[Matt Lindus]

Mike, Why dont you make them a nice apple pie instead.

Matt

[Aquakleen Restoration Services]

    

[kinder clean]

In answer to your question, as they still have your eqipment in their posession I don't think you have any choice, legally if you want to dispute a bill your supposed to  pay it and then seek legal chanels.

You could go along as though your playing ball, all chatty and polite, give them a hand getting your equipment loaded into your van then:

A - Give them a cheque    but accidentally cancel it  :

B - Once your gear is loaded, climb into your vehicle to get your wallet before screaming off in a cloud of smoke, take some pepper spray with you in case you get into a fight.

Seriously though in this situation the term 'Short and curlies' comes to mind.

Paul

[JS2]

Three points spring to mind here:

1.  Ascertain what defined work was offered in the initial negotiations - did they do what was agreed ?
2.  Did you accept the offer of the defined work being undertaken ?
3.  Was a reward (e.g. payment) agreed, published or implied in consideration of them doing the defined work ?

If you can answer YES to all three points then in my opinion a legally binding contract appears to exist.  However from your original posting it sounds like item 1 may not have been satisfied - only you know.

INFORMATION PROVIDED IN GOOD FAITH !

Pete (JS2)