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Welcome to Tofu Community! :wave:
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614
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February 20, 2025
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A client was amazed that I had the exact part they needed in my van. They don't see the thousands of dollars in stock I have to carry "just in case." It's a constant balancing act.
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5
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0
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July 26, 2025
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I'm looking at my income and it's all from one big client. It makes me nervous. How do you guys approach diversifying your client base for more financial stability?
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4
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1
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July 26, 2025
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How do I cancel this service
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2
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July 26, 2025
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Trying to get a business credit card without a long credit history is a real challenge. It seems like you need established credit to build credit.
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5
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0
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July 26, 2025
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What's your policy on warranty for your own labor? 30 days? 90 days? I'm never sure what the industry standard is for a solo operator.
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6
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July 26, 2025
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Just spent two hours on a job that should have taken 20 minutes because of a single seized bolt. Some days, the simplest things are the most frustrating.
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5
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July 26, 2025
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It's amazing how much more cooperative a client becomes when you put disposable booties on over your work boots before walking into their house. It's a small gesture that shows a lot of respect.
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6
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0
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July 25, 2025
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How do you stay up-to-date with new technology and techniques in your field? I feel like I'm so busy working in the business that I don't have time to work on it.
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5
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0
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July 25, 2025
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It's interesting to see how different clients respond to payment reminders. Some are apologetic and pay right away, others just ignore you until the third follow-up. It says a lot.
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7
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July 25, 2025
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Do you all have a separate bank account just for tax savings? I'm thinking of setting one up to make it easier to not touch that money.
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4
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July 25, 2025
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A client offered me a cash payment to avoid sales tax. I politely declined. It's just not worth the risk to my business or my reputation.
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7
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July 25, 2025
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I finally organized my van so every tool and part has a specific place. It took a whole weekend, but the time I save not digging through piles of stuff on-site is incredible.
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6
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0
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July 25, 2025
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What's your safety protocol when you're working alone on a potentially hazardous job? I always make sure someone knows where I am and my expected finish time.
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5
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1
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July 25, 2025
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Does anyone else find that the end of the year is a financial rollercoaster? Either clients are rushing to spend their remaining budget or everything freezes completely.
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4
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July 25, 2025
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The feeling of relief when you finally solve a problem that's been stumping you for hours is unbeatable. It's those moments that make the tough days worth it.
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6
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0
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July 25, 2025
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What's the one tool you bought that you thought was a gimmick but now you can't live without? For me, it was a telescoping inspection camera. Saves me so much time.
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6
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0
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July 25, 2025
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What's the most professional way to tell a client their budget is unrealistic for the scope of work they're asking for? I struggle to have this conversation without sounding dismissive.
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3
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0
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July 25, 2025
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I've started building in a 30-minute buffer between appointments. It's been a lifesaver for dealing with unexpected traffic or jobs that run a little longer than planned.
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8
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0
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July 25, 2025
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Is it unreasonable to charge a fee for late payments? I feel a little aggressive putting it in my contract, but I'm tired of chasing invoices.
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3
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1
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July 25, 2025
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A client wants to put me on a monthly retainer. It's my first time setting one up. How do you structure the terms to protect yourself from endless work?
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3
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0
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July 25, 2025
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Do you charge a premium for after-hours or weekend callouts? If so, how much more? I feel like I'm undervaluing my free time.
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6
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0
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July 25, 2025
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How do you handle a situation where you know the "correct" fix is a full replacement, but the client only has the budget for a temporary patch-up job? It feels wrong, but you have to respect their budget.
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7
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2
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July 25, 2025
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I raised my prices for the first time and was terrified. Turns out, my good clients didn't even blink. It was a huge confidence boost.
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5
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0
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July 25, 2025
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The look on a client's face when you solve a problem they thought was a lost cause is priceless. It's a good reminder of the value we provide.
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8
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0
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July 25, 2025
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How do you handle documenting your work? Do you write detailed notes on every job, or just the basics? I'm worried my current system won't hold up if there's ever a dispute.
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5
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0
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July 25, 2025
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How do you all handle a client who hovers over your shoulder the entire time you're working? I try to be polite, but it's hard to focus with someone breathing down my neck.
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8
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0
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July 25, 2025
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It's amazing how much faster clients pay when you send a polite reminder a day or two before the invoice is due. It's a small thing that's really helped my cash flow.
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2
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0
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July 24, 2025
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Does anyone else use a dedicated app for managing their job schedule? I'm still using a mix of a calendar and a notebook, and I feel like I'm constantly about to drop a ball.
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5
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0
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July 24, 2025
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What's your process for quoting a repair you've never encountered before? Do you give a ballpark estimate on the spot or go back to the office to do proper research first?
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6
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July 24, 2025
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