Ethical dilemma #032
You sent a client a quote that is too low. Would you warn them before knowing the correct price?
You sent a client a quote lower than it should be. They have not accepted it yet, and your boss does not know about the mistake.
Related reflectionHow to Own a Mistake at Work Without Falling Apart↗What would you do in this situation?
Choose an answer before continuing.
The context
You work for a company that prepares quotes for clients. This morning you sent one and, reviewing it later, discovered that you forgot to include a significant portion of the materials. The price the client received is below the actual cost of the work.
You do not yet know whether the company can honor that price without losing money. Your boss is in a meeting and the client has not replied. You can notify the client now, calculate a new price first, or tell your boss before speaking outside the company. You worry about seeming careless, but also know the client could accept the quote and make plans based on an incorrect figure.
A perspective to continue
Admitting a mistake can be embarrassing, but hiding it can make it bigger. Who needs to know before making a decision that will no longer be easy to change?
04
What your decision prioritizes
You prevent a decision based on an incorrect figure. You will not yet be able to give a new price or explain all the consequences.
You arrive with a concrete answer. During that time, the client could accept the previous price.
You share responsibility with someone who can authorize a solution. If they do not reply soon, notifying the client will remain outstanding.
How other people responded
Percentages will appear after enough responses have been collected.
0 recorded decisions
05
The client sends a message: they plan to pay a deposit within an hour to book the work at the price they received.
Now that you know this, would you stand by your decision?
Stand by it
The new information does not change your decision. Consider whether your original reasons still hold in light of what you have just learned.
Change it
What you have just learned leads you to choose a different response. Which detail changed how you see the situation?
I need to know more
The new information leaves you with an important question. What would you need to ask before acting?
0% changed their mind after learning the new context
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