Non paying, infuriating customer.

[Andy B]

We quoted a job to rewire 2 bungalows. Did the job in the summer doing bits and pieces around other trades. They took forever to get plastering etc done. They changed there mind on the kitchen and stuff so many times. We moved the cooker switch and point for them twicw and basically bent over backwards keeping them happy. November came and we finally finished the job. They had paid about 2 thirds as we went along. They seemed to fall out with every trade on site and we thought we must just be more easy going. Before xmas we invoiced the final amount and they refused to pay coming out with crap excuses. They keep saying that people have told them the cables aren`t deep enough. I keep telling them that as long as the cables are in safe zones and RCD protected there is no minimum depth. Finally we sent them a letter threatening them with court action unless we recieve payment by today. They have just phoned me and they say they have called in trading standards and we will hear from them within a couple of day. I said I`m giving them to friday and registering it with small claims court.

They are the most infuriating people I`ve ever met.

 

[Plonker 3]

I still have some one who owes me just over a grand from August last year, sent a few letter etc. Not sent anything since December just waiting a little longer before filling out the relevant paper work and surprising him.

 

[Octopus]

I still have some one who owes me just over a grand from August last year, sent a few letter etc. Not sent anything since December just waiting a little longer before filling out the relevant paper work and surprising him.

Have you sent him a final demand?

 

[Plonker 3]

Yes did that in September, so just having a bit of a wait just hoping he has forgotten about it which make it alot more fun.

 

[44ALLAN]

I'm not 'domestic' guys but wondered if the certs/paperwork for the jobs you do could be held back until final payment was made?

 

[Guest111]

Part of the problem with these lowlifes is they know the law,1 enter a property without permission=breaking and entering 2 force entry while people are in= aggravated burglary=custodial sentence 3 remove items that you have fitted without consent of property owner = criminal damage unless you can restore property to way it was before you did work ie no chasing/damage to decor etc.There needs to be a massive tightening of laws regarding non payment as too many people are getting a good living from not paying their debts.

 

[Robson689]

Have a read of this page, Bailiffs | Know your rights

If you're owed money you can put your bailiff cap on and once you've convinced them to let you in for a 'chat' you can start seizing goods.

 

[amlu]

my mate plumber told me his trick... leaving little valve on the pipes under the floor, to be accesed by a screwdriver... in place known only to him. in case of problems shut it and leave them thinking wtf is going on.
thinking of some equivalent for electrics...
instead of ripping cables from the wall I would knock on the door, ask for access to the consumer unit tell them that some testing has to be done, open it, isolate and cut all cables short. job done.

 

[ED17]

I've given up doing small private jobs. Unless you get paid up front or on completion it's not worth the hassle.

 

[Octopus]

my mate plumber told me his trick... leaving little valve on the pipes under the floor, to be accesed by a screwdriver... in place known only to him. in case of problems shut it and leave them thinking wtf is going on.
thinking of some equivalent for electrics...
instead of ripping cables from the wall I would knock on the door, ask for access to the consumer unit tell them that some testing has to be done, open it, isolate and cut all cables short. job done.

How about a contactor between the DNO fuse and the CU, remotely activated by your mobile?

 

[londonlec]

Turn the stop cock off in the street and pour post crete down the hole :33:

 

[thelondonway]

baseball bat + loud voice = cash in hand

 

[richy3333]

We quoted a job to rewire 2 bungalows. Did the job in the summer doing bits and pieces around other trades. They took forever to get plastering etc done. They changed there mind on the kitchen and stuff so many times. We moved the cooker switch and point for them twicw and basically bent over backwards keeping them happy. November came and we finally finished the job. They had paid about 2 thirds as we went along. They seemed to fall out with every trade on site and we thought we must just be more easy going. Before xmas we invoiced the final amount and they refused to pay coming out with crap excuses. They keep saying that people have told them the cables aren`t deep enough. I keep telling them that as long as the cables are in safe zones and RCD protected there is no minimum depth. Finally we sent them a letter threatening them with court action unless we recieve payment by today. They have just phoned me and they say they have called in trading standards and we will hear from them within a couple of day. I said I`m giving them to friday and registering it with small claims court.

They are the most infuriating people I`ve ever met.

Don't wait, small claims process of the County Court. Sue their backsides off.

 

[richy3333]

I feel for ya mate. Ive not had this problem yet!!! But I did a bit of work for my cousin a few years ago. He paid me once I had finished my work but when the whole job completed, he invoice the customer. The customer refused to pay. She owes him £4000! He took her to court and found out that he wasnt the only one She and her ltd company owed money. She liquidated the company and my cousin didnt get a penny. What some people will do just riles me!!!!!!


Jay

Those sort of people enjoy a good game of baseball, minus the ball

 

[richy3333]

I was called by the owners of a local hotel last week asking for a EICR. I pointed out bluntly that it was well known amongst local trades that they hadn't paid a plumber and decorator for work. Told them I didn't need their work, only to spend 2 years chasing them through the Sheriff court to get my money. Said they could pay me (over pay me) up front. Didn't hear anything else.

 

[not_today]

Essex justice! = Builder Demolishes His Work After Pay Dispute With Homeowner - YouTube

best advice i can give is buy a fax machine, the reason being is the moment you turn it on you'll start getting faxes saying things like "does someone owe you money?"

otherwise theres a few legal bods on here that give good advice

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