Nightmare Client

[tonyjohn]

Evening chaps!

In the past I have come across some customers who try to pull fast ones with payments, but this particular customer is turning into a nightmare. After near enough completing quite a large job and receiving most of the money and also receiving plenty of compliments about my work I contacted the customer to arrange finishing a few small bits and signing off. In which I get a very abusive phone call saying how a good friend of theirs who is an electrician says I completely ripped them off and that most of my work was illegal (which is not true) after taking the abuse I told them I will not be returning to the job in which they replied they will be taking action against me. There has not been any contract nor receipts made as of yet, could I get In trouble with this as their work will not be finished or signed off by me?

 

[7029 dave]

If you know all has been to the highest standards to BS 7671, then tell them to make their move, document every thing, letters emails, texts the lot.Sounds like they are trying to swerve the bill.

 

[sparksburnout]

This does not make much sense to me. Why would they complain after paying what sounds like most of your invoice? You need to ask them to get this friend of theirs to document what he thinks is "illegal" (I presume he means not to BS7671, there is a difference). You should also contact your governing body if you have one, and pre-warn them that they may get a complaint, they may give you advice on how to proceed. If they cannot or will not expand on "illegal" then I would just take it with a pinch of salt and move on, as has been said it is not worth the time. It might help members on here if you provide more details of what the work entailed, could they be saying that it is not to BS7671 or that goods provided etc are not as stated in your quotation (I presume you have a written copy)

 

[R G]

He probably didn't go round before christmas with choclates and drink ...lol...

 

[telectrix]

He probably didn't go round before christmas with choclates and drink ...lol...

he used them all upon his last assessment.

 

[Spoon]

I have a free app on my phone (Call Recorder ) than records all my phone calls. You never know when it can come in useful.

 

[UNG]

Has the "electrician Friend" said the installation is illegal or is the client confusing "non compliant" with illegal if the "electrician Friend" has used the term illegal then I would have to question his ability, knowledge and experience as a electrician
The other theory would be he hasn't got an electrician friend and is looking for a way to get out of paying the bill as this seems to be the scam these days

 

[DuaneMHunt1976]

The problem is its one word agest another.
When i was at school and trying to point out that any one could say any thing about someone what is ref as to a lower class than them, the person who is the upper class is trusted.

Me, i come from a council estate called buckland in portsmouth, and in the times i grew up there. I would looked well down apone.

with being a Electrician you are your name and company and any mud seems to stick even if its not true.

 

[Spoon]

There is always going to be people out there that will slag you off, for no reason. I blame interbreeding. You just have to try and stay professional and rise above it. Your good customers will know that they are telling a pack of lies.

 

[andyb]

Interbreeding?

 

[Spoon]

Interbreeding?

haha.... been a long year..... Inbreeding.

 

[R G]

Come to Norfolk if you want to see inter breeding and awkward customers....

 

[a1guvner]

Hi, If was was you i would diffuse your verbal statement saying you will not be returning and send him a letter saying you are shocked by his statements on the phone and that you are willing to return to finish your quoted works (not that you might) but if it did get legal it would show you as willing and able to return to carry out the works and he is preventing you from doing so, if and when your back on site im sure discussions would be more amicable and you can have your BYB to back you up on the other creatures opinions,
A good start in my opinion

 

[sparksburnout]

Come to Norfolk if you want to see inter breeding and awkward customers....

My wife's sisters husband comes from Norfolk. The north coast is a fantastic place to visit, but man there are some odd bods emanate from there. Mind you if you want to see inbreeding at it best you need to go to Derbyshire, I saw a bloke with 2 heads the other day.

 

[telectrix]

My wife's sisters husband comes from Norfolk. The north coast is a fantastic place to visit, but man there are some odd bods emanate from there. Mind you if you want to see inbreeding at it best you need to go to Derbyshire, I saw a bloke with 2 heads the other day.

bet that was in the pub after 12 pints.

 

[telectrix]

Come to Norfolk if you want to see inter breeding and awkward customers....

Norfolk in Chance.