Explain the mismatch briefly—location, expertise, schedule, or job type—without criticising the customer. If you know a suitable provider and have permission to share their details, offer the referral without guaranteeing their availability.
Check service type, location, timing, competence, workload, and safety requirements against clear acceptance criteria. If a request is outside your scope, reply early and briefly explain the limitation; do not keep a prospect waiting while hoping the job becomes manageable. Refer to another provider only if you can do so responsibly, and ask permission before passing on the customer's contact details.
Keep a short list of trusted referral options, but disclose that another provider is independent of your business.
If the job is outside your service area, say whether remote support, a later date, or a referral is possible. Do not accept payment or a deposit for work you already know you cannot deliver. Record the reason for declining in a neutral way so your business can refine its coverage and service descriptions.
Record the reason so you can refine your service description. Use a KobStore page to state your limits clearly; create or update your profile.
