Three Dollars Worth of Greed

Friday, late morning I received a call from a Vernon Hills 7-11 store.  They were hosting a company event that evening, and into the weekend.  Harry, the manager was anxious to have the windows cleaned that afternoon.  I promised him that we would take care of it.  I knew that the odds were long that I would reach anyone working in proximity to the store on such short notice.

I finished my lunch and twenty minutes latter I arrived at the 7-11.  The store was humming with people cleaning surfaces, dusting, and stocking displays. (Were they expecting Oprah for their event?)  Anyway I introduced myself to Henry and got right to work.  Four windows, two doors, and twelve cooler/freezer doors later, I was finished.  Henry was obviously delighted that I had so promptly met his need.

I put away my tools and retrieved my receipt book.  How much should I charge? I was there about 40 minutes as well as making a special trip.  I got into a mode of thinking, "wonder how much he would be willing to pay?"  Maybe I could charge him $40.00?  Then I adjusted my thinking down to thirty eight.  I still felt a bit uncomfortable in my gut.  Yeah, he would probably pay it, but could possibly have a negative vibe.  Then I considered $35.00. I felt a hunch that he'd be quite happy at $35.00, recognizing that with prompt service, a gleaming result, and definitely a reasonable rate---he would be delighted.  So that is what I did.  I wrote the receipt out for $35.00.  Yes, he was quite happy and paid cash. 

It is likely that Harry will decide to become a regular customer.  There is no "rate book" that one can consult with certainty to settle the quandry "what should I charge?"  It's a judgment call, taking into consideration relevant factors.  Is it Ok to charge whatever the market will bear?  Rarely, if customer satisfaction, and the customers perception of "good value" matters to you.  One needs to make a living......and charge a rate that the customer recognizes is fair and affordable.  I'll swap the few additional dollars that I could get away with charging for one or two cleanings, in exchange for the opportunity of a relationship with a customer that could last for years.