Jim Follett wrote: > The question I have is how do you get people to stop thinking half-ass is > good enough? This might sound crazy, but a while ago when every body was dropping their prices and going to inferior equipment in the "design build" mode - you get a product that LOOKS like high class stuff but that has hidden design flaws or hazards or quality issues - I just stuck to my guns and even raised my prices a little. It hurt the first time I sincerely told somebody "wow sounds like you got yourself a hell of a deal," and declined a job. But I got rid of some real pain in the butt customers and regained old ones two or three jobs later, now with a truer sense of appreciation of what we were selling- not just a product, but experience and care. Yes, my cash flow was seriously impacted for a while, but I had just reached that point that my mental health was more important. And you will find that none of the 30 or so contractors I worked with in the Cinci area can say they regretted working with me. After 10 years out of the business, I still get calls for referrals, info, and just checking in from former customers. That is something I can be proud of no matter what else happens in my life. ~deb -- **Please remember to trim posts, as requested in the Terms of Service** To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: <http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>