What would you do?

[JB_]

Hi,

Had a call this evening from a distressed elderly woman who has had some work done that she is not happy with.

Not sure exactly what the actual issues are as she was crying on and off whilst trying to explain but the gist is -

She has started court proceedings against the guy who did the work (a local spark to myself obviously).

He is sticking to his guns apparently and has sent a letter to desist (stop court proceedings i assume?).

She's bound to ask for a professional opinion of the work which she will probably want to use in her case.

I'm going to look at the supposed issues tomorrow.

Would you:

A - Give advice,
B - Just do the remedial work required (if any) and try not to get involved
or
C - Run for the hills?

 

[Leesparkykent]

If it's that ropey she should phone the scam provider he his registered with, Might not do a lot but they may send him a letter that could give him the kick up the arse he may need.
but saying that until you know the ins and outs of both sides which probably isn't going to happen I would stay out of it. if the customer wants to pay you to complete work then crack on, but if she wants you to write reports against this other sparks You could do an unbiased EICR.

 

[Des 56]

A - Give advice, No, utter no opinion, have good insurance cover if you do

B - Just do the remedial work required (if any) and try not to get involved No, the scam (if any)procedure in a dispute may involve the guy putting right any naughties

or

C - Run for the hills? No,the hills can be dangerous places this time of year,probably best stick with elderly lady electrical problems

 

[Octopus]

Trading standards?

Whats the other side of the story?

Was there an estimate/quote provided?


So many questions

 

[7029 dave]

As above.

 

[R G]

Sometimes best not to get too involved , issues could be a bit of both the customer and the guy , all you would do is get tangled up with the problems , customer might start saying you said this or that , and cause problems for you , just direct the lady to the scheme if she has no joy with the guy...

 

[JB_]

There's just something about people that rip off old ladies that gets the blood boiling.

But it seems you're all pretty much of the same opinion, not to get involved and just point her in the direction of his scheme provider.

She may turn out to be not as sweet, two sides and all that.

Thanks for your thoughts

 

[Leesparkykent]

There's just something about people that rip off old ladies that gets the blood boiling.

But it seems you're all pretty much of the same opinion, not to get involved and just point her in the direction of his scheme provider.

She may turn out to be not as sweet, two sides and all that.

Thanks for your thoughts

She might not of supplied any brews or biscuits. That's a good enough reason for leaving the customer in the lurch IMO lol.

 

[Pete999]

It's all been said, find what scam the other sparky pays for the privilege of using their logo, and get the little old lady to write them a letter of complaint, if there is a dispute then doing any work might drag you in, thats what I would do anyway, good luck.

 

[JB_]

"It's all been said, find what scam the other sparky pays for the privilege of using their logo, and get the little old lady to write them a letter of complaint, if there is a dispute then doing any work might drag you in, thats what I would do anyway, good luck."

The hills are starting to look like a good option!

If only I could charge an "Agony Aunt" fee

 

[JB_]

I'm still going to have a look though,

Soft, I know

 

[Leesparkykent]

I'm still going to have a look though,

Soft, I know

always good to know what the oppositions work Is like ;-)

 

[Octopus]

I'm still going to have a look though,

Soft, I know

Good man. Take some pickies, including of the cert(s) and don't commit to anything!

 

[Adam W]

There's just something about people that rip off old ladies that gets the blood boiling.

Dom Littlewood and Matt Alright seem to have made careers out of it.
Get something wrong and you can be expected to go back and remedy it. Get something wrong working for a little old lady or someone with sick kids and you get branded a monster and chased down the road by a camera crew.