A
female
age
51-59,
anonymous
writes:it feels so mean to having to ask this, but how can I handle it? I have a great client, he provides me with a continuous stream of research work. He's well mannered, always a gentleman. When I've finished the research i get it all ready, and I drop it off at his business. I don't like posting it as it will contain documents to back up the research. And he needs the certified copies, not faxed or scanned versions. And he is in the neighborhood. It would be rude of me to post it. And it would look wrong for me to send someone else. Very often he will come out to shake my hand and thank me for what i've done. Sometimes we may even sit down with his his staff, in case things need explaining. But he has the worst case of bad breath I have ever encountered. I brace myself as soon as he raches out to speak. I can even smell it across the desk. His teeth look in good condition. In no way doeshe smell until he opens his mouth. And it happens every time he opens his mouth. Do i try to tell him and risk losing a client? Or do I just put up with it? Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (24 December 2010): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionReceived a call today from one of his staff to tell me he would not be able to meet me today, as my client has gone to hospital after having terrible pains in his stomach area. She said he was supposed to get it fixed (I did not ask) but kept delaying the operation until he was not so busy.
So now I am wondering if the bad breath was something indicative of an illness, of which I was unaware. Glad I said nothing the last time. Though I still like the mints idea very much. Thank you so very much for your good advice. You are all very wise
A
male
reader, cian  +, writes (23 December 2010):
 Asides a common idea to breathe through your own mouth, to thus avoid smelling it...
...perhaps have a lunch meeting or something where you can choose neutral foods to eat. This might prevent a food-based smell.
Otherwise, if that doesn't work, clearly this guy has something going on intra-orally... and if he has nice teeth, then that's just awkward.
I'd say, hire an assistant and have them do the run. ;p
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A
male
reader, Jmtmj  +, writes (23 December 2010):
 Well its up to you whether you choose to risk it, but if you do choose to say something, make sure the blame isn't directed at him.
Eg. Don't say "YOU have bad breath today" or "YOUR breath stinks"
Maybe say "What did you just eat? Would you like a mint?" or better yet, just take out a pack of mints, have one yourself and offer him one.
Just my thoughts.
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A
male
reader, Kenj  +, writes (23 December 2010):
 Its not really your position to tell your customers they have bad breath, I think it would be an un-wise move.
It depends if you have an excellent rapport with him then offer him a breath mint or something he might get the hint if you constantly do this.
Its a common thing, not always caused by bad dental hygiene. I feel sorry for his staff who are there all day with it.
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