How far would you travel?

[99nunkey]

Hi guys,

Could I get your advice, please?

How far would you travel to meet a potential client, if they had the deposit ready for your services? My girlfriend thinks the customer is pulling the strings if they don't at least meet
me halfway.

But before, I've always travelled as far as it takes, even if it meant driving all the way to the customer, but is that setting a weak precedent?

Thank you in advance ;-)

Scotty

[Pab]

I guess it all depends on the work. What's the job value? What's the potential lifetime value of the customer?

We wouldn't travel too far for a low value (short and long term) client, but we would for a good value customer... For example, we were asked last year to travel to Spain to meet with a leading financial services company.

[adventurelife]

I have flown half way round the world to meet a potential client, who did not know I was coming!

It all depends on likely value of the client

[Stephen Berry]

If you have a large number of low value customers, the answer is - 'not far'. If your customers are high value, the answer is 'as far as it takes'.

The convention is generally that you travel to see them - not meet half way. After having done business for some time, the relationship changes and maybe the meeting pattern changes - I've had some customers to my house and been to the homes of some others. Others have met in between locations, or co-incided our meeting with times when they are in London or I am in their vicinity. When in Toronto, I can take an hour flight and 'drop in' (by arrangement) in Montreal - but I would not go to Montreal from London just to meet. So - generally I would suggest travel to see them (bearing in mind my 'value' comment above). I would not expect them to come to me - but after a while, a customer becomes a friend and we all accommodate!

For me - Switzerland and Belgium are the furthest I've gone to meet a prospective customer - and Yorkshire. I've not travelled further 'on spec' - but one Spanish customer did meet me in Belgium when we were both there at the same time - so there was some give and take on international journeys.

[BusinessIdeas]

For me it would depend on how much money is at stake. I have people who work for me to go out, but usually the customer has paid in full up front, or has placed a firm written order.
Couldn't you get your customer to confirm the order first?

[red-source]

As far as it takes. Build up good relationships and future meetings can be shared.

[99nunkey]

Hi all,

Just wanted to say thanks for the quality and quantity of replies to my question. It definitely helped. Great community.

To freedom ;-)

Scotty

[BusinessIdeas]

I wish you unlimited success - Gina :)