The law on customers

[TREE-SURGEON-ESSEX]

Hmmn,

I've encountered this problem before now and have been well done over so ALL my quotes now go like this.

The client crosses out the ones they don't want, signs the quote and send it back scanned or by post.

 

To 'dismantle' oak, cross cut 'larger' wood to no larger than 50cm and chip smaller branches, all arisings left on site.

 

Option 1. Stump grinding to at least 20cm below soil level.

(Does not include root system)

 

Option 1a. Re-instating area to lawn.

 

Option 2. Log splitting

 

Option 2a. Stacking wood in area discussed.

 

Option 3. Removal of wood chips and waste only.

 

Option 4. Removal of all wood, wood chip and waste.

 

The options work well because often we give the client the chance to undertake some tasks to save money like sweeping up after we've gone or giving the chip/wood to friends.

No ambiguities, it's all clear for BOTH parties.

 

Regards

Ty

 

not a bad idea, an regarding changes to terms technically i have not i have only stated in writting what they already are. Now they cant be argued its in black and white.

[Justme]

Noted buddy

 

adding this to my invoices (please see our terms and conditions viewable at Business Terms - Tree Surgeon in Essex | T.H Tree Services | Tree Care. If you do not have access to our website please ask for a written copy of our terms and conditions.)

 

 

I am no expert but I dont think adding anything to the invoice will help.

 

Contract terms need to be agreed before invoicing time.

 

The terms & conditions need to be on the quote.

[Hiluxr]

Don't rush in with court action, i did once and the customer turned it around and won. I have been on both sides of this sort of dispute, had a plumber do a bodge up of our bathroom.

These things can be sorted out without the court and you have to show that you have done all you can to avoid going to court.

Problem is no written quote and no written acceptance. Keep your cool, Try and reason with them that the price didn't include stump removal.

[aspenarb]

I am no expert but I dont think adding anything to the invoice will help.

 

Contract terms need to be agreed before invoicing time.

 

The terms & conditions need to be on the quote.

 

 

This is right, nothing on your website represents a contract nor does your estimate. Only written and signed confirmation of acceptance of your estimate would represent a contract so unless you have this on file you are not in a contract.

 

Bob

[Graham]

This is exactly what i said felix as i do every single time. But it was verbal as it was a fallen tree and we did it asap for the person.

 

The thing is if they don't pay then do i bring back 2 ton of their tree which they have not paid for the removal of ?. The stump is tiny and i did not charge for it, i have offered to do it at cost as a gesture of good will as im being the bigger man .

 

The words from the customer was im a little hard up so do only what needs to be done, so i never offered stump removal as that saves on the price for them.

 

Luckily i have before and after pics of the job so even in court my price can be seen as a reasonable price for the work, but it bugs me when you go out of your way for someone do a great job and they try an con you.

 

Felix your a man in the know heres my terms on my website Business Terms - Tree Surgeon in Essex | T.H Tree Services | Tree Care does that cover me or do i need to amend asap?

 

As a 'fallen' tree had the rootplate lifted? If it had then they may have expected that to be removed too.

[likeitorlumpit]

We haven't had any terms and conditions for 30 years so I'm not sure how necessary they are.

[TREE-SURGEON-ESSEX]

I'm covered under english law any way the terms are there so people know what to expect, and they are on our quote forms. If apple has terms and conditions im very sure they mean it and dont do it for fun.

 

If a customer signs my quote agreeing to the work they also agree to the terms of the contract ?.

 

In this case its verbal which is still a contract, unless the person saught to obtain services via fraudulent means ?. You miss the point i would have offered to do the stump it was not even suggested, just a rant followed by hanging up and i was polite the entire time which was bloody hard.

 

Still ill follow the process as its good to learn for the next one. We have 99% great customers but now and then you do get some try to either try and add on loads of extra work and expect it foc or try not to pay the agreed amount.

 

If you say to the customer ill juts leave the last tree in the quote but id still want the full price paid......can you imagine the face on the customer lol.

[Daniel Jiggins]

I'm a bit confused as to why they are still refusing to pay if the tree is cleared and the stump ground at no charge.

[TREE-SURGEON-ESSEX]

I suspect im the victim of this persons shitty day perhaps, ill find out today if they pay the invoice. you could easily assume they just did not want to pay for a tree gone over in the storm so are trying it on.

[Marc Lewis]

From what you have said it sounds like the stump is relatively small. Is it not worth just grinding the stump for free, getting paid and seeing the back of the job. I understand it may be a matter of principle now but is it worth it?