People that mess about with payments.

[oscar21]

Just why do they do it, promise they will pay the next day and nothing comes, give you the runaround, try and get you back doing more stuff and they will settle up with you etc. Its not like they will never pay you, they usually do eventually as they always need more stuff doing, its like they enjoy causing you frustration for some sad reason.

I'm not talking about the rip off merchants that never have any intentions of paying you from day one, just the ones that mess you around, its usually the ones that want everything doing 3 times as well as they can never make their mind up. So I've come to a decision, anyone who doesn't pay promptly from now on when requested gets stuck on my never going back to list, I don't care if something is only half finished or I'm the only one who knows where the downlights are etc I will simply refuse to go back if I don't get paid on time from now on whether they eventually pay or not.

 

[baldelectrician]

I do this.
We add the number of the person and put DNA at the end (do not answer). That way you don't pick up by accident.

 

[nicebutdim]

I learned about this at a young age watching companies work in exactly this manner. When I first set out on my own I was approached by one of those companies and refused them credit. They bought from me on a cash basis as the products were first rate and exceptionally well priced, but eventually I was caught out in doing them a favour... driver close by, but no cheque and they were badly stuck... promise that cheque would be posted that night, but naturally no payment was sent.

What could I do?

Some time later they came to me when in desperation, so I had a chat with them and asked what the problem was. Were the products below par? Was I too expensive? Was I too slow in getting goods to them? and a few other questions. The answer to each was no (as I knew they'd have to be), so I pointed out that they'd effectively made a good case for paying me in a timely manner, yet they didn't seem inclined to do so and, as such, I didn't feel inclined to compete with the various banking institutes who specialise in extending credit. If they wanted the goods they needed to send a cheque - not just for the outstanding debt, but for whatever they needed that day. I got the payment, an apology and the order and they had the good grace to never again ask for credit.

I've no time for people who don't pay their debts or trail their heels in doing so. If you don't want to pay for my services in a timely manner, then I don't want to work for you and this is a one strike policy. Waste my time and money once and once only - after that I don't care how desperate you are or how much you offer - if payment isn't up front I'm not working for you.

 

[baldelectrician]

I learned about this at a young age watching companies work in exactly this manner. When I first set out on my own I was approached by one of those companies and refused them credit. They bought from me on a cash basis as the products were first rate and exceptionally well priced, but eventually I was caught out in doing them a favour... driver close by, but no cheque and they were badly stuck... promise that cheque would be posted that night, but naturally no payment was sent.

What could I do?

Some time later they came to me when in desperation, so I had a chat with them and asked what the problem was. Were the products below par? Was I too expensive? Was I too slow in getting goods to them? and a few other questions. The answer to each was no (as I knew they'd have to be), so I pointed out that they'd effectively made a good case for paying me in a timely manner, yet they didn't seem inclined to do so and, as such, I didn't feel inclined to compete with the various banking institutes who specialise in extending credit. If they wanted the goods they needed to send a cheque - not just for the outstanding debt, but for whatever they needed that day. I got the payment, an apology and the order and they had the good grace to never again ask for credit.

I've no time for people who don't pay their debts or trail their heels in doing so. If you don't want to pay for my services in a timely manner, then I don't want to work for you and this is a one strike policy. Waste my time and money once and once only - after that I don't care how desperate you are or how much you offer - if payment isn't up front I'm not working for you.

I completely agree

Fool me once - shame on you
Fool me again - shame on me

 

[nicebutdim]

I completely agree

Fool me once - shame on you
Fool me again - shame on me

Life is too short to waste time on dick heads and I'm not shy about telling that to such people. Some have accepted the rebuke and worked well on a cash basis - up front were services are concerned. Others have been terribly offended and even moreso when I point out how they went out of their way to be offended.

 

[timhoward]

I had a stinking rich family that simply evaded paying, always finding one more thing that needed doing and making endless excuses.
The worst of it was that I'd recommended a gas fitter and a plasterer to the client, and these friends we also being given the run around. While a little inebriated we jointly decided to exact revenge.
This isn't the arms, but let's just say that if you've installed a premises-wide bluetooth speaker system, and have a neighbour on your side who passionately hates them, there are certain possibilities available.
We all got paid! I don't think they liked regularly hearing an appropriate Abba song at 4am.

 

[nicebutdim]

I had a stinking rich family that simply evaded paying, always finding one more thing that needed doing and making endless excuses.
The worst of it was that I'd recommended a gas fitter and a plasterer to the client, and these friends we also being given the run around. While a little inebriated we jointly decided to exact revenge.
This isn't the arms, but let's just say that if you've installed a premises-wide bluetooth speaker system, and have a neighbour on your side who passionately hates them, there are certain possibilities available.
We all got paid! I don't think they liked regularly hearing an appropriate Abba song at 4am.

I grew up near a guy who simply refused to pay for anything. The nicest guy you could ever talk to, but just wouldn't pay his bills.

Built a beautiful bungalow and shafted the builder, along with every other trade. The one exception was a shop that supplied all the carpets - they sent their fitters out to lift them. His wife and mother in law were at home when the fitters came to lift the carpets and his wife had no means of paying, but mother in law was mortified at the thought of her daughter's carpets being repossessed and paid cash on the spot.

Quite sad really and the guy is no longer with us. Thankfully his sons inherited the best traits of both parents - pleasant manners and a willingness to pay their bills.

 

[nicebutdim]

Also that bluetooth speaker trick is joyful.

Our daughter got one some years back. No more constantly telling her to turn down the music when her friends were round - ask once and then give them a blast of the Barney song. Didn't take long to learn that lesson, but sadly she quickly figured out how to protect access to the device

 

[pirate]

I hate those non-payers!
A couple of months back, after asking for payment several times, for an installation of smokes/heats, I went to the house all smiles and said I'd come to do the post-installation check. Removed all 6 units from their bases and left with them in my bag. Now they can't let the house until they have alarms in place. Am I going back?
NO!

 

[LukeD]

"starchem" paint remover .Bloody nasty stuff on cars

 

[littlespark]

Only had one none payer, and I took her to court for a measly £300.

In the end, I was worse off… but not to the tune of 300….. She was a lot more worse off, and word soon got round.

I don’t think she ever got the job fully finished as nobody would deal with her.

 

[Dustydazzler]

A lot of companies are now taking large sums upfront before they even start any job as non payment is getting worse and worse

 

[oscar21]

I like to think I can spot non-payers a mile off and stay well away nowadays, usually builder types who have the gift of the gab. This was more about people that do pay (eventually) but like to give you the runaround before they do. They all use the same excuses - not had the email - I cant log onto my banking - money sent but it will take two weeks - etc etc. Not sure whats in it for them because they just end up with a half done job and no-one will go back. I think its some kind of power trip for them, trying to prove they are superior to you in some way.