customer from hell

[muffinman]

hi i need you advice guy
i rencelty did a job for a customer to start with she wanted a tap change fair enought i got to the job with a expecting to complete a tap she changed her mind she wanted the washer replaced on her kitchen taps i looked around the property for isolation valuve i found one in the loft i turned and nothing happened she then called me back down (i didnt turn the stopcock back on) and she asked me how i was getting on i said i would have to tight the tank up she said ok which i did and then replaced the tap washer when back up to the loft to release the tank which i did but the float valve pin got stuck i then told her that i would need to be replaced which i did pack up my tool and tidyed up and gave her the bill which she urmed and ared about but she paid as i left i noticed the toilet over flow going which i nocked back on the door and agreed to sort out even tho this wasnt cause by the work i carried out, i got a phone call the next day saying that her showers that were on the mains where not working (i believe due to the stopcock in the loft) i then told her husband over the phone how to fix the phone which he tryed but did not succedd about 2 hours later i had enought call from her say that her husband believe that the showers were already broken and for me not to worry about it then the next day i got a phone call saying that her husband was wrong about the showers been broken several phone call on from this i agreed to attended the property as i left a job to attend my head gasket went on my van i phoned the customer up and told her the problem and offered to send another plumber out (one of my plumbing friend) but she rejected this, now im in trouble my van is broken and my business has started to grind to a hult becuase of the van i dont have saving to get it fixed. where do i stand legal with this the women have no paperwork from me as she said she does not want a recipet, as far as i see it i have offered her a soloution but she has rejected it what do you guys think. baring in mind i have no way to get back to her

:32:​

 

[oz-plumber]

Whats the problem - you got paid for your work.
Its only the extra things she wanted done that didn't get done.

You've explained to her your situation / predicament - what can you do?

Customer from Hell -- i think not.

 

[clarky101]

I think you need to get back to her, if you have to borrow/ hire a van for the day otherwise your business will soon get a bad name in her area.....we have all left stopcocks/ gas cocks turned off in our lifetime that happens but it's how you deal with it that matters to the customer.....could be as simple as an airlock on the showers....if I've read the op correctly...

 

[IDCHAPPY]

Surely you could get a lift with a tool bag for an hours worth of checking things out?
Better than than dogs abuse and a bad rep?

 

[hasbean]

How many times Did I leave the steps and the loft trapdoor open had to come back next.
day.

 

[gasmanrob]

Far from customer from hell.

just hire a small corsa van or connect something to get you mobile again if you shop around and intend on having it a week or 2 you can get them for around £15 a day

 

[kozak1968]

Never walk away from a problem. Don't look at loosing money on one job. Most jobs you will earn well. You should go back and see what the problem is and fix it. In a few months time you can have a laugh about it.

 

[muffinman]

the thing is one minute she rings me up saying its my fault the next minute the shower is broken its making me doubt my own work i offered to pay for a another plumber to go out so as far as i see it ive done everything in my power to help her through the situation but she rejected another plumber going out ive even tryed to talk her husband thought it but he dosent no what he is doing i dont want to hire a van at my expense to go attend her when she cant make up her mind about if the shower is broken or not

 

[R.Oak]

Well you need to either fix your van or hire a new one or else you will not be able to work, so sooner or later you will be mobile again. Inform the customer that you will return to the property and look at the issue as an act of good will. Explain that this is a favour and not something you would normally do. When you get there either fix your mistake or prove to her in person that it is nothing to do with you and will cost her extra to get fixed. Cant do any more than that.

 

[newcastle phill]

I think there are a couple of aspects to this..

1. Legally
2. Morally

Obviously You are a skilled tradesman who knows your stuff.
And it goes without saying You take pride in you work and look after your customers.
You fully test your own work so that when you pack your tools away you
are confident your customer is in a better position than before you arrived, and if not then you told them why.

If it was me id be on the phone and telling them to put the kettle on because I will be there soon to double check my work.

Legally wouldnt even come into my mind.
Morally id want to help resolve the situation

Good luck with your van - if you turn your back on your customers because of legally, then you wont be needing it for long

 

[smtplumbing]

this is not a customer from hell just a bit difficult

 

[newcastle phill]

Or possible aged and confused ??

 

[muffinman]

newcastle phill i agree with you on that one i went back to day to have a look at the problem there dolphin showers she has 2 of them one works perfect the other one does she keep saying its ant air lock but it cant be its on the mains anyway the work that i carried out wouldnt have affect her shower.