Some serious advice needed please chaps.

[Andy Collins]

As a former landowner with a plentiful source, and then buying in cheap wood from the MoD, he has no idea of real costs. I think this is his gripe. It is a problem, how much constitutes a "load"? What is good value? He simply has nothing to go by except for his experience of cutting up his own wood, or the cheap wood he has bought in from the MoD. He probably feels ripped off.

The correct procedure for him is to attempt to rectify the issue with you first, not go to the local rag.

However he now has gone down that route, without naming names he has libelled you by association, and you deserve the right to reply, and a full apology. The problem I see with this is that it will drag out the saga, keep it fresh in people's minds, and breed contempt. That could do more harm than good to your business. But maybe an article in part answering his claims, but justifying your product, explaining the costs involved in your production of the firewood from woodland to his woodshed may help others to see that you haven't plucked a figure from the air, and certainly haven't ripped anyone off. Perhaps a price comparison per log with the netted logs in Homebase et al. Make it an article worth reading, maybe humorous to a point, to use the publicity machine to your advantage.

Good luck with whatever you choose, you've worked hard to get where you are now, don't let this berk knock you back. I don't really know the answer, but I think I would write that article.

[robbo 110]

im amazed they published that, 3rd row, 3rd paragraph, he even admits he doesnt really know!!!!! i wouldnt mess about with contacting them directly, straight to the solicitors with that mate!

[Rich2484]

Wow, sod him, Had to read it twice. Guess he will not be getting anymore.

 

Not sur eabout legal action now as he didn't mention who you were, but he has said that if anyone wants to know they can ask.....

 

It's nice to see that you actually specified a length for him as we don't and they take them as they come.

 

See what the editor says about it and go from there, if he doesn't want the timber he doesn't have to have it I'm sure others will, repeat custom is how the log game works so if everyone else is happy they will come back.

[RobRainford]

i dont see why having logs smaller than 14" is an issue, and you never said you sell loads by the ton so why he is emphasizing that point is uncalled for, get onto the editor, having him bash you like this would be libel as its written where slander is spoken.

 

it seems hes more interesting in how much he got for his money, which is fair seeing as everyone is wanting value for money, but to do it this way and actually work out how much per log is a bit daft. less customers like him please!

[felixthelogchopper]

The weak point of your case is that you are not mentioned by name. For a successful case, you need to show that he was clearly referring to you and other people would know he was referring to you. Be a shame if he named you to somebody who took him up on his offer, wouldn't it?

[alex_m]

He sounds like the kind of idiot who has already gone round telling everyone he knows in the local area who he got the wood off.

 

I'd just go and knock him out

[log supplier]

i think hes just peed off at the cost really? hes even mentioned that the firewood wouldnt be used untill next year any way. tell him to source and cut his own wood (if there is a next time). best of luck:thumbup1:

[Mycoman]

Just an idea, but would you be up for offering him a full refund and going round to collect the logs? A hassle, sure, but then he either writes about your honourable act and you get good PR or he doesn't - and then you lawyer up.

[Nellybelly]

  alex_m said:

He sounds like the kind of idiot who has already gone round telling everyone he knows in the local area who he got the wood off.

 

I'd just go and knock him out

 

 

Got to admit although its wrong i'd probably do the same, or at least warn him that a thrashin could be on the cards

[Goaty]

To think gas was burnt off as a waste product once. Now a rising fuel/energy in cost.

Somehow the concept of a yard full of timber " You've got loads of it , I only want a bit of it"remains, and the you get free wood mentality. We burn the rubbish that no one burns ourselves.

Yet this chap practically counters his own argument. Time and fuel now equals ££££££££s. Machinery/equipment running costs. etc. I'd go with Andy collins Idea. Take a few days to settle gather thoughts. I assume alot of people won't assume its you.

You right an informative article on firewood processing. Or get someone to do it. (An arbtalk comp!) Acknowledge there are rogue merchants. It will counteract the negative publicity. With your name on the end. But the fact he wants to gossip/slander where he got it from aint good.

 

But solicitors are the only real winners in such cases. But if someone went to see the pile and ask who supplied. I doubt it would be counted as evidence.

Hope this gets corrected publicly.