Pesky client

[sijen]

Hi, I’m new to the site, I’ll look for advice on how to proceed with a client.

i turned up to site this morning to do a job that had been booked in to find another tree surgeon doing the work.

the Clint wasn’t home and had failed to notify me that they had got someone else in.

i had a team of 3 ready to go and had hired a stump grinder, I emailed the client to inform them that due to them not notifying me that I would be invoicing them for time wasted and the hire of the grinder which they are refusing to pay. 

Any advice on how to proceed would be appreciated.

 

[Steve Bullman]

Do you have anything in writing of them accepting the quote? Even via email

[sijen]

I have an email confirming a start date and emailed a quote.

[Steve Bullman]

Well i''m no expert but I believe that should be enough to go through a small claims court, others will be along who know better i'm sure.

 

And go for the price of the whole job, not just time wasted

[sijen]

And yes also an email accepting the quote.

[sijen]

Thanks Steve, I was thinking I maybe being to soft on them.

[benedmonds]

This has happened to me on several occasions over the years, loads of times when quoting. Just move on. Life is to short.

Edited September 16, 2019 by benedmonds

[Guest]

If you have emails confirming they accepted the quote and a start date I would push them to at least cover your costs. Life is too short for this sort of crap and if you were able to drop on something else then maybe let it go. But I think it's worth calling on them and try and to get the cost of hired in equipment etc. back, at least. This is the sort of thing that leaves you fuming and at least a rant at the customer might make you feel better.

[Con]

Apart from everything everyone else has said, I'm looking for some positives, at least you didn't have to work for them. Probably not the best people to work for. Did you speak to the tree surgeons who did the job? Take it they gave a cheaper quote?

[sijen]

Apart from everything everyone else has said, I'm looking for some positives, at least you didn't have to work for them. Probably not the best people to work for. Did you speak to the tree surgeons who did the job? Take it they gave a cheaper quote?

Hi con, I did speak to the guy, only briefly as he was awkward about it, I just think it was irresponsible for the client not to let me know.