What am I responsible for - returning to a customer?

[HappyHippyDad]

Evening all..

I have had my first customer call me back (messgae left) saying that something is not working as it should!

Its too late to ring him back but it sounds like the PIR is not working correctly on a flood light I installed perhaps 6 months ago.

Its bound to be a faulty PIR as it was a cheap PIR/floodlight from screwfix. Obviously I feel partly responsible as I sourced the product, although the customer did'nt want to go for an expensive one at the time.

Just wondering what you guys class yourself as responsible for and what you would charge for if anything?

 

[trev]

Nick, there are far more effective and less time consuming ways of dealing with things like this.

That method is fine when dealing with a company who won't pay but some jumped up little squirt who thinks he can get away with screwing a tradesman? No mate

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Evening all..

I have had my first customer call me back (messgae left) saying that something is not working as it should!

Its too late to ring him back but it sounds like the PIR is not working correctly on a flood light I installed perhaps 6 months ago.

Its bound to be a faulty PIR as it was a cheap PIR/floodlight from screwfix. Obviously I feel partly responsible as I sourced the product, although the customer did'nt want to go for an expensive one at the time.

Just wondering what you guys class yourself as responsible for and what you would charge for if anything?

are you sure?

caus if its lies....

 

[NickD]

Go replace it with a smile.

But surely what they'll be expecting is another light?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[NickD]

Nick, there are far more effective and less time consuming ways of dealing with things like this.

You say that, but bear in mind that blood breaks down the insulation on insulated screwdrivers.

 

[vxwestie]

Invoice Booklet With Pen Stock Photo 85559 : Shutterstock

didnt know they still existed in the 21st century ;-)

i guess you write your invoices to customers whilst on site and carrying out the works? ...

 

[PEG]

Sod that. Raise a MCOL (artist formerly known as Small Claims Court) claim. Just be careful to follow the pre-action protocol, which is basically to make sure you write a Letter Before Action following the guidance in Appendix A of the Practice Direction for pre-action protocol (the MCOL website points you in the right direction). Straightforwardly state breach of contract as the relevant law. Make sure you show all the relevant elements of contract are present (your offer of X goods and services to be supplied in exchange for £Y, their unconditional acceptance of that offer, intention to form legally binding relations, and consideration [consideration here means you're going to supply goods and services which they're going to supply payment for - basically that the contract includes things of value are passing both ways]). State that you will be adding your court costs in with the amount claimed. Say that you are open to a means of resolving the dispute other than court however you will not budge on the amount owed (as long as what you are owed is indisputable). Many will pay when they realise from the Letter Before Action they're about to be taken to court. I know this all may sound a bit intimidating but once you've done it once you then have a template for every time you have to do it again ever.

Holy-mary,you go through THAT mullarky every time? I tell you,if i have the choice between explaining "how it is" to a recalcitrant customer,or reading that again......:6:

 

[jaypp]

deleted after re-reading.
apologies vxw, my post read back as 'confrontational'

 

[NickD]

Holy-mary,you go through THAT mullarky every time?

No. You go through the pain of doing it from scratch once. Then you reuse it as a template.

 

[telectrix]

happy. for invoicing, look at quickfile. takes 2 mins to do one then email to customer, and looks professional, too.

 

[NickD]

I like Express Invoice from NCH. Free for personal or < 5 user organisations.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Sod that. Raise a MCOL (artist formerly known as Small Claims Court) claim. Just be careful to follow the pre-action protocol, which is basically to make sure you write a Letter Before Action following the guidance in Appendix A of the Practice Direction for pre-action protocol (the MCOL website points you in the right direction). Straightforwardly state breach of contract as the relevant law. Make sure you show all the relevant elements of contract are present (your offer of X goods and services to be supplied in exchange for £Y, their unconditional acceptance of that offer, intention to form legally binding relations, and consideration [consideration here means you're going to supply goods and services which they're going to supply payment for - basically that the contract includes things of value are passing both ways]). State that you will be adding your court costs in with the amount claimed. Say that you are open to a means of resolving the dispute other than court however you will not budge on the amount owed (as long as what you are owed is indisputable). Many will pay when they realise from the Letter Before Action they're about to be taken to court. I know this all may sound a bit intimidating but once you've done it once you then have a template for every time you have to do it again ever.

Here in Geordieland we do these things the Geordie way.

 

[Geordie Spark]

happy. for invoicing, look at quickfile. takes 2 mins to do one then email to customer, and looks professional, too.

What's wrong with the back of a beermat??

 

[tazz]

Always have written terms and conditions completed with your quotations, even if this is printed on the back, this section of your terms ensures your customer must agree to these said terms when employing or hiring you. With invoicing and quotations, no matter what method or software you use, always make sure everything in converted to pdf and attached, if sending by email. This ensures that not tampering or alterations can be made on you quote, terms or final invoice. Debt collection agencies are a scam....any debt straight on Money Claim government site, and commence a writ...but be ware, if playing with the big boys, they will have the best barristers, because their used to conning the small contractors.

 

[NickD]

Always have written terms and conditions completed with your quotations, even if this is printed on the back

If they're on the back, make sure that it says on the front that they're on the back!

 

[tazz]

If they're on the back, make sure that it says on the front that they're on the back!

expect such a comment from Electrical Trainee, with no experience ......big world were in my friend and the likes of you, are the ones they will hit.....with you loosing money...so be prepared, get your terms and conditions right..you may need them one day in court...smart guys like you are big contractors money buckets....!!!...suggest you learn from the guys who have lost thousands in the past to save the likes of you not loosing in the future...!