So i had a new customer approach me over 2 months ago about his outstanding tax return for 13/14, I advised him that we can help him just and to bring in the relevant information.
For the last 2 months this customer has made appointment after appointment. Yesterday he called me up as I was closing the office. so i decided to be nice and stay open just a bit longer
Mr Customer eventually came and i advised him of what we were going to do and the time we would require.
I spotted that an error was made on his previous returns which i did advise him briefly on. He did not like this at all his exact words were "I know all the rules you do not need to teach me it"
This customer was a bit of a 'Mr know it all big shot'
'when i told him the fee we would charge which was not much by any means, he became shall i say a bit cheeky.
At this point i just said i am sorry but i think you will need to find your self a new accountants as I decline you as a consumer.
These type of customer i just feel are a waste of time
Replies (6)
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If he cancelled appointment after appointment, the warning signs were there from the beginning.
If he had missed previous appointments, I wouldn't have risked staying back either.
If he didn't like your fees then perhaps giving an indication of fees in advance will save you being messed about in future.
My questions, Euan, are . . .
Presumably, he had filed the previous year's return himself?
What was the error you spotted, why didn't he file this return himself, what was your proposed fee and how was he 'cheeky'?
Honestly, the answers will make your anecdote more interesting.
I'm so glad you ended this with "and I told him to go away." I was worrying you were going to ask "What do I do?" :D
Not worth your time, try and spot the warning times sooner next time!
These types of clients are actually at best a waste of time.
If you take them on they will be struggling to be a D list client, and will expect the earth for nothing, ascribing no value to what you do and expect you to take part in tax fraud on their behalf.
Attach sticky mine to end of barge-pole and present that end to non-client :)