Roadshow rules are changing.....

[Phreddy]

G'day All.

Well, the way things are at the moment I'm not even sure if any more roadshows will go ahead. However, if I am in a position to go on a trip again, there are a couple of things which will change.

My most recent trip to Brisbane was VERY disappointing. There were a bunch of blokes who were all keen to go initially, but after scheduling the trip and getting underway - with several of the deposits remaining unpaid - then there were several pull-outs and a couple of "yes - no - yes - no" situations. That doesn't really work that well for me after I've travelled 1000Km to get into town. To all those fellas who DID go through with it - thanks a bunch guys, it got me out of the poo for a short time. Ultimately though what I ended up with was almost two full days of doing basically nothing. Then there were the couple of fellas who hadn't paid the deposit, I was under the impression they had, and so ultimately they got their job done for the same price as I'd do if they brought the car to me. Ended up pretty good value for the customer, but it meant that I was left short.

IF there are to be more roadshows, it will be very simple - if you put your hand up, a deposit will be expected. The deposit will be the value of your "travel split" - for SE Qld and Melbourne people, that's generally $90 - unless you're out of town by a significant distance, in which case it might be slightly more to cover the extra travel fuel and time. TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL SCHEDULE, YOUR DEPOSIT MUST BE PAID. If it's not, then I won't be coming to see you.

Additionally, once the deposit is paid and your job is scheduled in, if at that time you decide to pull out only 50% of your deposit will be returned. It takes time and effort to sort out, quote, and schedule these jobs - if after I put that effort in the decision is made to cancel, then I'm afraid that time and effort needs to be covered. If the decidion id made to pull out AFTER I embark on the trip, then your deposit is forfeit - simple as that.

OK, maybe it sounds a bit hard-arse - but being a nice bloke isn't working for me. I'm going down the gurgler at a rate of speed, so it's time to look after myself now.

[SAMO-87]

Greg,

Doesn't sound 'hard-arse' at all mate..

A deposit is a simple idea, and your terms are very simple and hopefully effective.

As I have said before, I am interested in getting some work done, and I am more than happy to pay a deposit.

All the best,
Sam

[Torquative]

Greg, works the same way for JCCCNSW with track days and stuff, except NO deposit is returned because once Ive payed its gone, so Im not going to pull out of my pocket.

Bit tough but it works, people either want the work done or they dont.

[Phreddy]

Cheerz Sam - hopefully be down to see you in the near future. I was hoping to get down to Melbourne before Xmas - not sure if that'll happen, but if not shortly after.

[-scyth-]

Greg, i can understand where your coming from.

As Torq has mentioned stuff returning deposits mate. If i were you id be getting people to cough up at least 80% (that's right 80%) of the total cost of the job/s as the first deposit. this way it filters all the F**K arses who pull-out & make your life a living misery. Only the truly dedicated people will get work done from you, not cheap-f**king arseholes that are only here to take you on a ride.

[UFO]

that sounds more than fair!

take deposits from everyone on the condition that x number of people pay... and if any cancel and don't pay, the roadtrip is cancelled and deposits refunded.

driving 1000km (which in itself is time and money down the drain) and then sitting around when you get there because your book isnt full is poor form by those who renegged on their commitment.

btw, I think a $100 flat service call to someone's home (in metro areas- non refundable if roadtrip commences) is more than fair... bump up your prices . Of course rural should pay more, unless they make the effort to come closer.

I understand plans change and sometimes things get cancelled. But in that case, bye bye deposit!

[the_trademarc]

Yeah Greg, I don't think there will be any complaints on that, you're a really nice bloke, and unfortunately there are pricks in the world who take advantage of those who try to do the best to help them out.

For what it's worth, I'd still pay every single dollar if you jacked your prices up as well, the value of your work is nowhere near what you charge, and I'm sure everyone who's had work done by you would agree.

Can't wait to come see ya mate!

[brenten88]

i think your conditions are more than fair greg as you will probably remember when you organised the last melbourne trip i think u asked for $70 and i gave you $100 initail deposit as I understand what it is to run a business and the over heads are nasty...... unfortunately with the automotive/service industry you have to deal with alot of morons and you need to find a way to be fair and yet clear out the dead wood i think like some other guys have said $100 flat rate and then you get 40% back if you cancel before the trip otherwise bad luck.

take care of yourself Greg because to be honest 90% of other people wont care if you go under

[STEALTHY™]

I'm with the other guys, make the deposit non refundable. Even if they pull out before you leave. Either stick to your plans, or don't bother wasting peoples time.

[cewing]

Personally I think you're abit over generous offering back any deposit back...half of the idea of a deposit is that they go through with the agreement, or they loose it. They're less likely to stuff you around if they know they arent getting it back

[0081]

Greg it sux that you where left short and i think that the few that didnt pay the deposit and got the job for less than the agreed price should put there hand up and fix you up.

Come on guys its so hard running a business and you are getting a top quality job done and the guy is willing to come to you.
This is seen over and over everyone says yes then when its time to pay up there is nothing.

[Sheany]

I'm with the other guys, make the deposit non refundable. Even if they pull out before you leave. Either stick to your plans, or don't bother wasting peoples time.

Completely agree. If you don't want a job done, you shouldn't be wasting peoples time. And no refunds.

Greg, I'm very keen to get mine done, but I'll need to work out when you're around. I'm between Melb n Sydney a lot at the moment, so if you're organising a roadshow to Melb, I'll stick around down here. Either way works for me!

[chancevy]

G'day Greg, I know you were humming and harring about doing this and I'm glad you have. At the end of the day you need to look out for numero uno mate, whilst you're a top bloke to boot, you're also a business and a business can't run on good deeds yeah. Like I told you when you were up here, NO REFUNDS.

It annoys me that the Brissy trip didn't go the way it was meant to bud and I hope we do see you up here again, under better circumstances. Like I said before if you ever need a place to crash in the Sunshine State give me a bell. I'll shoot you through an email as I just need those two lights for the binnacle.

Cheers mate

[D-Man]

when's the Melbs Roadtrip (dates?) and how will it work - will you make the effort to come round to houses or do we go to a central spot where you just do it there?

and im 100% behind you mate - change of mind is a big cost to you.


no refund. what you pay is it. if you dont like it too bad (though it might be good to send them a form to state it?) send them the email and get them to send it back to you via post once it's signed and agreed to (a couple weeks in advance or when they want to pay the deposit) meaning it covers your arse alot more - stands up in court (should it ever get to that stage)

that's a bummer to hear about QLD too mate - shitty that people will do that to you

[White Ghost]

Phreddy,

I have posted twice over the past few months, once in June (6.6) and the other in November (3.11).

The first post I asked about some prices for some stereo upgrades, which you gave. I then replied asking about timeframes ect and it was stated that I was to look out for the Brisbane road show, which I did.

The second post was done when the Brisbane road show was mentioned and stated that I was keen. The reply was to send an email, which I did, but no response was given.

Phreddy, I am eager to get an upgrade and I do have the deposits if need be.

If I have stepped over the mark by doing this, inform me. Maybe there has been a communication error, who knows, but I do not believe that I have done anything wrong in this situation.

[Phreddy]

Ghost - please accept my apologies, and this certainly was NOT directed at you.....

Definitely a serious communications error, somehow I must have missed your email. (what I was referring to was a few fellas who had made an arrangement, still standing at the time I away from home heading North - but pulled out then.)

Makes me think that maybe email isn't quite the right way to go.... Might start basing this on a phone call or two, so that everyone who needs to be included can have some definite voice contact, and my making a note in the diary - properly.

I suppose you're right - it's not particularly fair to give some blokes a hard time for not getting back to me, when I'm guilty of the same.... It does however poke me into taking action to improve my "contactability" if you know what I mean.

As a footnote, I have no objections at all if folks give me a "prod" if they are waiting on me to get back. Try to remember - as I have said - I'm one bloke, with one pair of hands... Occasionally things slip by - I'm trying to improve that - but if there's anyone who is awaiting contact, give me a poke to get me into gear.

Ghost - I will be up there again, and not too much time will pass between now and then. I will post an announcement here when the time comes, so just keep an eye out. I will try to find your email (probably buried in a buch of spam deep in the bowels of my inbox) and make certain I look after you well when I am up there again. You're absolutely right - no bad on your part.

Cheerz, later.

[jakstas]

Shame to hear that Greg. Makes me doubt a Nth Qld visit any time soon.

I think I may have to drive down to you instead! 5000km trip to get your services, how'd that for dedication? Expect to hear from me soon, I'm commin to say hi!

[Phreddy]

Hey Mate - that's one HELLUVA trip!! Please tell me there's other purposes for your visit South....

I will be heading to Bris again in the not too distant future - and I would like to get to NQ sometime - but with the change in vehicle I might have to give some thought to just how I'll be getting there.... Bris is OK, but way up North is a LONG way if I get car trouble....

Now as a heads-up to the Melbourne folk- I need to take a run, and you guys are next on the list.... I'll post to the Melbourne "interest" thread as well, plus I'll get in touch via email with those that are already on the list.

Anyhow Jak - if you are coming down - happy to sort it out for ya bud! Lemme know....

Cheerz!

[Thomas1]

Do VS's and I'll put my name down for some work in melbourne

[Phreddy]

Heh - I am working on development for the VS at the moment Mate.... I might have to catch you on the next run - I don't want to tackle a job whilst in the middle of things, especially on a road trip - it's a long way away if something goes awry...

[Thomas1]

No worries. I'm happy to let my car be a guinea pig if you need one

[White Ghost]

Phreddy,

Thanks for the post you submitted.

What I will do is give you an idea of what I would like done and for to give me an idea on your thoughts, along with some prices.

[sp001in]

phreddy, I too have sent you emails which have gone unanswered. I am UBER keen to get my VY modded with white LED's. I can pay you IN FULL before you get here.

Please contact me and notify me of a date.