In this specific example, I would discuss my concerns and reasoning with my client and if they still wanted me to go ahead with the job, I probably would, but only after making sure they were aware that I didn’t believe it was in their best interests.

My policy is that I will always look after my customers’ best interests. That is worth much more than whatever amount of money the job in question is worth.

Perhaps it is just the people who read this blog, but when I used this scenario with a group a few years back we had a 50/50 take the money and run vs be honest split.

Maybe people are becoming more honest as the years progress?

Here’s a recent example:

I was exhibiting at a show a couple of days ago. A young woman was really interested in a particular necklace. She loved it and kept coming back to try it on. The colours were great on her, but it was just too short and didn’t sit right.

If I had encouraged her she may well have bought the necklace but the possible consequence was that she may never have been 100% happy with it. So she would probably never buy another from me.

I was honest and told her that it wasn’t sitting right – it needed to be longer but I wasn’t able to amend the necklace simply due to design constraints.

I asked for her contact details and should I be able to obtain more of that particular stone I will email her and we may be able to do a bespoke piece for her down the track.

The result? Whilst she was disappointed that the necklace couldn’t magically be made perfect for her, she was grateful for my honesty, my time and more than willing to part with her contact details – and she may still make a purchase later on. She also brought other friends to the booth later on, who made their own purchases.

So, yes I would advise the client that it isn’t for them and forego the $$ this time around in the hope that they would appreciate and respect my honesty which may result in more business with them down the track.