No, I am not talking about USPAP, confidentially, or unbiased value evaluation. While these are all important, I am simply talking about doing what you say you will do as an appraiser. Trust is a fundamental principle when it comes to business, and if your clients cannot trust you, it is likely that you will not be in business for long.
When you receive an order and commit to having it in on such and such date, it is critical that you follow through on that commitment. If you cannot meet that deadline, then you should tell your client upfront before accepting the order. In my mind, once you have accepted an order you are agreeing to that due date.
Now there are certainly rare times due to extenuating circumstances that I turn a report in late, but it is the norm in my office to turn in a report one to two days early. My client is counting on me and they have others counting on them. If they cannot trust that I will do what I say I will do, then why would they continue to come to me for business?
Building relationships with your clients is essential when it comes creating a thriving appraisal business. Your reputation is on the line here and your reputation can mean the difference between success and failure in the appraisal business world.
For more information on this subject, please listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode:
