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Might be a silly question but I've only been to a few different countries and never had this issue to begin with. But I wanted to know is referring potential customers to another business that services their full needs a U.S. thing? For instance, say someone wants their car tinted and exterior colored but that particular auto shop doesn't do both so the owner kindly refers them to another auto shop in the city that does. Even at the detriment of their own income.
This happened so often growing up, I never thought about it until I saw it happen again today and was incredulous at the integrity and honor displayed. The owner could have easily played dumb or aggressively coerced them just to get that sale. The customer was dead set on having both done due to time constraints. They even said they were sorry they couldn't do both and still referred them over.
If that auto shop doesn't tint windows, how are they losing your business? I'd say that auto shop is doing a nice thing by helping you, directing you to someone who can tint your windows.
Maybe next time, you'll go back to that auto shop for a service they DO perform because they were nice enough to help you out instead of just saying, "Sorry, we don't do that."
I don't work in the auto industry, but I've definitely experienced the same thing as you, when the guy I called couldn't help me and referred me to a competitor who could. But I remember the first guy for being nice and will look for him again.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,704 posts, read 58,022,681 times
Reputation: 46172
Only in USA...you can't refer your clients to a more appropriate business if you own a wedding cake or photography shop...
I have always worked in businesses who helped each other out. Was the same on the farm, break your leg... the neighbors showed up to help YOU BEFORE they got their own crops harvested.
While working in more than 10 foreign countries, I would be referred to 'better' suppliers / businesses daily. Airlines... often they swap me around between carriers (overseas and abroad). it is just good business! keeping customers happy and productive, and keeping the most suitable work for your company, equipment and employees (sometimes profitable, sometimes not).
I've been invited by a Walmart store to take my business elsewhere, and threatened with being charged with trespassing if I ever go back to that Walmart. All for a dispute over a 40c refund on a product that rang up in violation of the state scan law. Each Walmart hires a special snot who gets called to the service desk to deal with customers like me.
When the TV news anchor puts on happy face and says there is good economic news, I know there will be a brisk flow of wealth from the wage earning class to the owners of capital.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,550 posts, read 81,131,933 times
Reputation: 57755
Have you ever heard the expression, "Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours?" Often two companies will compliment each other with their products and/or services. When I had a business for 16 years, I had several competitors that I worked with regularly, I could do things that they couldn't, and vice versa. We would often do work for each other at wholesale rates, but in some cases would just refer back and forth. Most of the time it was when we were busy and didn't want to take the time to deal with the job with limited profit.
Might be a silly question but I've only been to a few different countries and never had this issue to begin with. But I wanted to know is referring potential customers to another business that services their full needs a U.S. thing? For instance, say someone wants their car tinted and exterior colored but that particular auto shop doesn't do both so the owner kindly refers them to another auto shop in the city that does. Even at the detriment of their own income.
This happened so often growing up, I never thought about it until I saw it happen again today and was incredulous at the integrity and honor displayed. The owner could have easily played dumb or aggressively coerced them just to get that sale. The customer was dead set on having both done due to time constraints. They even said they were sorry they couldn't do both and still referred them over.
It's good business practice. They know you are honest and when they only need on thing done they may come to you and if you refer them somewhere else and tell the new shop, maybe the other shop will refer them back to you if they are too busy to do what someone needs.
scratch my back and i'll scratch yours...that's what it is
also called networking..
theres nothing wrong with it. you only do what your specialization and don't try to do beyond your competence otherwise, you will just ruin your reputation.
don't tell me your family doctor doesn't refer you to a specialist if that's what you need?
Might be a silly question but I've only been to a few different countries and never had this issue to begin with. But I wanted to know is referring potential customers to another business that services their full needs a U.S. thing? For instance, say someone wants their car tinted and exterior colored but that particular auto shop doesn't do both so the owner kindly refers them to another auto shop in the city that does. Even at the detriment of their own income.
This happened so often growing up, I never thought about it until I saw it happen again today and was incredulous at the integrity and honor displayed. The owner could have easily played dumb or aggressively coerced them just to get that sale. The customer was dead set on having both done due to time constraints. They even said they were sorry they couldn't do both and still referred them over.
Don't know if it's just a US thing. I was recently looking for a shop to install some window vent visors. Two shops referred me to two other shops. First shops didn't do the work enough to be good at it. Kudos.
Might be a silly question but I've only been to a few different countries and never had this issue to begin with. But I wanted to know is referring potential customers to another business that services their full needs a U.S. thing? For instance, say someone wants their car tinted and exterior colored but that particular auto shop doesn't do both so the owner kindly refers them to another auto shop in the city that does. Even at the detriment of their own income.
This happened so often growing up, I never thought about it until I saw it happen again today and was incredulous at the integrity and honor displayed. The owner could have easily played dumb or aggressively coerced them just to get that sale. The customer was dead set on having both done due to time constraints. They even said they were sorry they couldn't do both and still referred them over.
I've referred potential customers to others. There are plenty of good reasons:
1) Most businesses specialize in certain things rather than offer full-service. There are times when my prospect's needs just didn't fit my business profile. I could have faked it, but I'd rather do the right thing and refer them elsewhere
2) The customer is just too big a pain in the ass. By referring, I'm essentially telling them to take a hike.
3) There is a client conflict. I'm in a field where I deal with trade secrets. So, ethically speaking, I can't work both sides of the street.
4) My biz is overbooked. Again, I'd rather refer someone out rather than underserve them.
5) Finally, I can often make as much money in referral fees as I would actually net if I worked the business.
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