“You get what you pay for” is a common saying … and generally it is pretty true.

In the services business we have to match the service that we provide with the return on that investment … we cannot afford to provide a level of service that costs us more than we get paid.  Seems like common sense, but it is actually a pretty difficult lesson to learn … for suppliers, and for clients!

Sometimes in business, (maybe more often than sometimes), there is a disconnect between what the client expects and what the company thinks they are delivering.  If a client chooses the low cost supplier, to deliver a project or a service … then they need to expect the quality and customer service attributable to a low cost provider (acceptable, but not great).  The reality is that all clients want GREAT service … but not many clients are willing to pay top dollar.

Therein lies that quagmire of expectations versus reality!

If you don’t pay much … then don’t expect much!  

If you buy a Honda Accord, its a very good car, but it is not a BMW 335! 

If you buy a small apartment in an average Toronto high-rise … don’t expect Trump Towers!

If you buy a cheap laptop … don’t be surprised when it doesn’t operate like a high end machine!

If you beat your staffing supplier’s margins down to peanuts … then don’t be surprised if you get monkey-like service!

Obviously all of this is relative(that is another blog post) … you can get good value for your money, and if your expectations match the product or service that you get then you can be a very happy customer. 

At the end of the day … you generally get what you pay for!