Made a huge mistake. During a preliminary review of a prospect's bills, I spotted what looked like a rate classification error and estimated a $45,000 refund. I mentioned that number during the sales meeting to close the deal. The client signed based on that expectation. After the full analysis, turns out the rate was correct — what looked like an error was actually a seasonal rate adjustment I didn't fully understand at the time. Now I have a client expecting $45,000 and I have to tell them it's closer to $8,000 from a minor tax exemption issue. This is going to be an awful conversation.
Promised a refund before finishing analysis — never again
This is one of the most important lessons in our business: never quote a specific dollar amount until you've completed the full analysis. During sales meetings, you can say "based on my experience with similar accounts, I typically find $2,000-$5,000 per month in errors." That sets a range without committing to a specific number. The moment you say "$45,000" the client mentally deposits that check. Anything less feels like a loss even if it's still real money. For the conversation ahead, be honest. Explain what you found, what you initially thought, and what the actual recovery is. $8,000 is still $8,000 the client didn't have before.
Been there. Early in my career I told a client I thought the error was "$50,000 minimum" and the final number was $18,000. The client was disappointed even though $18,000 is a great find. Randy's right — never give a specific number during sales. Ranges only, and always with the caveat "pending full analysis."
Had the conversation. Client was disappointed but understood. They're keeping me on for the $8,000 recovery and want me to audit their other two locations. Could have been worse. But I will never quote a specific number again before the analysis is complete. Lesson permanently learned.
At least they kept you on. Shows you handled the conversation well. We all make this mistake once.