Warning to anyone working in North East England - South Tyneside (East Boldon) area

[Climbercliff]

Over the weekend I have had to walk away from a job as the customer is making life very difficult and stressful.  

 

I want to be open about how this has occurred and warn any companies who may be asked to quote to finish off what I've started. 

 

The whole process has taught me massively about larger scale jobs and ensuring I've listed everything (dotting the I's and Crossing the T's), and dealing with awkward customers (never been treated like this ever and have been in the service industry for 30+ years).   

 

Although I sent a written/email quotation for the work, no formal contract (details) were agreed upon by the  client and myself.  Following a five day period of work I noted that the alarm bells started happening and noted the 'nit picking' of everything that had been done to date.  In total I think I felled/dismantled 9 trees, crown reduced 4 large sycamores, removed two large limbs (the size of small trees), removed a very dangerous widowmaker which then needed reducing back to main stem…piled brash and logs (he complained that they were messy)…I asked him to pay a part payment (cash flow and small businesses) to help cover the external contractors I brought in...but he refused saying I hadn't finished the job and I wouldn't receive a penny until all the work was completed. 

 

Now I've walked away I've asked him to give me £2200 to cover both the costs of the two guys I’ve had in for two days and a very meagre sum towards the five days I’ve done there personally! I've not received a penny and now he’s actually threatening to charge me if the cost to finish the work exceeds my quote!  Ironically I had everything set for yesterday to finish the job with four workers, a quadbike and trailer and an 8'' tracked chipper but he wouldn't agree to the details I'd set out and therefore, decided I didn't want to deal with him any more.

 

The guy has obviously been through this situation before judging by the terminology he uses in his emails... But I will see this one to the bitter end...as he has used bullying tactics to try and get the job done for nothing and that doesn't sit right with me. 

 

I really want to name the guy but I'm pretty sure that will be slanderous and I want to prevent arming him with any more ammunition.  He's definitely the sort that would take it to the next stage...

 

PLEASE PLEASE Be careful folks!

 

Cheers

 

Cliff 

[doobin]

Why didn’t you just finish the job to quoted spec and then ask for payment? 
 

£2200 really isn’t a large job mate. what was the quoted price, 5k?

 

It’s not normal to ask for part payment halfway through a 5k job. 

[maybelateron]

29 minutes ago, doobin said:

Why didn’t you just finish the job to quoted spec and then ask for payment? 
 

£2200 really isn’t a large job mate. what was the quoted price, 5k?

 

It’s not normal to ask for part payment halfway through a 5k job. 

Whilst I understand your point I do feel for Cliff here. I find it very difficult tolerating awkward customers when we always do out utmost for them. I almost invariably manage to see it through to completion, but a lot of tongue biting is occasionally needed.

[Joe Newton]

Unless payment in advance or at any point prior to completion was specified (and agreed to in writing) in advance, you've no grounds to claim anything from your client.

 

If you've burnt that bridge the loss is yours. If you can go back and finish the job that's the only way you're owed anything. 

[Bombadil]

Sounds like a horrible atmosphere to be working in. There is a lot to be said for gut feelings about the client you’re working for. I should think many people have walked away from similar situations, hopefully before doing five days on the job.

Asking for part payment before the job is complete relies on this bloke’s good will, though, and it seems there isn’t any of that to be had. Get the job done to the spec you laid out in your written estimate and maybe then you’ll have more joy.

Try to keep your cool when negotiating and stick to the estimate, that’s your contract. Good luck with it, Cliff.

Edited April 30 by Bombadil

[oldwoodcutter]

The only way Cliff is to swallow your pride and go back and finish the job to the spec you quoted and Mr Twat accepted.

I used to be able to smell customers like yours a mile away at the quotation stage, but still managed to get tangled up with the occasional one, which my white hair, and lack of it, will verify

[Stubby]

30 minutes ago, Bombadil said:

Sounds like a horrible atmosphere to be working in. There is a lot to be said for gut feelings about the client you’re working for. I should think many people have walked away from similar situations, hopefully before doing five days on the job.

Asking for part payment before the job is complete relies on this bloke’s good will, though, and it seems there isn’t any of that to be had. Get the job done to the spec you laid out in your written estimate and maybe then you’ll have more joy.

Try to keep your cool when negotiating and stick to the estimate, that’s your contract. Good luck with it, Cliff.

I think it was a quote not an estimate . Non the less should finish the job .

[Bombadil]

15 minutes ago, Stubby said:

I think it was a quote not an estimate . Non the less should finish the job .

You’re right Stubby, OP says quote.

[topchippyles]

37 minutes ago, Bombadil said:

You’re right Stubby, OP says quote.

It's never nice to be in this situation but you should finish the job. Try building houses for people they change their mind every other day nightmare to deal with. Everything gets written down and counter signed by both parties. I 

[scbk]

You could go back and finish the job and he still might not pay you.

I know people will say you can take him to small claims court.

 

Either way it's all hassle