To some guys it is not about the money it is about the fact that they can boss you around with their money. The guy who bought the 6500 car on terms just wanted to have it over someone. He probabley was over the car before he made the 2nd payment. I have had the customers that just want to big the big shot in my shop and when someone comes in with the bigger and badder project, things go south on their build. But there is nothing more amazing then a great set of customers that work into life long friends and respect you for the work you do and are excited about the car. In my seven years of owning my shop, I have gained some customers that I truly wish had trillions to burn, and I'm sure they also. But I have had guys that I wish would just run out of money and take them and there dumb car home.
I think the key is open communication and do not sugar coat anything. These cars are all expensive. The build is not very motivating at certain points in the project and can be fustrating for the customer, but the devil is in the details. I have learned if the customer does not really care about seeing the build progress, either in pictures or in person. They probably are not to passionate about the build, they just what a car. At that point they should have just bought a car already built. Then I have other customers that you cannot send enough pics to, and that want to come by and see the details and how it is working. They are excited and they make my job fun. I have had customer that was local that just came by ALOT, just to check to see that we were working. That is lack of trust and he should go somewhere where he trusts someone but they get offended when you send them down the road finally.
OK rant over.... For now
Rodger
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