However, there are also a few shameless clients who default on payments, lack integrity, have poor morals, and lack a conscience. Dealing with such clients is the most frustrating part. Arguing with them lowers one's own character, yet letting it go feels unjust. Filing a lawsuit requires time and energy, and hiring a lawyer is even more expensive. Thus, the biggest fear in business is encountering such clients. Dealing with them is not only a financial loss but, more importantly, a source of mental distress. While it is said that the customer is king, some bad customers can only be described as garbage.
All people are equal. Just because someone pays you for a service does not make them your slave, as their payment is earned through their own labor; therefore, both parties are equal.
There is a real estate agent I know who studied architectural design. Every time he takes a client to view a property, he helps them identify flaws and does his best to ensure they buy a home they are satisfied with. As a result, he relies on repeat business and only works with a small number of clients. If he encounters a difficult client, he simply declines the work. He does not even advertise anymore because, in the past, some new immigrants would take advantage of him, using him as a free chauffeur. They would claim they wanted to view a property in Pacific Mall, but after he drove from the north end to the downtown core and then back to the north end, half a tank of gas would be gone. Consequently, he stopped advertising altogether. He believes that earning less money is fine, but maintaining one's character and dignity is more important. Therefore, his principle with clients is to help them as much as possible, and if a client is dissatisfied and wishes to leave, he never forces them to stay.
Today, Chinese people are everywhere in Toronto. Especially in the market for mainland Chinese, competition is fierce in every industry. Some use rock-bottom prices to beg for clients, while others use deceptive tactics to lure those looking for a bargain. As a result, some who have been deceived vent their anger online, publishing the names and addresses of others. There are also those who, if their demands are not met, will rant online regardless of the facts, acting as judge and jury. However, website administrators now delete such posts, as they also fear legal trouble. One client once ranted online about their real estate agent. The agent did not retaliate, but six months later, the client received a letter from a lawyer demanding hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation for defamation and economic loss. The client became frightened and sought legal counsel, only to be told by a lawyer that they must first pay a $10,000 retainer. Therefore, it is best to avoid lawsuits in Canada, especially since we immigrants face language barriers, and some Chinese lawyers will not even take such cases.
Sometimes I think, we worked so hard to come to Canada, originally seeking this relaxed and peaceful cultural environment, but if we only encounter scammers and petty people, what is the point of immigrating?
Therefore, the consensus among most business people is that they would rather not make money than deal with bad clients.