Getting Owned By The Owner, Part 30
I work for a manufacturing company. One of our big clients is a real piece of work. Yes, he orders a lot of stuff, but he also demands a lot of free extras and then finds things to complain about and insists on partial refunds. Our old owner gave him everything he wanted.
We’ve just gotten a new owner, and we’ve told him about this guy. The new owner asks how much we actually make from the client. I calculate it.
Me: “In the past two years, we’ve made a net profit of $4,500 from him.”
New Owner: “That’s not worth the aggravation. Next time he calls, pass him to me.”
We have an open-plan office, away from the actual manufacturing area. A couple of days later, the client calls. I signal that it’s him, then answer.
Me: “Hello, this is [My Name] at [Company]—”
Client: “Put me through to the owner, right now!”
Me: “Of course.”
I transfer him to the owner. The owner puts the call on speaker.
Owner: “This is [Owner].”
Client: “Who are you? Where’s [Old Owner]?”
Owner: “He sold the company to me two weeks ago. What can I do for you?”
Client: “I put in an order three weeks ago. I want you to send four of your guys out this weekend to install the stuff.”
Owner: “No.”
Client: “WHAT DO YOU MEAN, NO? YOU ALWAYS DO THIS FOR ME!”
Owner: “Not anymore. I know you have your own installers. We sent you a very comprehensive manual: your men can do it.”
The client lets out a string of curses.
Owner: “Shut up, or we’ll never sell you anything again.”
Client: “DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? I’M YOUR BIGGEST CUSTOMER! WITHOUT ME, YOUR BUSINESS WILL COLLAPSE!”
Owner: “No, it won’t.”
The client curses in combinations I’ve never heard, and I spent two years in the military before being hired here.
Owner: “I’ve heard enough. You’ll have to get your equipment somewhere else, because we’re not selling you a thing. Don’t call us or come here: forget we even exist.”
The new owner hangs up, and kept his word. Our business is still humming along, and not dealing with the client anymore has boosted morale among both the office staff and the workers.
Related:
Getting Owned By The Owner, Part 29
Getting Owned By The Owner, Part 28
Getting Owned By The Owner, Part 27
Getting Owned By The Owner, Part 26
Getting Owned By The Owner, Part 25
