Traders - can you help?

baldelectrician

lawrie28 wrote: »

Have you visited them? I have always found that dealing with a dispute face to face works out best for everyone. just say you would like to meet for a chat. It is much harder for someone to get agressive face to face, and you can sit down, with notes if you need to, to put across your point of view.

The fact that the client called you 'names under the sun' would make me inclined to put all in writing from then on.

99% of customers are great. I get about 1 per year that is less than super.
I would get less, but I put it down to experience- weeding out the problem / rogue customers (most of whom seem to be better off than me). The old granny with very little money pays promptly, and always offers a cuppa.

If you do have a meeting I would list your original quote and the time estimated against it.

It's a no brainer- double the time = more money.

I would be inclined to offer 10% discount on labour as a goodwill gesture if paid tomorrow. If they went to court then it would likely go in your favour, incurring them more costs.

Dont hassle, but be firm and fair. I would suggest taking a witness if you decide to go round

Alan_M_2

Firstly have they paid you anything?

If they accept they are happy with the work, they should have paid you the original agreed estimate and then taken up the dispute for the balance.

They are compromising their case severely if they have paid nothing.

I'd be inclined to put in writing the situation, stick to facts and facts only. Give them a reasonable time to pay and make it clear that you will issue Small claims if th it's not paid. Send this recorded delivery. Then follow through with the on line claim.