Opportunity Cost

Over the past couple of months we've been courting a RV Dealer in NY who expressed interest in our RV Dealer Website Design and Marketing Services. Alot of time was spent on the phone going over how our dealer websites are so successful and multiple demos with different folks. They finally gave the verbal agreement and we sent a contract, invoice for deposit, and our planning/setup guides.

One Day Later
I get a call saying that want to get started immediately when can I come out. Our policy is soon as we receive the contract and deposit we'll make travel arrangements. That seemed like it would take too long for them and I agreed that I would make travel arrangements right away if they promised to send out the contract/deposit the next day.

Two Days Later
I get called into a phone conference with their sales manager and top salesman. Sounded like they had been taken advantage of in the past by another company and had a few concerns after going over the planning/setup guide. We talked through their concerns, but their was definately a negative fog in the room.

Three Days Later
I called to see how the planning was coming along and was told that they decided to do it in-house. Actually, the top salesman wanted to do the website. Management didn't want to 'rock the boat' and have issues so that was their decision. I understood from a personnel management side of things. So, I reminded her that I would be sending an invoice for the plane ticket I had purchased at her request. Her response was, 'How about I pay half'. Does integrity exist anymore?

5 Days Later
The more I think about how much expertise, knowledge, and time it takes to build and management a website that truly produces results I couldn't help but think about this top salesman who is caught in a catch-22. If he works on the website like it should be done he won't be selling RV's. If he sells RV's like he should be doing he won't have time for the website.

It's all about Opportunity Cost! Until next time...