TOPIC: Working my *** off but not making any $$$$$$

True Drew, very true. 

Like the old song, "Starting up is hard to doooo."

Okay, I changed a word...

I've had people try to talk me down before they even knew what they were getting.  I offer discounts to military, police, fire, EMT, and teachers.  If they do something to help the community I may give them a discount as my way to say thanks.  All this is at my discretion.  To everyone else, my prices are firm!

Your running a business, not a swap meet or flea market.  You charge a fee so you can eat and pay your expenses.  I offer special amenities to my clients so they think they are getting the world out of me.  I take chairs in case they are needed.  I take bottled water in a cooler if they want one.  I take some sort of candy if they want some (get this from my vending business and write it off as a loss).  And I talk to everyone as if they are my friend, not as a client. 

So far my clients seems to LOVE me and my service!  In a time when customer service is at the bottom of the list for many companies, I want it to be #1 for my business.

In the end, I never have any complaints about my fee's.  If they are price shopping, there are cheaper around.  Keep in mind, most of the price shoppers live in houses that require the most out of us!

David, I can't help you with your taxes, but  your report time may be different. Have you tried using a voice recorder on site? I use one and use a blank of my report on site and go through just like my report layout. I get home and fill out the report with the help of my recorder and pics. If there are no issues in a room or area I just state "satisfactory". That way when I fill out the actual report it goes much quicker. I prefer it to hand written notes, much quicker. Voice recorder costs me $30 but has payed for itself a hundred times over. Try it ONE time and let me know what you think.

Good stuff Ian...  I am sure that was a big help for Dave!

Thanks Jay, works for me, maybe not others. Gotta try something though when trying to be more effective and efficient.

I've been using a recorder and I noticed about a 30 savings on time.  Down side is now my hands are full the entire time.  I have a recorder in one and my camera in the other.  No more hands for other tools or opening items.  This is something I need to find a better system in doing.