Comments on: The Best Client Letter Ever. Mick Jagger To Andy Warhol. http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/ World's Number One Source For Custom Motorcycle News Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:13:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Sugar Bear http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108486 Sugar Bear Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:33:19 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108486 Thanks Jeff ... it was a blast!! Thanks Jeff … it was a blast!!

]]> By: Joe Skonecki http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108477 Joe Skonecki Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:19:11 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108477 A smart builder such as Cyril and Jeff will always have a come-back-again-price, because work like theirs is priceless. A smart buyer will please their builder and reap the priceless rewards! A smart builder such as Cyril and Jeff will always have a come-back-again-price, because work like theirs is priceless. A smart buyer will please their builder and reap the priceless rewards!

]]> By: Woody http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108387 Woody Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:25:11 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108387 Cool, didn't mean to imply otherwise. Just pointing out how things were coming across from what I was reading initially. This recent conversation probably would've been better over a beer (or bourbon) as I'm not too much of a wordsmith on a keyboard :) Have a good one! Cool, didn’t mean to imply otherwise. Just pointing out how things were coming across from what I was reading initially. This recent conversation probably would’ve been better over a beer (or bourbon) as I’m not too much of a wordsmith on a keyboard :) Have a good one!

]]> By: Jeff Nicklus http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108383 Jeff Nicklus Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:06:29 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108383 Woody, I must agree with Cyril here ..... I likewise have never built a bike that I was not happy with in the end. Further, I have never built a bike that the customer was anything less than thrilled with which is exactly why I, and Cyril, have so many repeat customers. Further, I will say that I have never built a bike that when complete I didn't say to myself ... "I wish I had" ..., "I should have"....... or "next time I will”....... I believe that the day that I am perfectly satisfied with a build and feel I couldn't have done anything more, is the day I hang up my guns. I love and respect all of my clients and I feel that they reciprocate in kind. I try to build friendships as well as motorcycles and I like to believe I have been very successful in that respect. Building a one-off bike is a pain in the ass most times and if it were not for the relationships that are formed in the process am not sure the money would be worth the effort. Just my 2 cents worth. Over & Out, Jeff Nicklus Woody,

I must agree with Cyril here ….. I likewise have never built a bike that I was not happy with in the end. Further, I have never built a bike that the customer was anything less than thrilled with which is exactly why I, and Cyril, have so many repeat customers.

Further, I will say that I have never built a bike that when complete I didn’t say to myself … “I wish I had” …, “I should have”……. or “next time I will”……. I believe that the day that I am perfectly satisfied with a build and feel I couldn’t have done anything more, is the day I hang up my guns.

I love and respect all of my clients and I feel that they reciprocate in kind. I try to build friendships as well as motorcycles and I like to believe I have been very successful in that respect. Building a one-off bike is a pain in the ass most times and if it were not for the relationships that are formed in the process am not sure the money would be worth the effort.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Over & Out,

Jeff Nicklus

]]> By: Woody http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108359 Woody Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:39:05 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108359 I see their points, especially the way Cyril restated it. In some ways though it's sad. You need need some clients with so much bread that they'll buy it whatever they end up with like some of the Brad Pitt comments in another thread. Almost disrespecting the builder to say yeah, whatever, I'll pay ya and ride off-just build something. I've only built 3 bikes over the last 30+ years and know my limitations, but that doesn't mean I don't know what I want. Jeff, I'm glad it's working for ya, but you really sound a lot like some Harley dealers not that many years ago. I remember looking at new Road Kings in '96 and getting that kind of taste in my mouth. Ordered a Valkyrie instead and I've still got it. If a custom builder (not anyone here) wants to build anything they want I guess they should do just that and put them on a showroom floor. I see their points, especially the way Cyril restated it. In some ways though it’s sad. You need need some clients with so much bread that they’ll buy it whatever they end up with like some of the Brad Pitt comments in another thread. Almost disrespecting the builder to say yeah, whatever, I’ll pay ya and ride off-just build something.
I’ve only built 3 bikes over the last 30+ years and know my limitations, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what I want. Jeff, I’m glad it’s working for ya, but you really sound a lot like some Harley dealers not that many years ago. I remember looking at new Road Kings in ’96 and getting that kind of taste in my mouth. Ordered a Valkyrie instead and I’ve still got it. If a custom builder (not anyone here) wants to build anything they want I guess they should do just that and put them on a showroom floor.

]]> By: Steve Carr http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108348 Steve Carr Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:18:48 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108348 The best way to get the best from any builder is to get out of the way and let the builder give you the customer what he does best. Not everyone gets it. The customer that wants things done their way, but yet wants a bike built by their favorite builder, will never get what they really want, because the builder no longer has control over his own vision for the bike that he is being paid to build. Right or wrong.....thats the bottom line Steve Carr The best way to get the best from any builder is to get out of the way and let the builder give you the customer what he does best.

Not everyone gets it. The customer that wants things done their way, but yet wants a bike built by their favorite builder, will never get what they really want, because the builder no longer has control over his own vision for the bike that he is being paid to build.

Right or wrong…..thats the bottom line

Steve Carr

]]> By: David Moss http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108340 David Moss Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:57:26 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108340 Woody, I don't think Cyril or Jeff disrespect their clients. I think that what they mean is that to give the best to a client they need to be respected by this same client as the he experts. Cyril, your answer is simply superb. Woody, I don’t think Cyril or Jeff disrespect their clients. I think that what they mean is that to give the best to a client they need to be respected by this same client as the he experts. Cyril, your answer is simply superb.

]]> By: Cyril Huze http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108338 Cyril Huze Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:46:32 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108338 Woody. One day, during an interview, the question asked was. "Did you ever built a bike you are not so proud of". My answer "I will never build a bad bike...because somebody could buy it" Woody. One day, during an interview, the question asked was. “Did you ever built a bike you are not so proud of”. My answer “I will never build a bad bike…because somebody could buy it”

]]> By: Woody http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108337 Woody Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:40:45 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108337 Cyril & Jeff, I guess it'll all work out then, as I can't afford one of your bikes anyway. I'm glad it is working out so well for you folks. "Pay him or her well, get the hell out of the way and don’t obsess. And be happy with what you get." Sorry, I wouldn't take that from any business, as much as I respect you, Cyril. Cyril & Jeff, I guess it’ll all work out then, as I can’t afford one of your bikes anyway. I’m glad it is working out so well for you folks.

“Pay him or her well, get the hell out of the way and don’t obsess. And be happy with what you get.”
Sorry, I wouldn’t take that from any business, as much as I respect you, Cyril.

]]> By: Jeff Nicklus http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108302 Jeff Nicklus Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:39:52 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108302 Hey Bear, Yes, I did leave the K off .... thanks for pointing that out. By the way ... Happy Belated Birthday! Over & Out, Jeff Hey Bear,

Yes, I did leave the K off …. thanks for pointing that out.

By the way … Happy Belated Birthday!

Over & Out,

Jeff

]]> By: Sugar Bear http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108300 Sugar Bear Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:55:41 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108300 Hey Jeff, Did you leave off the "k" after the $75? If not, I'd like to order at least ten (10) ..... otherwise............ nevermind. Hey Jeff,

Did you leave off the “k” after the $75? If not, I’d like to order at least ten (10) ….. otherwise………… nevermind.

]]> By: Jeff Nicklus http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108294 Jeff Nicklus Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:57:03 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108294 Cyril, Well said again. I take the Builder Client relationship one step further though. Woody is wrong! Clients are an annoyance if you allow them to be! I could spend half of my time on the phone listening to "how are you doing on my build" or “ have you decided on a color yet” and never get anything done. So here is how I handle that: I allow the client a one time a month, 30 minute, telephone call with me. At that time I bring them up to speed, Also a couple of days prior to the scheduled telephone call I email updated pictures of the project to the client so we can talk about any changes or answer any questions all at one time. Other than that one phone call a month if the client feels the need for me to personally hold their hand I will always take the time to talk with them, however, I add an additional $5K to their tab for each hand holding session. I should also note that I include any necessity to respond to client emails in the One Call Per Month Limit. One or two $5K charges and it is amazing how the "all important" telephone questions can wait until the monthly call. I am a builder not a friggin psychologist! Now before you get off on the “I would never agree to that bullshit” tangent. Please note that currently I have 38 One-Off Motorcycles on Order all of which are in excess of $75. In fact as of a couple of weeks ago I stopped taking any new orders until mid next year. So being an A-Hole works for me and that is all that matters. Over & Out, Jeff Cyril,

Well said again. I take the Builder Client relationship one step further though.

Woody is wrong! Clients are an annoyance if you allow them to be! I could spend half of my time on the phone listening to “how are you doing on my build” or “ have you decided on a color yet” and never get anything done. So here is how I handle that: I allow the client a one time a month, 30 minute, telephone call with me. At that time I bring them up to speed, Also a couple of days prior to the scheduled telephone call I email updated pictures of the project to the client so we can talk about any changes or answer any questions all at one time. Other than that one phone call a month if the client feels the need for me to personally hold their hand I will always take the time to talk with them, however, I add an additional $5K to their tab for each hand holding session. I should also note that I include any necessity to respond to client emails in the One Call Per Month Limit. One or two $5K charges and it is amazing how the “all important” telephone questions can wait until the monthly call. I am a builder not a friggin psychologist!

Now before you get off on the “I would never agree to that bullshit” tangent. Please note that currently I have 38 One-Off Motorcycles on Order all of which are in excess of $75. In fact as of a couple of weeks ago I stopped taking any new orders until mid next year. So being an A-Hole works for me and that is all that matters.

Over & Out,

Jeff

]]> By: Cyril Huze http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108286 Cyril Huze Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:52:07 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108286 Woody.Personally I ALWAYS submit drawings, sketches, paint job intended and estimates before starting anything. After signature of client on ALL sketches and estimates (with some reserve posts), I don't see my clients more than 1 or 2 times before delivery (they are almost all out of my state or out of the country and they don't ask). All updates on work in progress via emailed pictures every week. It works very well with intelligent clients. Woody.Personally I ALWAYS submit drawings, sketches, paint job intended and estimates before starting anything. After signature of client on ALL sketches and estimates (with some reserve posts), I don’t see my clients more than 1 or 2 times before delivery (they are almost all out of my state or out of the country and they don’t ask). All updates on work in progress via emailed pictures every week. It works very well with intelligent clients.

]]> By: Woody http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108285 Woody Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:45:14 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108285 Interesting how builders see things differently than others might. If I'm buying a custom bike over something in a showroom for a fourth the price, it probably means I have something specific in mind. If someone tell s me to drop off my wallet and go away until the bike is done, I might as well just buy one ready-made. Would you have an architect design a house for you with no input other than number of bathrooms and no approval of drawings before it was built? Customers aren't an annoyance, they're the reason you are in business in the first place. Interesting how builders see things differently than others might. If I’m buying a custom bike over something in a showroom for a fourth the price, it probably means I have something specific in mind. If someone tell s me to drop off my wallet and go away until the bike is done, I might as well just buy one ready-made.
Would you have an architect design a house for you with no input other than number of bathrooms and no approval of drawings before it was built? Customers aren’t an annoyance, they’re the reason you are in business in the first place.

]]> By: Walt Lumpkin http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108253 Walt Lumpkin Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:01:19 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108253 If you can build it why do you need a builder? Give him/her a general direction and color then get the hell out of the way. I ride the hell out of them but I know I can't build what some of you do so I follow my own advice. Gone! If you can build it why do you need a builder?

Give him/her a general direction and color then get the hell out of the way.

I ride the hell out of them but I know I can’t build what some of you do so
I follow my own advice. Gone!

]]> By: Josh http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108243 Josh Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:23:57 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108243 Excellent. All clients, please read and read again. Listen to Cyril. Excellent. All clients, please read and read again. Listen to Cyril.

]]> By: Jeff Nicklus http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108215 Jeff Nicklus Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:27:39 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108215 Cyril my friend, As bad as it hurts me to say this ..... I couldn't have said it better myself! Way to hit the nail on the head! Over & Out, Jeff Cyril my friend,

As bad as it hurts me to say this ….. I couldn’t have said it better myself! Way to hit the nail on the head!

Over & Out,

Jeff

]]> By: Cyril Huze http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108210 Cyril Huze Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:44:56 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108210 Ian. Not on this request. It was for the " Through the Past, Darkly" album. But later Andy Warhol created for the Stones the famous "Sticky Fingers" artwork with the Zipper on the cover (released 1971). Ian. Not on this request. It was for the ” Through the Past, Darkly” album. But later Andy Warhol created for the Stones the famous “Sticky Fingers” artwork with the Zipper on the cover (released 1971).

]]> By: ian http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108208 ian Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:31:48 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108208 .......in my short sweet experience, the more complicated the format of the album, e.g. more complex than just pages or fold-out, the more fucked-up the reproduction and agonizing the delays. Wasnt this album "Stcky Fingers" which had the working zipper on the cover? Nice one though. …….in my short sweet experience, the more complicated the format of the album, e.g. more complex than just pages or fold-out, the more fucked-up the reproduction and agonizing the delays.

Wasnt this album “Stcky Fingers” which had the working zipper on the cover?

Nice one though.

]]> By: Brandon http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108206 Brandon Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:20:36 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108206 It's the reason why I love so much to read your blog. Informative, entertaining with a few sprinkles of deep thoughts in your posts that everybody can understand. Love you man! . It’s the reason why I love so much to read your blog. Informative, entertaining with a few sprinkles of deep thoughts in your posts that everybody can understand. Love you man! .

]]> By: MDK http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108205 MDK Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:10:35 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108205 Who's Mick X and Andy Warhol? Seriously though and as usual very much spot on as when you become a custom builder then you should have total control over the design, so let the professionals do their thing. Who’s Mick X and Andy Warhol? Seriously though and as usual very much spot on as when you become a custom builder then you should have total control over the design, so let the professionals do their thing.

]]> By: Steve Carr http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2009/10/21/the-best-client-letter-ever-mick-jagger-to-andy-warhol/comment-page-1/#comment-108203 Steve Carr Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:56:24 +0000 http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/?p=23213#comment-108203 Perfection Cyril. Needed to be said, and you made the point as eloquently as it could have ever been done. Thank You once again. Steve Carr Perfection Cyril.

Needed to be said, and you made the point as eloquently as it could have ever been done.

Thank You once again.

Steve Carr

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