Cheap Price AND Good Space? Not Taking That Client

Want it cheap, want early space, and want long payment terms? I can’t afford this kind of client!

Honest truth from the freight forwarding industry: trust is the most reliable booking!

Want cheap prices AND good space? I don’t dare take this kind of client!

Last Thursday, a client came to me for a quote on several containers going to KOPER. After I sent the quote, they disappeared.

When I followed up, they said my price was higher than others and they went with someone else. Out of goodwill, I specifically reminded them that Mediterranean routes are currently overbooked and everyone is scrambling for space — especially for urgent shipments.

Then yesterday, after work hours, the client urgently contacted me again, asking if I could help them secure space. I said I couldn’t match their required price. They said they didn’t care about the price anymore — they just needed space. So I scrambled again to find space for them. Before booking, I made it clear that if they confirmed and then canceled, the shipping line would charge a dead freight penalty.

They said “go ahead and book,” so I started arranging the booking. But then the client started playing games again, saying “wait a bit, I’m still waiting for quotes from other forwarders.” Seriously — is this just toying with people? Do they actually need to ship urgently or not?

The Mediterranean route is already fully booked, and space to KOPER before month-end is tight, yet they’re still hesitating.

I figure there’s no way this cargo will ship by the end of May. When a client is guarded against every single forwarder, I don’t think any forwarder will take them seriously.

Our principle has always been: the more a client trusts us, the more effort we naturally put in. We never overcharge loyal clients. Honestly, if a client trusts me 100%, I care about their business more than they do myself — I’m terrified of messing things up for them. But for clients who shop around comparing prices worldwide and have poor payment records, even though business is highly competitive these days, for us it’s one more doesn’t matter, one less doesn’t matter either.

What do you all think about this situation?

In-Depth Analysis

This article provides a deeper analysis based on the video content.

Want it cheap, want early space, and want long payment terms? I can’t afford this kind of client!

Honest truth from the freight forwarding industry: trust is the most reliable booking!

Want cheap prices AND good space? I don’t dare take this kind of client!

Last Thursday, a client came to me for a quote on several containers going to KOPER. After I sent the quote, they disappeared.

When I followed up, they said my price was higher than others and they went with someone else. Out of goodwill, I specifically reminded them that Mediterranean routes are currently overbooked and everyone is scrambling for space — especially for urgent shipments.

Then yesterday, after work hours, the client urgently contacted me again, asking if I could help them secure space. I said I couldn’t match their required price. They said they didn’t care about the price anymore — they just needed space. So I scrambled again to find space for them. Before booking, I made it clear that if they confirmed and then canceled, the shipping line would charge a dead freight penalty.

They said “go ahead and book,” so I started arranging the booking. But then the client started playing games again, saying “wait a bit, I’m still waiting for quotes from other forwarders.” Seriously — is this just toying with people? Do they actually need to ship urgently or not?

The Mediterranean route is already fully booked, and space to KOPER before month-end is tight, yet they’re still hesitating.

I figure there’s no way this cargo will ship by the end of May. When a client is guarded against every single forwarder, I don’t think any forwarder will take them seriously.

Our principle has always been: the more a client trusts us, the more effort we naturally put in. We never overcharge loyal clients. Honestly, if a client trusts me 100%, I care about their business more than they do myself — I’m terrified of messing things up for them. But for clients who shop around comparing prices worldwide and have poor payment records, even though business is highly competitive these days, for us it’s one more doesn’t matter, one less doesn’t matter either.

What do you all think about this situation?

Summary

The above is a detailed introduction on the topic of wanting cheap prices and good space. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Votrich International Freight for consultation.