thanks for sharing your excellent professional experience Don! 👍👍👍
Very sound advice. Once owned a business and this is a problem that all business owners face. For me, I was a mobile home repair contractor. I learned real quick to get a significant down payment prior to ordering or purchasing parts for the job. After getting burnt I required at least enough to cover the cost of parts prior to doing any repair. With the exception of a few elderly widows who were "good Christian" people that didn't have any money until a future date but assure you that if I replaced their furnace today they WIILL pay me at a defined future date. Then, you guessed it. They stiffed me! Took me a couple of these before there were no exceptions. It was hard to stick to my guns because in the example above it was winter and this lady's furnace was unrepairable. It is funny, these individuals either find someone else to potentially take advantage of or they find a means to come up with the money. Of course, in these cases I demand full payment because at this point I don't really want the job
@@squirrelcovers6340 Yes, it really disappoints me because I am a Christian but I have found your statement to be true. In fact, it is a red flag for me when they pull out the "I am a good Christian........" Like I said, it saddens me that individuals would use their faith (or not) to cheat someone. It goes completely against the tenants of Christianity
You are a smart business man Dony. Ive been watching your channel for many years. And i have learned alot from you. Thank you brother. 👍
I realized that this was going to be a serious video when i saw the can of Molson in your hand. As a person i give you guys with a business credit for dealing with all the BS of customer service. Honestly i just love to find, repair, and flip equipment on the side while holding a part time job. I do not want the stress of customer service. I really do not repair equipment for others except for maybe once in a great while depending on the person. I also find, repair, and flip used bicycles too. As an introverted person i would love to be employed independently, but i just cannot deal with people. As for the trashy yards tell me about it. I am always trying to keep my part of the yard tidy to prevent city complaints. I wish i lived out in the country so i could park my stashes of equipment out in the pasture out of sight, and out of mind. Thankfully my neighbors are cool, and can deal with it. In my leisure time i ride a 1987 Honda Helix 250cc scooter.
Don, my family used to be in the woodworking and refinishing business. I know EXACTLY what you mean about certain customers. We've even had some customers telling US how to make and refinish things. Mind you, we've had many loyal customers who kept coming back for work to be done. It definitely can be stressfull at times dealing with certain customers. We usually requested a deposit before we started on a job.
Take care my friend👍
Thanks Don. I have had people get a little upset wen I tell them I cut my lawn with their mower as they are thinking that I am taking advantage of them until then I tell them that I was making sure that is would work for them.
Hi Donny, been awhile. Business was always tough and getting tougher have to be alert. Only takes a few to cause grief. We know why. You give good tips in this video especially for new shops.
Adding another 👍 to the 1000s
Stay well, Joe Z
Integrity is more becoming a thing of the past ,same like manners, courtesy etc.,all have taken a slide into the abys ! We certainly need more people like you, Australia isn't far behind!
Keep up the good work mate, that's why I'm with you for years 😊
Donny you are so right. A good friend was a service manager in the car business for 35 years and he could tell you stories that would make your head spin.
Great video Dony.
I think most people are still honest today, mayby not as many as there were 25 years ago.
I recently launched my boat at a Marina ramp in southern Ontario after they were closed.
I went back the next day to pay them for the boat ramp fee.
They thanked me for my honesty.
The point is.
That was just the way I was brought up and I hope the majority of your customers are too.
Happy you are showing people how to cover themselves for the dishonest one's.
Cheers
Great video Donyboy, your experience and knowledge are very useful and thanks for being an honest a reputable person, you are a great person for passing this on!
Words of wisdom from the man who has been down this road all too often. THANK YOU SIR!
Cover your butt!!
Great advice, Donny, and from the heart.
I found that you have to have a LOT of abandoned machines lying around if you're hoping they'll be a source of usable parts for your repairs. Think first of all of all the different kinds of machines we work on, from pressure washers to edgers, from generators to snow blowers . . . and then add to that all the different models, makes, and years. Even supposing you have the 10,000 square feet of available storage to warehouse it all, you have to remember what you have and where it is.
Your situation explains why, you work not too far from your wife. Thumb's-up for your dedication and care.
Thank you!
Some great points. Years ago, I worked for a small shop. And I saw it happen too often. And the boss had a storage area full of mowers and 2 cycle stuff that had been sitting for years and wouldn't sell it because he thought the customer would come back for it. I'm not a business but have experienced some of the issues you mentioned. What pisses me off is when you tell the customer that more needs to be done than the original repair, they only want the original issue fixed. You do, they pay, then start complaining to people because something else is broke and I had told them about it.
Been there and done all this. Even a part time shop ends up with these issues. Good advise.
Any small business where you deal with the public is a stressful pain. I was a consulting civil engineer. There's always people trying to get you to do work for free. Good Luck, Rick
Looks like this Is universal thing. Happy to do these as an hobby only. Too much hassle when running bisnes and dealing customers is only small part of the circus. I respect guys who can do all that and still manage to fix something.
You have to watch out for yourself even if you're doing it as a hobby. There's nothing more disheartening than to put four hours into a piece of junk someone brings you because professional shops won't work on it and end up with nothing: no money and not even the satisfaction of having reparied something.
I agree, a text is as good as any other type of document. And it's handy for most people.
I was in business ( not small engine) But a lot like it. I can testify. That every word of this is truth! Something like 90% of people are nice. But you MUST always be prepared for those that will argue with you over what you charge or how you operate your business! Exhausting sometimes!!
By the way I consider myself a a tinkerer. I fix my own stuff and have worked on family and friends. I don't charge time but do recoup parts cost and have had some grumble why so much and like you've pointed out that parts are 2 to 3times more expensive than the states. And I don't like to automatically go to China parts. And without you and chickanic with your superb instruction knowledge and know-how tips and tricks my success wouldn't be as great . Thank you for all you do and wanting to share. Thank You 👏👏👏👏👊👍✌️🙃 Love Your Videos
Great video! I ride a 2023 HD Street Glide ST. I have the same motorcycle stand. Love it! I also use it for lifting my Gravely Pro Stance 48 to change the blades.
Thanks for sharing! I've got the Africa Twin
@@donyboy73 great choice!!
Thank you Dony for intelligent advice...
I’ve been through that a time or two I used to fix small engines heavily, but I don’t do that much anymore, but I did run into that. How people can react like that awesome video very good tips enjoyed watching.👍
That’s something good to know,Danny we leerán every day!thank you for the tip 🖐🏾
Well said, as an automotive repair shop owner i have experienced those kind of problems of which you spoke. Your advice is spot on.
May you have continued success and thank for your videos
Very difficult business to be in.
I have done a bit of small engine repair and I feel your pain.
Very much appreciated this video.
Don I can tell you are a good honest man. Don't worry about the people who say you are ripping them off - you are NOT doing that. It happens in many businesses and as you said there's a BIG difference between "fixing it" and fixing it properly so it's just as good as new.
Donyboy73, You have taught me so much through the years. I wish I had a 1/4 of your knowledge.
Great info! 2014 Harley Ultra Limited (FLHTK)
Perfect advice, Donny. I just watched a video similar that this from Taryl’s channel where he had to call the police to deal with a customer who left his equipment at his shop for forever then turned around and called asking for it back after he legally sold it. I’m self employed as a PC repair technician and put on the bottom of my invoices that must be signed authorizing work and diagnostic fee, that after 30 days when the job is complete, we can keep and scrap or resell computers as abandoned. I send out registered letters after numerous phone calls first to cover my ass before I use parts, donate or scrap the PCs. Within 30 days, if you think your Uncle Fred’s butcher’s kid can fix it with a $20 Chinese carb from Amazon, you can come get it, you already paid the diagnostic fee that you griped was too expensive but gave me any way to look at your computer. Good advice for any small business owner dealing with physical product.
This is a great video, thank you. I do this as a hobby, and I have had all these clients as well. I find that most folks are very reasonable as long as I'm honest with them. Great advice.
Have a disclaimer on your paperwork saying anything left over 30 days becomes your property.
Great tip!
Also recommend looking into your provinces laws regarding 'abandoned property'
It's 60 days in his province.
💯%!
Great video Donyboy!
GROS GROS MERCI DONY. Ce video est vraiment précieuse pour tout le monde. Personellement il m'arrive de réparer des petits moteurs et je sais que le temps passe super vite. Démonter une machine, faire un diagnostic et s'informer pour le prix des pièces consomme beaucoup de temps. Je demande toujours au propriétaire d'acheter lui-même les pièces surtout pour un horsbord. C'est un piège de payer des pièces et de se faire dire qu'on est un voleur et rester pris avec des pièces payées une fortune. Je répare des moteurs en hobby et tout ce que vous dites vaux de l'or. MERCI pour les précieux conseils. Si possible, refaire cette vidéo en français. Il ya très peu de vidéos de cette valeur en français pour les réparateurs et pour les clients. En passant, cette vidéo est pertinentes pour les électros ménagers aussi.😊😊😊
Great idea be sure to get a sign disclaimer ! Here in GTA ... that's a tradition to leave what ever unwanted metal equipments or stuffs by the edge of the front lawn ( Not on the road itself ) the night before garbage pick up day. There're always someone with their Pickup truck driving around for " Road side pick up " likes, lawnmower, washing machine , bikes , etc; Not sure it's happens in your neighborhood, Don !
You are so right. I owned rental property for years. I could tell you some stories too
Not exact topic, but a shop around here offers to pick up and store summer type equipment for the winter for like $30 with the additional service of having it fully serviced by spring. He then has a storage building full of work he can pace himself with all winter. And customer is happy because they don't have to store their equipment.
Love the channel. HD Ultra, wife’s ride 883 Super Low, Honda 250 (toy for riding around farm).
Your videos are incredible. It’s obvious that you have so much knowledge and your demeanour and good ethics shine through. Big tip of the hat to you.
Very Good Advice Donnyboy. No matter how much of a Square Dealer one may try to be, That type of people are sadly worldwide 😢
True, it doesn't matter what you do. You just cannot please them all. And time is money regardless of what you do. Just be honest, and it will pay off. The world is just getting dark, but you can be the light and make some good for someone or yourself. Times have changed, and the people are worse than ever.
Great video, I have run into some of those issues in my shop. I now try to keep my shop to very limited customers.
Great coverage, Don! Having been in Windows computer repair since 1997, I have dealt all those types of customers. I would like to see a video about how you deal with other businesses that try to shut you down. And if you get comments about things you didn't mention here, please make a follow up video.
Will do!
Thank you for that video. I hope that many shops looks at your vlog and take action.
Excellent video Dony, also an extra idea about sending a text to say scrap it. People never cease to amaze me. 👍👍👍👍
Great video on how to deal with lawn care equipment that left behind the customer didn't want it worked on at your shop
Nice video and good advise, don't let other shops or shady customers get the better of you. What wrong with the generator? Interested in it, yes. Cheers
2017 Ural GearUp. Love the bike, dont recomend unless you want to fix stuff constantly.
Most excellent video and advice. Congratulations to you.
Well said thank you very much 😊
Now I see why Steve's small engine drinks first before working on stuff very stressful but free stuff is sweet
I am truly sorry some people are not nice , I will pray for you and your wife. God bless.
Great video with very valuable advice. Thank you
Great Video sounds like you have been around the track.
You are 100% right.
Great information! Thanks! Love your channel.👍
Thanks for the business advice Don, good idea about getting it in writing or a text.
Chear to see you have been down the road.
With having stuff around the yard, you have a good dea there too. Keep it out if sight, out of sight, out of mind.
Have a good weekend and don't stress, just enjoy that beverage 😊😊
I repair stuff for a hobby. I do understand what you mean though Don. Good advice!!
Hello to you, Donyboy, most excellent advice from your wisdom and experience I to have had to deal with the strangest kinds of people when it comes to a fiscal responsibility. You definitely learned to read some people after a few minutes of conversation and I have turned down jobs exactly for that reason.. I believe and feel and being honest and upfront is the only way to go and being prudent and careful before hand is always, a good business practice for yourself and the customer
Thanks for the video Donny.
Pas toujours facile le service client…Bon courage Don!
Merci!
Spot on mate been there done it the best way is word of mouth is the best advertising well said good video 👍
Hey! I do ride a motorcycle! I have a 2018 BMW S1000R, love it!
I have a sign posted in my shop stating, any equipment left 90 days becomes properly of the shop. I take notes on everything, and take pictures as needed. Usually it is the handheld equipment that gets left that is cost prohibitive to be repaired.
Lately rebuilt two 1968 Triumph 500. A Trophy and a Tiger, ride them just for the pleasure. My years of hard riding are over.
Nice!
Enjoy all of your Videos. I have been doing small engine repairs out of my garage in New Hampshire for about 3 years and only had problems with 2 customers. One I'm dealing with now brought old mower to replace pull starter, I did that and wouldn't start. Of course he insisted it ran before he brought it to me. Spark plug looked original, air filter fully packed with dirt, carb no good and blade bent Downwards on both ends. I'm thinking he got at yard sale and had no clue what he was buying !!
It's the typical story lol
Very good advice Don! Thank you!
My dad had his own business for many years back in the 70s doing remodeling of homes and businesses and he always said any job where you have to deal with the public it’s going to be a headache more times than not.
Hi Dony, into my saws,mower and ride a 99 Honda Vfr800 ,1980 Suzuki GSX1100et and rebuilding a 76 Honda GL1000 Goldwing.
Keep up the good work.
nice, I have the Africa twin
Paper work is very important. Deposit, name of machinery to be repaired. I get everything on paper, cash receipt, deposit and the item to be purchased. I'm in a different business so my invoice is made to suit me. People have to remember its your business and the reputation that is at risk. Im a one man operation so these extra steps will take me a little longer but protects my business. I've been running this way for 25 years.
Several years ago I had a friend who said he had a snowblwr that didn't run...I said it's probably the carb..I could take a look.. he said took mech and said it would cost $$(?) and got it fixed aftr a few snowfalls...in a rush..(LOL). I realize thru ur video how my generosity could've ruined our friendshipm
Thanks Donny
I never wanted to deal with deposits, but obviously still ended up with hundreds of units. It's funny how many comments I get from viewers thinking I stole someone's equipment because the customer didn't want to fix it or it was too much of a gamble for me to fix for a customer, they leave it with me, not wanting to pay the $15-$30 diagnosing charge, then I decide to fix it. What they don't understand is it is not as much of a gamble for me to fix myself or sell I sell it for parts. Then I get my diagnosing fee back.
The text thing is a good idea.
I prefer getting diagnostic fee up front to save the hassles. You you want to do a livestream with me one day to talk about this subject and more let me know!
@@donyboy73 That would be great!
@@Chickanic a u s /canadian view on this would be great
Thank you Donnie.
One for the algorithm. Merci !
Vous aussi!
In a former life I worked in a welding equipment repair shop. We had a tag that went on the piece of equipent a customer would bring in to us. Their name and the date went on the tag and a stub from the tag was given to the customer with the date and what the item left for repair was. On that stub was a statement that item left in our shop may be disposed of after 30 days (I think 30). Most of the time there would be a longer period before we did anything with them, depended on the customer.
But yeah there wasn't a thing called texting back then...can you say radio bag phones...lol.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge sir.
Nice video Dony, I started working on my own stuff 30+ years ago due to a crooked shop in my area. It's still my hobby but I get busier by the year from
word of mouth. I have recently had my first abandoned ZT with no return contact from the guy. I know just as soon as I get rid/part he'll show up wanting
to know where his mower is. Thanks for the insight brother.
Good comment John
@@BrucesShop thanks Mr Bruce 🙂👍🏼
Good advice. If you ever need me to pick up scrap Ill come over. Im in Gravenhurst. Cheers
Hi don my name is Isaiah...in Savannah Georgia...I'm a certified Stihl tech....but love working on everything
Ty sir very very great info
.🙏
Thanks for your tips you have a wonderful day
Excellent advice indeed.
I gave the customer an itemized repair estimate beside the notice of bailment at the bottom... yep, document, document 👍👍
Seriously, great video topic.
Worked in a shop years ago that would demand 1/2 the estimate up front when it was more than the value of the machine. All but stopped the abandoned equipment issue.
Loved this video and when you were talking about sending a text to customers about releasing ownership of a machine and agreeing that you can have it to do whatever with. Those folks who take their time in responding in my mind playing games because now your storing it for them when they don't want to make a decision or have and just don't want to reply . I was saying multiple times while shaking my head and you said the magic words for me is that if your not going to make a decision within 4 or 5 days . In that text for them to confirm that you can have it that you will now be charging a storage fee. Also you may want to think about also stating in the text of a customer who doesn't want to reply that after 30 to 60 days the piece of equipment will be deemed abandoned and that they are giving you non written concent to dispose of said piece of equipment. And if they return or call past all dates laid out again a storage fee needs to be paid in advance of returned equipment.
GREAT JOB and GREAT video.
1500cc Suzuki what are you riding. ✌️🙃
Nice comment! I ride the Africa Twin
I worked for 18 years as a custodian and also worked in a small engine repair shop, eventually building my own work shop and did both for toilet cleaning and small engine repair. I was professionally trained and was supposed to go to Briggs and Stratton under a sponsorship to become certified, but the owner had dealings with Briggs reguarding warranty work, so the owner decided I shouldn't go. I am retired as a custodian, but still do small engine work.
Brother, I agree with you and have done all the above one thing you missed is when I register the machine and give them the paperwork for the beginning with the diagnostics fee.There also is a paragraph at the bottom of every short one.That says storage fee
Good advice
Your very helpfull thanks
Thanks
ok ... sold my 1998 BMW last fall and now riding a 2013 Triumph Bonneville t 100.. Great Bike ... been riding since 1967
Wow, what a shame that you have to go through that over something so small. Living in Alaska, I wish we lived closer together!
My dad had the same problem he was an auto mechanic people would want work done on their cars I never come back for the car that was probably about 35 to 40 years ago Buffalo New York so everything you were saying me and my dad went through what you were saying thank you for the video
Some people seem to think finding the problem didn’t cost you anything 💥🤑
I mow lawns and blow snow as a job and I also fix some of my own equipment. Currently I am trying to get a fairly large organization to pay me money from two years of lawn mowing and I am getting no where very slowly. It's been eight months and they sent one cheque but for only about half the amount I was expecting and without actually following payment instructions (to whom they make the cheque). I will be calling again this week to see what the issue is.
That said, I have two dealers and one additional mechanic who is ramping down, retiring and selling his house and shop (he's an everything mechanic from regular bicycles to small engines to automobiles like cars to large diesel trucks) that I deal with. The two dealers have been pretty good, one is my Echo and Cub Cadet dealer and the other is primarily a John Deere dealer but I have purchased one Honda commercial lawn mower and this year, had them service it and another Honda. All three have been pretty good to me so I cannot complain.
The Cub and Echo dealer is roughly my age (born in the mid-80s), fairly new around here and for owning a business and working alone since his business partner retired and passed away a couple of years ago, his quality of work has been fairly good. When my snow blower started making a grating sound and we found out that $200 worth of parts in the transmission had to be replaced he was able to give me half time which I thought was kind. The really odd, yet ironic thing was the snow blower was in a day after the warranty expired.