Monday, October 20, 2014

Asking Questions to Understand Problems

38 comments:

  1. Very informative blog, Dave. Lots of good tips, especially in the customer service field.

    Using tips like these in the real world really makes a difference. Say, if you were building or installing something for a customer and the customer had concerns, the information gathered here would really come in handy. Asking open-ended questions gives the customer a chance to elaborate on their views, ideas and concerns.
    Let's say your customer is concerned you may overspend their budget on a project. Open-ended questions like "what about the budget concerns you?" or "where in the budget do you feel we can improve, make changes and how?" really give more information to conclude the customer's concerns and solve the issue. Pair this with appropriate gestures, eye contact and the proper pitch and pace and you'll do just fine.

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  2. I could write a estimation invoice to show him how much I was going to charge for what. Then ask him what they thought might make them go over budget so we could see if there was any changes that needed to be made to the plan for the deck/shed/appliance install.

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  3. In the case of a customer being concerned about being over charged for installing an appliance, I would be honest with them and what tell them through what I have to do to get the job done.. for example I would show them what the supplies would cost, how much my hourly rate is and then the travel fee. That would be the total cost and I would add it up with the customers so that they can see that they are not being over charged and if it will fit there budget. For a second strategy if they are still over budget they can decide to take out something and to make it easier for them the cost for the supplies would be right in front of them, so they just decide what they don't want or the more expensive supplies to get rid of / go with something cheaper if possible.

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  4. The first strategy is to make an invoice or quote and show him the charges for things and see what he maybe wants to leave there and or take out
    the second i can think of is have him help out work off some of the costs that i would charge , but if he doesn't want to work then the invoice would be the best option safety and convenience wise 0

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  5. In the case of the customer being concerned about not having enough money for installing an appliance that was already quoted for. To negociate you could try and find an easier or cheaper solution to the problem like a smaller appliance or a cheaper appliance. If that doesn't work you could try and find little things in your job quote that you can take off or change to decrease the price to satisfy the customer. Also you could do a trade with the person, if he was able to do something for you like if he was a landscaper and you needed some landscaping work done at home you could swing the cost into a little project he could do for you.

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  6. if a customer doesn't have enough money, I would see if he could get it within the next little while or if we could come up with a cheaper way to complete the project in a way that would be more affordable for him and still meets his needs.

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  7. I would first ask the customer why he thinks I will charge more than what he has in his budget. Then ask if he would be comfortable using cheaper materials in the project, even if it might sacrifice stability.

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  8. in this case I would first give the customer an idea of what the materials would cost. during this process I would highlight any unneeded expenses we could possibly cut out. I would then suggest maybe a cheaper brand of material as the brand often depicts the price. the customer may settle for a cheaper option. this may make it more feasible to have the product installed. I would then suggest a possible payment plan as a lot of businesses provide a financing system so that they can make smaller payments rather than a lump sum.

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  9. The first strategy I would recommend is, make up a sheet of paper with a breakdown what he wants. On It, show what he wants and how much it is going to cost him and show how much your labor is going to cost. Then ask him about any confusion with what you have shown him.

    If you have already quoted the customer and he is concerned about the price, I would recommend looking for a less expensive way to still do what the customer wants done. This could range from be Building a smaller shed, to using a less expensive department store brand when installing an appliance.

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  10. If the customer is concerned you are going to charge him more than what is in his budget the first step would be to come up with a ball estimate for the job being done you would than want to go over the cost for parts and labour so it is clear where the cost is coming from. Step2: If the customer is still concerned you could go over ways to cut the cost of the project and try explaining the benefits of the having the deck/shed and how it could make there life easier.

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  11. could write a estimation invoice to show him how much I was going to charge for what. Then ask him what they thought might make them go over budget. and if it is over I can try to use less name brand tools

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  12. If a customer wanted an appliance installed and they were worried about the cost being over their budget I would give them two options. The first option would be to go over the complete estimate of cost with the customer. This would include my hourly rate and list and cost of the parts needed to complete the job so that they know you are not over charging them. The second option would be to show the customer the different ways that they could cut cost. This would include different options for the list of parts that I could use, giving them some cheaper options. Or giving them the option to assist you with the removing the old parts and installing the new parts so that the labor cost are not as high.

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  13. If you're working for someone and they are concerned that there will be cots above and beyond, if there were concerns a way to alleviate them would be to ball park an estimate or quote with the cost of materials and labor and explain to the customer what they or we could do to lessen the costs associated with a new construction project.

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  14. By asking him why he thinks I'll be going over his budget. Then confirming that I will be staying to his budget and save him money where I can.

    Then giving him prices of the appliances I will be installing, showing him that I am truly saving him money

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  15. If the customer is worried about being over charged, you can give the customer a few options. Give him an estimate for the job to be done, including hourly rate and costs of equipment to be used. You can also give options to reduce costs by purchasing less expensive equipment.

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  16. If the customer is concerned you are going to over charge them.One option would be to come up with a cost estimate and see what ways you can save them money. Show them the prices and Tell them he benefits of using some of the higher end equipment and what might be worth spending a little more to save money in the long run
    another option we would come up with the most cost effective way to get the job done well and in our budget. looking over the easiest safest way to cut down on things that aren't as necessary as others.

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  17. If the customer wanted me to install a appliance for him and the customer thinks I will go over his budget, I would give him two options. My first option would be to go over all of the parts that I will be using so he customer knows what I will be using. I could use cheaper parts to cut costs. My second option would be to go over the project with the customer to see if there are some items that are not needed and will save him some money. If there is parts that are not needed and can save money and save time towards the hourly wage they are going to pay.

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  18. (revised this is my comment I would like to be graded )I would show an invoice to show him the prices of things to have in front of him so he can decide what services he may like to drop or stay , or I could ask him open ended questions and then see from his answers witch things on the invoice that he really needs / wants and then go over it with him and see how the customer likes it

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  19. Very informative article Dave,

    "You are building a project (shed or deck) or installing an appliance for a customer and the customer is concerned that you are going to charge more money than he has in his budget. Write two strategies you will try to better understand his problem."

    A first strategy I would use is to get a better understanding on what type of shed he would like. For example "What are you looking to store in your shed?" This would give us an impression of what type of structure we would need for special items being put away. From Christmas ornaments to expensive hobby toys such as ATV's. This would let me explain if the shed would require insulation in which could change the price depending on his preference. (Open Ended Question)

    My second strategy would be to ask if he would be doing work in his shed (Close Ended Question). This would allow us to adjust, add, and explain the price in regards to heating, windows and power. Taking some of these amenities away would adjust the price lower, perhaps being more convenient for the customer.

    In conclusion. I would recommend asking an open ended question to get broad information to resolve or justify the issue with the problem. Secondly I would ask closed ended questions to have the customer give us a more definitive answer on what he wishes to purchase. If we ever need to follow up more in the future we can always utilize follow up questions and feedback questions.

    Cheers.





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  20. two strategies I would try to do to better understand the customer about his concern that I might charge him more money then he has in his budget is first ask him a open ended question for example is ask the customer what his concerns are about the estimate. Another strategy is to ask questions to learn the details of their complaint for example is how could I show you a different way of the estimate for you can have a better understanding.
    Nick Cruikshank

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  21. Strategy 1: Ask open ended questions to generate more information on his budget. Ask questions that involve the installation such as "what is this plug going to be used for"? Knowing what the plug will be used for may be able to shave some money off of the final bill (smaller wire, etc.).

    Strategy 2: Use close ended questions such as "will this plug be used frequently?" so materials can be adjusted accordingly.

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  22. When Faced with a customer who is concerned about the financial impact of the work I will be doing for them I would follow one of two strategies to avoid this person becoming hostile and losing their business.
    Firstly I would reassure them that I understand their concern and ask a close ended question that would get them to confirm that they need what i'm going to do for them and provide some of my expertise to assure them they need my skills and services to better their quality of life, or safety, depending on the issue. ex: A ground fault protected receptable could save someone in their family from a dangerous shock hazard. Which plays to their heart and their morals.
    The second strategy I would use is share a little personal experience with them and how making a decision or an investment helped me in my life and how it was worth it for me. Then I would Explain to them how.

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  23. If a customer is concerned about being over charged and going over there budget i would meet with the customer. When i meet with the customer i would go over the cost of materials, labour and any other fees that would be there. I would try to help the customer to see where there money is going and try to help them any way i can. If still over budget we could take something off there to do list or maybe even trying to find cheaper materials.

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  24. My first strategy would be to ask what his budget and what exactly he wants me to do within that budget. I will explain the costs and exactly what has to be done to finish the job.
    My second strategy would be to not use close ended questions and to use open ended questions too keep the customer away from yes or no questions. keep the costumer happy by explaining the positive part of what im doing the conversation.

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  25. the first strategy to have the customer better understand the situation is to never ask closed ended sentences, asking closed ended sentences will result in more confusion and the customer might end up getting fed up and losing the customer.
    The second strategy is to ask open ended questions to better understand what the customer wants exactly, like what wall do you want the mini split on. this will ensure that you get the right job done.

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  26. Strategy #1: Get a quote for all the materials, equipment, etc to give him a price range for the project.
    Strategy #2: Ask open ended questions to receive more information about his budget.

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  27. The first strategy I could use Is ask him what his budget is and how much he can afford to pay to work with him to meet his needs. (use open ended questions)(building Rapport)

    The second strategy I could use would be to explain the benefits of the solutions we can provide and alter the solution to match the costs that meet the budget. (clarify understanding)(motivate the customer)

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  28. The first strategy I would use is to ask questions to find out more details of his complaint. The second would be to ask open-ended questions to start a good two way conversation to try and explain exactly what I will be doing and listen to the feedback from the customer. So they feel better and more informed about the project.

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  29. First strategy is when meeting with customers always ask open-ended questions that gives you a better opportunity to realize what the customer wants and how they set up their budget. The majority of customers have already done their research and set up their budget in a reasonable amount for the Employer to work with.

    Second strategy is always to do up an invoice for the customer, that gives him/her a great break down of what stuff will cost and a chance to eliminate or substitute materials to a higher or lower standard depending on their budget.

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  30. Mitchel Adams, Carpentry AOctober 24, 2014 at 12:53 PM

    Good blog and video Dave, very informing. #1 For example if I'm building a deck for a customer and they are concerned or worried I will go over the budget on the project, start by asking open ended questions such as "what worries you about the cost of the deck " and " what would make you comfortable about knowing the total price of the deck ". List out all the costs for material's and labour costs to break down every bit to inform them what they are paying for.
    Do not confuse the customer and don't make them feel unsure of the situation. #2 Solve all issues the customer has with the project, be polite and use pitch and pace. Understanding of there needs to make there experience enjoyable. Remember while speaking to the customer have good posture , eye contact, ask open ended questions.

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  31. The first strategy I would use is too ask open ended questions about their complaint to build rapport and I would paraphrase their answers to give myself a better understanding of what exactly the problem is.
    The second strategy I would use is ask them questions to solicit possible solutions for their problem. For example I would ask what their budget is then provide them with an invoice to accommodate it. this will help to motivate the customer.

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  32. First strategy I would use if I was building a shed for a client would be to do up a quote. I would include the dimensions, hours to complete and the materials required to complete the job. I would go over the quote with the client and ask if there was anything they would like to change if it they were expecting it to be less.
    Secondly, if the quote was more than the budget, I would ask if the customer what he was looking to spend and perhaps if he wanted to use different materials, i.e. vinyl siding rather than say brick…., reduce the size, perhaps help with some of the labour like clean up, help carry lumber, etc. I could offer a payment plan if that would make it easier for the client. Whatever makes them feel comfortable in getting the job done.

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  33. If the customer is worried about being over charged, you could give the customer a few options. Give him an estimate for the job to be done.

    You can also give options to reduce costs by purchasing cheaper equipment.

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  34. I would first give the customer an idea of what the materials would cost. during this process I would highlight any unneeded expenses we could possibly cut out. I would then suggest maybe a cheaper brand of material as the brand often depicts the price. the customer may settle for a cheaper option. this may make it more feasible to have the product installed. I would then suggest a possible payment plan as a lot of businesses provide a financing system so that they can make smaller payments rather than a lump sum.

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  35. For example: If I was building a deck for a customer and he thought it was to expensive for my cost of labour and materials, i could give them list of the prices for the materials for the deck he wants and how big he wants it built. Then ask "for what reasons do you wish to use this type of wood, railings, brand of stain, etc..." then could lead to suggests to cheaper routes and maybe even downsizing to get the most out of less lumber and smaller would result in less labour in some ways. Just my approach.

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  36. My first strategy for building a deck for a customer and he was afraid of the cost being too much, i could have a meeting with them and go over the prices of the materials and labour. Maybe look at cheaper prices for the supplies. I would go over the quote with them and make sure they didn't want to change anything.

    For the second strategy, i would talk to them about cutting down the deck so its smaller, show them the dimensions. Get them to help with the labour work. We could go over a payment plan. Id do anything to make my customer happy and feel comfortable with me building his shed.

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  37. If a customer wanted an estimate for a project and they were worried about the cost being over their budget I would give them two options.

    The first option would be to go over the complete estimate with the customer. This would include my hourly rate and list and cost of the parts needed to complete the job so that they know you are not over charging them.

    The second option would be to show the customer the different ways that they could cut cost. This would include different options for the list of parts that I could use, giving them some cheaper options. Or smaller dimensions of the plans , possibly even help with labor to cut costs as well.

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