I know this is getting off topic, but it does have some relevance.

I have 3 rules I use. It helps me determine if I want to accept the job.

#1 Can I make the customer happy?
#2 Can I expect to be paid?
#3 Will I make a reasonable profit.

Rule #1 is by far the most important.
If you cannot make the customer happy, what are your expectations of being paid, and if you are not paid, will you make a profit? Even if you were paid in advance, you can lose all profits if you have to make return visits, give refunds or discounts, etc...
If you think the customer will be overly picky or they have unreal expectations, this is a sign to proceed with caution. That being said, do not accept a job that you are unqualified for. Do not accept a job that you do not understand what the customers expectations are. Do not accept a job where you are unable to meet the customers expectations.
Remember, whatever the reason, if the customer is not happy, you will pay (not get paid).

#2 See rule #1. If rule #1 is OK then tell the customer how, when, and where you expect payment.

#3 Read rule #1 and #2 again. If you don't get paid, give discounts and refunds, or have to make return visits, you will not make a profit. My father tells me " If I ain't gonna make a profit, I mite as well go fishing".

If I am talking with someone that I think I cannot make happy, I tell them I am booked up, or price my service beyond what they are willing to pay.

How does this relate to referrals? If you have customers that are happy they will be more willing to give good referrals. But in my experience customers ask for referrals because they do not know enough to ask anything else. This is my opportunity to ask questions.

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Rick Cantrell
Columbus GA