Neil Grainger

  • Posts: 1273
Customer accused me of property damage
« on: August 12, 2010, 09:01:04 am »
Hi All

Got home last night from work to message from Customer of cleaned for accusing me of damaging their floor tiles in the r entrance to the house. Apparently something has smashed them and bits have broken off. Their is no sign of any broken bits around the area.

I can assure everyone that I did not do this. Customer has since stopped cheque that i have already paid in yesterday afternoon.

Advice sort as I have never been in this situation before.

Regards

Neil

Phillip Mold

  • Posts: 594
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2010, 11:24:27 am »
Are you an NCCA member? they have legal assistance.

Doing the best job in the world as well as I can

Joe H

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2010, 12:15:43 pm »
had you used the r entrance?

was the custy there whilst you were?

Neil Grainger

  • Posts: 1273
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2010, 01:41:53 pm »
Custy was their whilst i cleaned, i had machine on driveway about 5 ft away from door and just had hose coming through front door. No damage was done at all to floor whilst i was at the property.

Not a member of NCCA but can ge legal advice if needs be.

Colin Day

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2010, 02:22:02 pm »
My heart sank when I read your post Neil.

It's an awful situation where you start doubting yourself... I would ask if you can inspect the damage and at least asertain as to whether or not the damage is recent or not and whether there was any clear evidence to clear yourself... Some of them try it on so much.

Did they ask if you were insured when asking for a quote or anything? I tend to worry when they make a point of asking what's covered by my insurance :o Only happened on a couple of occasions I'm happy to say!

Joe H

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2010, 02:32:48 pm »
Neil
Your first post talks about a r entrance - I suppose you mean rear.
This last post talks about you going through the front door with hoses.

Did you use the r entrance at all?

As Colin says, get back and look at the damage - does it look new damage or old?

Get a photo quick too.

Innocent till PROVED guilty.
If you not been thro that entrance or near it, how are you supposed to have done it.?

Neil Grainger

  • Posts: 1273
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2010, 03:28:19 pm »
Joe

r was a mis type, its not rear entrance.

james roffey

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #7 on: August 12, 2010, 03:35:39 pm »
Sorry to here whats happened, from a legal point of view stopping a cheque is only a criminal offence if she had no intention of paying, or had insufficient funds to honour the cheque.
so a tricky one to prove, but it would impossible for her to prove you did it, because you didn't.
it's just whether you want to pursue it, i would start by talking to her which i assume you have done already, them put it in writing denying any responsibilty, and giving her 14 days to meet payment, or be responsible for recovery costs on top of the amount due.
At this point you need to decide if you want to pursue further, if she has not already paid.
of course keep all corrospondence and remember what you say in writing may at a later date be scrutinised in court, so be seen to be fare and reasonable, judges dont like bloody mindedness, i dont suppose it will get that far though but worth remembering.

Good luck

shame you did not have your camera with you, a photo at the time would be handy could have used your mobile

stuart_clark

  • Posts: 1879
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #8 on: August 12, 2010, 03:59:20 pm »
stopping a cheque ia an unlawfull act, but not a criminal offence, take them to court, they wouldnt have a leg to stand on, its for them to prove that you have damaged there floor and to take action against you if they think its your liability

clinton

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2010, 04:01:54 pm »
Niel by looking at the damage you could have a look to see if it is fresh damage,maybe have a look at the area and see if all the pieces go together that were damaged..hope you get i sored mate as its not nice to be in this position..


james roffey

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #10 on: August 12, 2010, 04:08:53 pm »
To be more precise, it is not a criminal offence to stop a cheque, BUT you can have no defence for doing so ???

I know its sounds odd but as they say "the law is an ass" you are in a favourable legal position, but i am sure you would rather just have the cleared funds

Paul W Jones

  • Posts: 158
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #11 on: August 12, 2010, 04:38:20 pm »
Sound advice already.  Go back have a look at the damage and try to ascertain whether it is recent or not and speak to your customer.  Has anyone else done anything at the property recently?  Did they have the carpets cleaned after any building work?  Have they taken delivery of or removed any large items from the property?  You may well get a reaction when you start asking questions.  If you aren't responsible tell them that you will wait a short time before pursuing them trough the small claims court for your money.  They need to prove that this is down to you.

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #12 on: August 12, 2010, 04:58:31 pm »
how much was the cheque for?

if its your word against theres, you will lose,

if they see stopping the cheque as settlement of the matter then drop it, but if they want further recompense fight your corner
Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

davids3511

  • Posts: 2506
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #13 on: August 12, 2010, 05:07:42 pm »
how much was the cheque for?

if its your word against theres, you will lose,

if they see stopping the cheque as settlement of the matter then drop it, but if they want further recompense fight your corner
Wh6y would he, there is no defence to stoping a cheque. They would have to deal with the floor as a seperate legal matter.

Doug Holloway

  • Posts: 3917
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #14 on: August 12, 2010, 05:10:37 pm »
Hi Guys

Two seperate issues

Stopping the cheque is unlawful and you will win the case.

As for the damage if you didn't do it then you have nothing to worry about, the onus is on them to prove you did.

Cheers

Doug

Neil Grainger

  • Posts: 1273
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #15 on: August 12, 2010, 05:13:42 pm »
Mike

Surley if thats the case then everyone could do that, Pay for it, blame someone for it then cancel cheque.

Why would they anyone take his word over mine, No evidence that i did anything wrong.

I did not take picture as i did not realise there was a problem. It is certainley going to make me get cheques guarenteed in the future.

Kind Regards

Neil

Dave_Lee

  • Posts: 1728
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #16 on: August 12, 2010, 05:32:35 pm »
Neil,
Why should you lose the job ticket when you have not done anything wrong. I bet these people try it on with all tradesmen.
I would send them a letter without mentioning the floor tiles or claimed damage, informing them that if they do not arrange for full payment to be made within 7 days, you will start County Court proceeding against them for the returned cheque (which you will no doubt receive from your bank).
As said already there is no defense in law for a bounced cheque for any reason, as a cheque is a 'promise to pay'. If there was a dispute, they should have allowed the cheque to clear and then pursued you for their money back.
Dave.
Dave Lee, Owner of Deepclean Services
Chorley Lancs. Est 1980.
"Pay Cheap -You get Cheap - Pay a little more and get something Better."

Joe H

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #17 on: August 12, 2010, 05:42:55 pm »
how much was the cheque for?

if its your word against theres, you will lose,

if they see stopping the cheque as settlement of the matter then drop it, but if they want further recompense fight your corner
Wh6y would he, there is no defence to stoping a cheque. They would have to deal with the floor as a seperate legal matter.

Your correct David.
About 12 years ago I did a general house clean. Sent an invoice - client refused to pay. Said I had damaged her laminate floor (large gouge). She wanted my insurance details to make a claim.
I spoke to my ins broker, he said she is obliged to pay for the clean and make a claim off the insurance for the damage.
I followed thro on that advice. Told the ins company what had happened, completed forms etc.
I took her thro the smalls claims court and easily won.
Insurance company didnt pay up either.

Now two separate issues.
She is wrong to stop the cheque - you did the job and need paying. You can act if she doent pay.
Stick to your guns that you not responsible for the damage. She has to act if she feels its right.

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #18 on: August 12, 2010, 06:53:23 pm »
Ok go for it,

its easy for everyone to tell you to take action to recoup your loss, its no skin of thier nose how much efffort it will take or if in the end you will win.

let me give you some more advice then get the most expensive barrister you can and fight it to the ends of the earth.

but really.......just take a step back and give it some thought, will it be worth it?

no one likes to lose money but the anguish this might cause should also be taken it account.
Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

clive ware

  • Posts: 540
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #19 on: August 12, 2010, 07:03:19 pm »
I would copy all the replies here and send it off to her along with a letter if it was me.

Joe H

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #20 on: August 12, 2010, 07:15:02 pm »
Mike
I dont think anyones mentioned barristers - it really would be silly to go even some way down that path.

but "small" claims can be done over the internet and cost about £35.
You may win but might not still get the money, but they will have a county court judgement against them which means it will be difficult for them to get credit. Thats some satisfaction.

The case I was involved in finished up them paying me at court cause the judge mentioned purjery to them. Frightened the life out of them.

Another poster on here, cant remember who, recommends using Thomas Higgins solicitors to send a letter. Only cost couple of quid.
www.thomashiggins.com

PaulKing

  • Posts: 1626
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #21 on: August 12, 2010, 07:15:23 pm »
I agree with Mike, if it not a fortune and thats the end of it, take it on the chin, chalk it up as another lesson learned.

If it was me and you took me to Small claims,I would do exactly the same to you( counter sue) for the damage caused, So make sure you have the answer and proof  to the question " please prove you didn't damage my tiles"
I don't doubt your innocent but that doesn't mean you will win
www.revitaclean.com  established 1968 in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Paul Heath

  • Posts: 600
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #22 on: August 12, 2010, 08:02:31 pm »
Can you not go back and talk to these people and ask to take a photo...you often find dealing with people face to face is far better....but remember to stay calm all the time.

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #23 on: August 12, 2010, 08:07:20 pm »
lets say these people are trying to pull a fast one and know you never caused this damage.

they have shown themselves to be dishonest people, do you think when you take them to court they will suddenly have a change of values or do you think they will put their case across in the same dishonest manner they have already shown?

both of them ( husband & wife)  will swear that you caused the damage, the wife might suddenly remember actually seeing you drop a big metal tool you used to clean the carpet :o :o

they might also tell the court how you agreed for them to stop the cheque as an apology for damaging the floor :o :o

and if you think I am just making this up....... this is what I would do if anyone took me to court ;) ;)
Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

james roffey

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #24 on: August 12, 2010, 08:08:16 pm »
You do not have to prove you did not damage her tiles,how do you prove a negative ??? sorry but thats just silly.

 the onus is on her to prove your did damage them. yes you can say anything whenyou get to court, but its whether a judge believes you.

Mike i have been in court countless times and have seen this tactic used many times too,i am not saying judges get it right all the time of course not but they can often tell when someone  is pulling a "fast one"

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #25 on: August 12, 2010, 08:11:31 pm »
get professional legal advice,..... too many armchair lawyers giving answers on here ( me included :D :D )
Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

james roffey

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #26 on: August 12, 2010, 08:18:42 pm »
get professional legal advice,..... too many armchair lawyers giving answers on here ( me included :D :D )

Mike i did so just to clarify anything i said on here was the correct advice i worked around solicitors, barristers for over twenty years i spoke to a solicitor friend before i replied in my first post.

 they can have no defence for stopping that cheque.


james roffey

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #27 on: August 12, 2010, 09:16:14 pm »
Neil if you want some free professional legal advice call David Webb and co solicitors
01702 392939, if you mention its about the stopped cheque Jim spoke to him yesterday about he will know, he's a really nice guy who knows his stuff.

Hope this helps

wynne jones

  • Posts: 2918
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #28 on: August 12, 2010, 09:44:32 pm »
It could be they genuinely think you did it.  :-\

Maybe you did do it and didn't realise (I know unlikely). I would go have a look and try and get an amicable solution. If they are obviously trying it on, I still would consider settling (cheaply). Why? Because you will almost certainly lose more time, money and energy doing otherwise.

The reason most won't is our internal sense of justice, this is where it gets really expensive, yet  if you can let it go you have won already.

It's not expensive, you just can't afford it.

Paul Simpson

  • Posts: 999
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #29 on: August 12, 2010, 10:41:31 pm »
Had my first damage to a customers property just this week. Knocked a ceramic plant pot and matching stand breaking it. 
Customer wasn't around and was forwarding a cheque on so I left a note apologizing and deducting £25 from the invoice to pay for a replacement.
Got a text yesterday "Very pleased with the carpets, not worried about the pot & stand as it was probably past its sell by date anyway, our fault for not moving it and will forward a cheque for the full original amount"
Was half expecting them to tell me it was an heirloom with great sentimental value, very refreshing when you get honesty like that.

Sorry I know it doesn't help with your case Neil.


Paul Simpson

  • Posts: 999
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #30 on: August 12, 2010, 10:48:23 pm »
Don't mean to change the subject matter but something Neil mentioned earlier in the thread

It is certainley going to make me get cheques guarenteed in the future.

Putting card numbers on the back of a cheque, does it only gaurantee it for a certain amount.....if at all.
Only ask as I had one a few weeks ago in excess of £200 which went "boing" despite me taking & writing the card number on the back when she offered it. Now sorted and had a new cheque with apologies from the customer.
But have since had others offer their card details with cheque payment and thought to myself its pointless anyway. Am I right ???

wynne jones

  • Posts: 2918
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #31 on: August 12, 2010, 10:56:17 pm »
I heard somewhere it's not valid if you wriie it out , or they write it out, well one of them anyway. :(
It's not expensive, you just can't afford it.

jasonl

  • Posts: 3183
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #32 on: August 12, 2010, 11:07:59 pm »
You are still due payment , simply write to them request payment , tell them the SEPARATE issue of the alleged floor damage will be dealt with by your insurers . Of course do not admit liability.
I clean carpets
I dry Buildings

Mark_Jubb

  • Posts: 232
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #33 on: August 12, 2010, 11:09:38 pm »
Don't mean to change the subject matter but something Neil mentioned earlier in the thread

It is certainley going to make me get cheques guarenteed in the future.

Putting card numbers on the back of a cheque, does it only gaurantee it for a certain amount.....if at all.
Only ask as I had one a few weeks ago in excess of £200 which went "boing" despite me taking & writing the card number on the back when she offered it. Now sorted and had a new cheque with apologies from the customer.
But have since had others offer their card details with cheque payment and thought to myself its pointless anyway. Am I right ???

It only guarantees the cheque to the amount shown in the hologram on the reverse of the card. Usually £100, but can be more.
I've also heard that you should write the number on yourself (don't ask me how the bank really know who does it), just what I'd heard though.
If there isn't enough time to do the job right,  how do we find the time to go back and do it again when the customer is not happy ?   Do it right the 1st Time.
NCCA Member 1399.  Swindon, Wiltshire

Ian Gourlay

  • Posts: 5748
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #34 on: August 13, 2010, 12:04:40 am »
Sometimes its better to wealk away and have no stress,

Cases like this can consume your time an energy.


No we do not like being taken advantage off.

Is there someone you can hand the legal side over to so you become remote from the action.

Could be a family friend or even another Carpet Cleaner? 

Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)

  • Posts: 2024
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #35 on: August 13, 2010, 06:38:35 am »
Don't mean to change the subject matter but something Neil mentioned earlier in the thread

It is certainley going to make me get cheques guarenteed in the future.

Putting card numbers on the back of a cheque, does it only gaurantee it for a certain amount.....if at all.
Only ask as I had one a few weeks ago in excess of £200 which went "boing" despite me taking & writing the card number on the back when she offered it. Now sorted and had a new cheque with apologies from the customer.
But have since had others offer their card details with cheque payment and thought to myself its pointless anyway. Am I right ???

It only guarantees the cheque to the amount shown in the hologram on the reverse of the card. Usually £100, but can be more.
I've also heard that you should write the number on yourself (don't ask me how the bank really know who does it), just what I'd heard though.

Cheque card guarantee values are for £50, £100 or £250.

The card number must be written on the back of the cheque by the payee to make it valid not the payer.

If bill comes to more than the value of the guarantee card then, if you think it's appropriate, take more than one cheque in payment. And the really important thing if you do this is to NOT pay all the cheques in on the same day but pay them in over as many days as you have cheques. This is because the rules of the cheque crd guarnatee scheme say that a payer may only issue one cheque per day to the same payee.

So if your bill is for say £230 and the card guarantee cheques for £100 then you would take 3 cheques off the client for amounts of £100, £100 and £30 and then pay in one cheque a day over at leaast 3 days. In this way you will GUARANTEE  payment.

Mark
Banks know if the payer has written the number on the back through experience. Some payees won't take a card number eg. paying a bill like gas or TV license. Therefore if there is a number on the back it must have been put there by the payer. Other clues are that the number will have been written with the same pen and the bank will cheque to compare the handwriting of the front of the cheque with the handwriting of the number written on the back.

Think this covers all the questions raised about cheque guarantee cards. :)

Rog
Diplomacy: the art of letting other people have your way

Henry Roberts

  • Posts: 84
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #36 on: August 13, 2010, 07:27:44 am »
Am I right in thinking that by the end of 2011 cheques will be finishing and card payments only? At least that way after the initial investment of the mobile card machines, once payment is made it's direct into your account :)

Henry

Joe H

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #37 on: August 13, 2010, 07:53:23 am »
Roger
Does that mean if you get say 3 cheques, the date on each cheque must differ as well.

Phillip Mold

  • Posts: 594
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #38 on: August 13, 2010, 08:19:59 am »
Roger
Does that mean if you get say 3 cheques, the date on each cheque must differ as well.

Yes.

They can be paid in together, but must have different dates on.
Doing the best job in the world as well as I can

Neil Grainger

  • Posts: 1273
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #39 on: August 13, 2010, 08:28:18 am »
CHeers Guys for all advice, going to see Gent today abvout it.

Regards

neil

Joe H

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #40 on: August 13, 2010, 08:59:50 am »
Roger
Does that mean if you get say 3 cheques, the date on each cheque must differ as well.
Yes.
They can be paid in together, but must have different dates on.

I would have thought that Phillip, but Rogers post may be read as deposit the 3 cheques over three separate days.

Paul Simpson

  • Posts: 999
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #41 on: August 13, 2010, 10:05:11 am »
Thanks Roger, so obviously the gauranteed amount is written on the card, never chequed it before. (pun intended)  ;D

Simon Gerrard

  • Posts: 4405
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #42 on: August 13, 2010, 11:58:04 am »
Neil,

My son is a lawyer so I'll ask him to look at this topic and see what he says.

Simon

Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)

  • Posts: 2024
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #43 on: August 13, 2010, 10:22:42 pm »
Roger
Does that mean if you get say 3 cheques, the date on each cheque must differ as well.
Yes.
They can be paid in together, but must have different dates on.

I would have thought that Phillip, but Rogers post may be read as deposit the 3 cheques over three separate days.
Philip, Joe

Technically you are both correct. However, two things to consider.
Firstly, strictly cheques should be dated the same day as issued. But we all know that never happens so in that sense your posts are correct. However from a practical position, you may still find banks trying to "bounce" second and subsequently presented cheques if presented on the same day to the same payee but with different dates.
Far safer to avoid such issues (even if it means more hassle) to present them on seperate days. then there will be no potential for dispute.

Does this answer your thoughts?

Rog
Diplomacy: the art of letting other people have your way

peter maybury

  • Posts: 916
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #44 on: August 13, 2010, 11:48:15 pm »
The  people that are saying to walk away from this issue to save stress are wrong. It would eat me up to think that somebody is pulling a fast one on me    you know whether you did the alledged damage or not. If not stick to your guns there are 2 separate issues get payment for the work done. Treat the other matter a ridiculous and get on with business. Right is right.

Peter Maybury

Paul Redden Countryfresh

  • Posts: 773
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #45 on: September 04, 2010, 05:55:43 pm »
Hi Neil,  Interested to know the outcome on this thread

Paul
"So basically its a big vax!"

Matt Seymour

  • Posts: 762
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #46 on: September 05, 2010, 12:54:58 pm »
Hello all, this is my first post on this forum.

I have read this thread with interest.

Only a few weeks ago I cancelled a job because I was highly suspicious of a customer who I thought might be intending to pull a fast one.

I occasionally get customers who want to see my insurance before I start a job, but when I went to quote for this guy he must have asked me 20 times about my insurance, what kind I had, how much I was covered for etc etc. He kept going on and on and on about it to such an extent that I left there feeling pretty uneasy.

It bugged me so much that I phoned him and cancelled the job 24 hours before I was due to do it.

Mark Lawrence

  • Posts: 288
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #47 on: September 05, 2010, 04:29:14 pm »
Matt

He may have been genuine?

It may have been the case that he was caught out by a cowboy before who had no ins etc. So he may have just been making sure you were covered just in case you damaged something.

But then again he may have been well dodgy - only you would know that via your gut feeling, so maybe you did the right thing.

Mark

Matt Seymour

  • Posts: 762
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #48 on: September 05, 2010, 04:59:29 pm »
Difficult to know mate to be honest.

He was a pretty unpleasant bloke all round really and his attitude made me feel really uncomfortable. He asked me about the insurance countless times, what was written on my receipts, my V.A.T. registration number (I'm not V.A.T. registered) and God knows what else.

It was only a £70 job anyway and my gut feeling just told me to walk away. Even if he hadn't been looking to pull a fast one, I imagine the guy would have followed me around watching my every move like a hawk.

He was basically one of those customers I could do without to be honest.


from edge2edge

  • Posts: 1507
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #49 on: September 05, 2010, 05:07:27 pm »
Matt you were right to walk.Why work for unpleasant people anyway we are self employed and for £70 not a chance.Regards Alan(swindon)

Matt Seymour

  • Posts: 762
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #50 on: September 05, 2010, 05:13:38 pm »
You're right, being your own boss means you can pick and choose and I don't have time for people like that guy.

I've had people ask about my insurance before (not as often as the guy in question though), but what is written on my receipts? That's a first.


Neil Grainger

  • Posts: 1273
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #51 on: September 05, 2010, 08:09:05 pm »
Been away for 2 weeks on holiday, just picking this one back up. I am sending letter saying i had nothing to do with damage and give them 7 days to make payment for the cleaning Job.

will see what happens then.

james roffey

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #52 on: September 05, 2010, 08:19:34 pm »
Mat i think i would have run from his door, one of the things i like about being my own boss is i can walk if i dont want to do the job for whatever reason and i have done twice in 18 months of business, once because the place was so full of clutter making it all but impossible and stunk of urine and the other i just had a bad feeling about the guy and did not like him.

Matt Seymour

  • Posts: 762
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #53 on: September 05, 2010, 08:28:31 pm »
I agree, always go with your gut feeling. I would rather tackle a house covered in urine and God knows what than deal with a customer who made me feel uncomfortable and suspicious.

paul wallace

  • Posts: 68
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #54 on: September 06, 2010, 08:00:29 pm »
I was stung not so long for £140, the carzy thing is I had a gut feeling and even went the extra yard so there was nothing that could be said!  Anyway I never got paid  >:( but what do you do, spend more to try and re-cover?  I thought I wouldn't bother and put it down to experience as they are few and far between  ???

I wouldn't care I did it a bit cheaper  ::)
Just trying to do a Good-Honest job and make money!

John Kelly

  • Posts: 4461
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #55 on: September 06, 2010, 08:11:04 pm »
Paul, its called sods law. Its always the one you do a bit cheaper or throw that extra rug in free of charge that bites you in the arse.

clinton

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #56 on: September 06, 2010, 08:31:24 pm »
True john and he has done the right thing and moved on rather than let it get to you,thankfully these are few and far between..

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #57 on: September 06, 2010, 08:45:10 pm »
Been away for 2 weeks on holiday, just picking this one back up. I am sending letter saying i had nothing to do with damage and give them 7 days to make payment for the cleaning Job.

You wait 3 weeks to deal with it and then give them 7 days to pay ;D

Neil Grainger

  • Posts: 1273
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #58 on: September 07, 2010, 07:52:57 am »
No i sent letter before i went away.

Joe H

Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #59 on: September 07, 2010, 08:40:44 am »
I think it is correct to give it a go to get your money.
If they dont want to pay then a letter from www.ThomasHiggins.co.uk in Liverpool for less then a fiver should do the trick.
If that doesnt work, then you consider is it worth the hassle to persue further.

paul wallace

  • Posts: 68
Re: Customer accused me of property damage
« Reply #60 on: September 07, 2010, 06:38:31 pm »
Paul, its called sods law. Its always the one you do a bit cheaper or throw that extra rug in free of charge that bites you in the arse.

Your right there John  >:( I was even daft enough to give her some free deodoriser  :P
Just trying to do a Good-Honest job and make money!