What to do when Customers Choose their Own Materials

Express Why Quality Matters

When customers opt for cheap, nasty paint or other materials, it can make your job much more difficult. These materials are often unpredictable and can cause issues with the final project. For example, the paint may not cover evenly or may not adhere to the surface correctly. This can result in a subpar finish and could require additional time and resources to fix. In addition, using low-quality materials can also damage the final project. For example, a cheap tile may crack or chip more easily than a higher-quality option, which can negatively impact the longevity of the project.

Education is Key

The best way to prevent customers from choosing low-quality materials is to educate them on the potential consequences of doing so. Explain to them why using high-quality materials is important and the impact it can have on the final result. Be clear and concise, and provide examples if necessary. This will help customers understand the importance of using quality materials and why it's not worth cutting corners to save a few dollars.

Be Clear on Sourcing

It's important to be clear on who is responsible for sourcing materials before starting a project. This will help to avoid situations where the customer is looking to cut costs by sourcing their own materials, including paint or other supplies. Make sure the customer knows that you will be responsible for supplying materials, or if they will be responsible, make sure you agree on the quality of the materials to be used. This will help to ensure that the final project meets your standards and that the customer is happy with the result.

Conclusion

Dealing with customers who choose their materials can be a challenge, but by educating them on the potential consequences and being clear on who is responsible for sourcing materials, you can minimize potential problems. Quality materials are essential to ensure a high-quality final result, and by taking the time to educate customers on why quality matters, you can help ensure that every project you work on is a success.