Covering my back when customers don't pay/cancel work....

[Rick2517]

I'm not saying that you said anything of the sort. I'm really trying to answer the queries to the original poster, and I'm agreeign with you your way is good.

 

And then I'm saying small print etc is not a good idea, but only to point out that putting it in the quote is a good idea!

 

Ok, well thats good then because my small print (which can be seen by zooming in by x1000,000 on my posts) also says that any arbtalker that argues or disagrees with me in any way, shape or form will be subject to legal action

[HCR]

He's in France though? Nothing to do with us what he advocates.

 

Course not, it's collateral damage. Same as it would be for most people on here.

 

Not sure that gives the right impression...

 

Just sayin' like.

[Rupe]

Probably doesnt.

[Le Sanglier]

Not sure that gives the right impression...

Just sayin' like.

 

No, understood.

However imagine a scenario, one that happened In the uk from time to time.

A leylandii hedge removal followed by grinding of the stumps. Then the next day the fence goes up. All timed because the two neighbours don't want to see eachother. Now if I stopped halfway packed up tools and said "got to wait 6 weeks guv, turtle doves in there sitting on eggs" both the two clients and the fencing contractor would have something to say about it.

Not forgetting those doves nest practically year round.

I recently (well, in the summer) refused to fell an alder 'cos of greater spotted woodpecker chicks.

It was part of a larger job so no money lost, also with the approval of the client (English) so I am not all bad.

[likeitorlumpit]

No, understood.

However imagine a scenario, one that happened In the uk from time to time.

A leylandii hedge removal followed by grinding of the stumps. Then the next day the fence goes up. All timed because the two neighbours don't want to see eachother. Now if I stopped halfway packed up tools and said "got to wait 6 weeks guv, turtle doves in there sitting on eggs" both the two clients and the fencing contractor would have something to say about it.

Not forgetting those doves nest practically year round.

I recently (well, in the summer) refused to fell an alder 'cos of greater spotted woodpecker chicks.

It was part of a larger job so no money lost, also with the approval of the client (English) so I am not all bad.

 

Only 90%?

[Le Sanglier]

What's 90% go to do with it?

[Pete Hart]

I agree with everything you say Rupe, it all makes sense....

 

the only issue is that it can be very difficult to tell sometimes who will mess you about. I went to meet a local lady on monday who was 'delighted' with my quote and my approach to the job. She shook my hand and agreed for us to complete the work today (thurs) all at short notice because i had to phone another customer (who we were originally booked in to work for) to re-arrange, only to recieve a text late last night to say she had got someone else £200 cheaper.

 

From what i gather from posts on this thread theres nothing i can do but deal with it, but it just goes to show that what seemed to be a friendly lady on first impressions, turned out to be pretty tactless.

 

Im just on a bad run at the mo as 4 and a half years of previous business operations have been pretty plain sailing!!!

[Rupe]

It's a difficult situation for sure!!

 

£200 cheaper sounds a lot! Can't blame her fur taking the cheaper job, maybe yours was within what she expected and the other one was an evening unexpected surprise???

 

Don't know the situation but I don't think you should discuss the price on site? Even if they ask you should shy away from giving a price, but if you do and they accept it there and then (even with a hand shake) they still might have other tree guys due to visit and quote and so its bound to happen that some change their minds and cancel on you.

 

Your not doing anything wrong but that's how it is these days. A written quote either posted or emailed will give them time to get ALL other quotes in and then they can decide.

 

Even with complex things like bank loans, mobile phone contracts etc. the customer ways has a cooling off period during which they can change their minds, and I suppose you need to allow for little old ladies to do the same.

[Rupe]

"Even more unexpected" not evening!!!!

 

Damn phone

[hedgesparrow]

re small claims send a formal letter that they have 7 days to pay full sum or you will take court action. to do small claim you can do online. cost £100 to submit. then £40 for it to be read by judge. when putting in a small claim make sure you put everthing down you want to claim for including interest. and small claim is up to £5000. over this is fast track. then you need a solisiter to act for you

this will be sent to the defendent who has 21 day to put a counter claim in or pay what is on the claim. if they do not do anything then the court will award judgment againts them and will be given 7 days to pay full amount. thats the easy bit if they counterclaim then you have to pay for it to be heard before a judge depending on sum. if they do not counterclaim or pay the court you then have to pay the courts to issue a baliff warrent to obtain the money.

do your homework if you can find out are they ok for money. do they own there own company. do a search on companie house to see if they are trading ok or in the do da. if private do they have a good job if yes then you can get the court to issue a garnie to who they work for for it to come out of there wages each month to pay bill. when its a fair sum and holding out paying it makes your cash flow harder. i quote for all my jobs i do. in writing so they know what they have to pay. and say terms 7 days from date of invoice. you can charge interest believe its 5% per month on money owing. good luck on getting you money. as for canceling job 24hrs before starting is a bit below the belt. but what can you do make a fuss and still not get job