Need a "polite" way of saying, "you're wrong"

[lee_sufc]

Evening all!

I run a service company offering advice on a specific area that clients pay for.

Anyway, recently, I've had more and more clients paying for my advice, only to go against everything I've suggested and argue that in fact, THEY'RE right!

I'm tempted to simply say, "why pay me if all you're going to do is tell me I'm wrong?" However, as we're always told, the customer is always right (they're not), is there a nicer way of saying this?!?

[Hoople]

It seems we have come to an impasse as to who is more correct.

[martinibuster]

Try to find something you agree with and say you agree 100% about XYZ and also maybe throw in something about that being a thoughtful response. Then say, you may wish to consider A - Z and give them the thought path they should be on. It's a method I created to deal with differences of opinion in a diplomatic manner.

Nobody likes to be told they are wrong. So I try not to ever say that to people in any context.

[engine]

It isn't worth arguing, and as was said, trying to prove them wrong is a complete waste of time for both parties.
If they are wrong because of a misunderstanding, try a new presentation.
Try to understand how they came to their conclusions by asking them.
If they just cannot see the issue, unless they are paying you a regular fee, just move on. Again, don't argue of try to prove them wrong.

[LifeinAsia]

"One of the things that make me such a great consultant is that I am constantly learning as new information becomes available and trends evolve. I would love to see your data and figure out how your situation differs from historical trends."

[dpd1]

I sell products that I design and produce myself, which are technical in nature. I get the same kind of thing a lot. People ask my advice, then completely ignore it and do whatever they want. I learned a long time ago not to take it personally. I've found that when people say they want your "advice". Usually what that really means, is that they've already come to a conclusion, and they just want you to confirm it. Being a perfectionist, it bothers me when I know people are doing something wrong, which will lead to less than ideal performance in something. But if that's what people want, it's their life. Where I have a problem with it, is when it then comes back to make my life difficult. ie: returns. If that's the case, I try and get the idea across that if they try to do what I'm saying will not work... I cannot accept returns based simply on them wanting to experiment. Usually that gets the idea across. Another issue is that, people will often put random people's advice above yours. The reason being that... You;re the guy taking people money, which of course, automatically makes you biased and not trustworthy. Which in fairness, does happen a lot. I've found it pays off to do things that gives you a reputation for not just wanting to sell people stuff. If people don't really need a certain thing, then tell them that. When you show them you;re not just tyring to talk them into the highest priced thing, that goes a long way. And stuff like that spreads.

[ken_b]

Some customers need firing, simple as that.

Politely say that since it seems they don't have confidence in your )advice, product, whatever) that you believe they'd be better served looking for another provider/vendor/etc.

And then move on.

[Lugh]

Why do you need to tell them (again) that they're wrong? They've paid. What's the downside to ignoring and moving on?

[Essex_boy]

they just want you to confirm it - Worked with a girl if she asked my opinion and it differed from her, she ask someone else till she got the 'opinion' she agreed with

[piatkow]

To quote Evelyn Waugh
"Up to a point Lord Copper"

[bwnbwn]

Here is what I think for what it is worth.
Ole saying "Everybody has a A hole" so to me reading the post they are expressing their opinion or trying to come up with a better idea than the one you proposed. I highly doubt they said your wrong otherwise I would want my money back. I suggest you be a better listener, Your not Google you don't know everything, and think about what they said. It might make your business grow otherwise from the sound of it your toast.

[Essex_boy]

Or at least document what they said and have them confirm the action BEFORE you utilise it