So i had a new customer approach me

So i had a new customer approach me

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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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By mrme89
29th Apr 2015 11:14

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.

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Euan's picture
By Euan MacLennan
29th Apr 2015 11:16

So, what is the question?

... to which you would like an answer?

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By andy.partridge
29th Apr 2015 11:23

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.

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Replying to jonharris999:
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By MJ-
29th Apr 2015 12:18

My proposed fee was £170

My proposed fee was £170

 

I spotted that he had put mortgage repayments in full as allowable expense, which my understanding is only interest is deductible.  

 

I suspect he has been filing it him self even though he said it was an accountants who I asked for the details and he said i do not remember. The guy had an excuse for every question basically.

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Image is of a pin up style woman in a red dress with some of her skirt caught in the filing cabinet. She looks surprised.
By Monsoon
29th Apr 2015 12:46

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! 

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By Discountants
29th Apr 2015 13:32

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 :)

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