Your safety (you, your family, contractors) is the most important thing. You can just say you do not service that area, but they can pickup from you if they like. You do NOT need to justify turning down business when your safety is at risk. You and Armando are two of the the kindest, hardest working people I know and it is clear that you have given this issue much thought! On a lighter note, I laughed so hard when you said your bird was throwing a fit because she wanted to be with you. I have heard of children, dogs, cats having a tantrum but never a bird!
I would just say “Unfortunately we do not deliver to this area. It’s beyond our city limits.” You can pick up but we do not deliver to this area. You don’t even have to provide a reason just say you don’t deliver to that area. Safety should ALWAYS be your number one priority.
As a business owner I totally understand wanting to protect your business and family at the same time. I would recommend adding a map on your website highlighting your "service area". This way no one feels personally discriminated against, yet you are not putting yourself in danger. Stay safe.
Use the staffing excuse, I would just tell anyone in that area "That because of staffing issues you no longer deliver to that area" Your safety is more important.
Ok should I assume this is an AA or minority area...and as AA business owner and someone who has lived in areas that are high crime areas....if you're uncomfortable and worried about safety then don't do business in those areas. There are even restaurants that don't deliver in certain areas. Refer those customers to companies that are willing to go in those areas.
I would either say that we will not deliver to X area, but if you are willing to allow them to pick up then allow that. Or put an extra charge for Liability Insurance for you and your employees incase something would happen for higher risk area that would make people not choose your business for those zipcodes. If your having them pick up have a holding fee that you give back after you make sure everything came back. If they are using your trailer to haul I would put some way to track the items in the trailer and a few of the larger items.
We have areas where the Fire/Ambulance won't go in with out a police escort. You have to do what's right for your family and business. I would be honest with the customer why you don't go to the area and everything will be pick up only. It's your business so you have the say so. Good to see you all are doing so well!
Must have missed a video or two along the way In this video you mention an "out building on the property" and a "daughter in law". Sounds like things are popping in your world. Glad the business is doing well that Armando can come on full time now. Keep up the good work!
Yes stop delivering to the dangerous zip code/area. It’s like when you try to order from a restaurant and they say “outside delivery zone, pickup only”, no one challenges that. Or even on Amazon “this item can not be delivered to your area”. I would say that. No need to explain why.
Maybe you can Add a cleaning fee to your marquee rentals? Give them option to clean it up themselves before pickup/drop off or a cleaning fee will be applied on final bill. I don’t think that is so crazy. It’s like anything. A house rental. Even hotel stay with pets. It’s not a crazy idea.
For safety precautions is how I will start off and then allow whoever wants business to know that due to my family’s safety I can’t deliver in this area. Beautiful work!!! Praying for your business as it continues to grow.
I would say "safety" first. It is okay to turn down jobs and to not deliver to certain areas. I got a good giggle with you asking your dog what it got into. Same look mine gives me when he rolls in something he shouldn't.
