Gaining Trust (or just lie!!!) - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

hhrubis@blueyon · 01-03-2008

Hi, can anyone give advice please on how to set out your stall to prospective customers when starting out?
You know the kind of thing, you measure up, have a chat, complement the customer on their home, bathroom, kithen, etc., then at some point the question, "How long have you done tiling?!!!" Easy answer, "Just started out! Done a weeks course about a month ago!!! You could be my first VICTIM! er, I mean GUINEA PIG! no I mean CUSTOMER!!!"
Joking aside how do you come across competant and professional even though your panicking inside? Do you lie? Does this show? Would appreciate your help on this one, cheers.

**Raja** · 01-03-2008

I have never done many quotes as my partner does that and he can strtch the truth to how ever long it needs to be.

I think it wud be wise to say try stretching it a little only because for eg, u got a customer just bought tiles worth say £500 and there you are telling him yes i am ur man for this job just finished course.

U know wot i mean i will not put ideas in your head and corrupt u so best of luck mate nice to have u on board

in the tilers forum.

faithhealer · 01-03-2008

Never actually been asked how long I've been tiling. It's a question I dreaded over the first few months though.

bigdaz · 01-03-2008

I tiled my bathroom and kitchen in 2000 so I guess that means i've been tiling 8 years. no one is going to ask how many jobs i've done since then...

davy_G · 01-03-2008

As long as you are confident and can answer their questions and make relevant suggestions you will not be asked how long you have been tiling for.

However when i was introducing myself to tile shop managers and staff, i would say 'ive recently went out on my own'. This implys i was working to a tiler before and not that id done a 4 week course but that was their presumption. I dreaded the question too but it didnt come, have confidence yet dont be cocky and most importantly do a good job and you will be sorted.

Good luck

**Fekin** · 01-03-2008

I'd just say, "quite a while now" and the customer might take that as years maybe ?

**sWe** · 01-03-2008

I remember what I did when I was completely green at tiling. I'd been at it for like two weeks at the time, and while measuring out a splashback at a site, the builder came around and started chatting. He asked me how long I'd been tiling for, and I put on a dead serious face and answered "two weeks". Poor sod looked aghast, and I started laughing. He started laughing too, and said "good one mate, aren't you the joker?". He patted my shoulder and left, chuckling on the way out

I became his "contact person" among the tilers, and he never gave me any trouble

Anyways.

If you prepare, and handle yourself well enough, no one might even think to ask you uncomfortable questions regarding your experience.

Take your time, and plan properly, so that you don't have to improvize, because that is where inexperience shows. Read up on things you know you're going to get asked about well ahead of time, so that you don't have to think or hesitate about the answer. Study things you know you're going to be asked to do, so that you know what to expect, and what misstakes to avoid.

Adopt a professional attitude. Answering "I'm on it" just to show your mettle when asked to do something which is completely insane is the opposite of professionalism in my humble opinion.

That's all the advice I can give you.

ryanbrown · 01-03-2008

You could take a portfolio of photos and get them to look at them and it gives you a breather so you're not being scrutinised constantly.

I hate it when customers are obviouslly judging you in a blatant unsubtle manner, when you're trying to measure up, it makes you uncomfortable.
I hate i when they do it to me too - lol.

hhrubis@blueyon · 02-03-2008

Cheers for that everyone! Having read your answers I feel a lot better, (still nervous mind!). I will use photos especially after the tiling job I've done in my bathroom using porcelain tiles and mitreing the external corners into a display shelf area and making sure the square mosaic type pattern flows and joins at all sides!!
I would like to make a point here of thanking everyone who reads this for their contribution as it has been of real help reading the threads for much needed 'know how' in the tiling profession. Big thanks to you all!

Henry

smokey1234x · 02-03-2008

just tell lies
anyone who says they never tell lies, is guess wat,TELLING LIES

**Fekin** · 02-03-2008

Nice one sWe