Have you been screwed over ?

[Viper Gas]

Hello fellas.

I just completed a boiler install this bank holiday Monday. Upon completion of the job the client said she would do a bank transfer. I watched her go on line but I didn't actually see her compete the transfer. Not wanting to stand over her like a hawk I continued packing up. I took her word for it when she said she had completed the transaction and duly filled out a receipt.

However the transfer remains outstanding two days later. I have tried to establish communication with her but she refuses to. Instead she's texting me with all sorts of accusations like I damaged her property and I borrowed her tools and so on.

I have done many many successful installs but now I get the feeling that I'm about to get screwed over quite badly.

Has anyone been through similar situations and what advice would you give to resolve this horrible situation.

many thanks
Viper Gas

P's sorry if this is in the wrong section .

 

[Barry98]

Viper am adding you to the arms we will continue you this off the main forums

 

[SimonG]

Ive seen transfers happen within minutes and then others take 2 to 3 days.

But, it aint looking good.

Forget texting and get a letter draughted. Facts only, to the point and no emotion. Ask why not paid, what the issues are and that you expect payment forthwith or legal collection proceedings will be commenced.

 

[northcarr]

I got done for £95 a couple of weeks ago I should have known better than to do work on a dodge council estate :bomb:

 

[JCplumb]

Banks don't like bank holidays.
Give it another day, maybe 2 before presuming the worst.

 

[townfanjon]

I agree with simon but I hope I we are wrong, it doesn't look good, these types are absolute effin scum, I hate them !!!

 

[REDSAW]

if its santander they will have blocked the transaction.
best get your rse round there and have it out with them, park outside the drive for when they get home, bring the dog...

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

I would ask her why she made out she had paid it when she wasnt happy, why didnt she tell you her concerns at the end of the job. Threaten her with small claims court. Did you use her tools? or damage anything

 

[LPC]

I've had big transfers take up to 3-4 days before. Some are instant. No idea why some take longer.

Have you been pressuring her about it? Might explain why she's suddenly on the defensive. But yeah, doesn't sound too good. Maybe ring your bank see if there is a transfer pending?

 

[hammers4spanner]

I have had transfers like this take few days ,
Contact your bank ws already said

 

[Ermintrude]

Register boiler to your home address

 

[Millsy 82]

I don't tend to rush people if they say they will bank transfer I will give them a week then a friendly phone call just reminding them to pay. My reason is if you push them they will start looking for faults or things to blame on you. If you leave it a week and then remind them then don't say anything for another week then that is 2 weeks if they haven't said anything by then you can start pushing. You can to then say why haven't you said this for 2 weeks?

Bank transfers can take time though. I know my bank will transfer instantly up to a certain amount anything over that takes longer.

 

[parkesy_plumb]

i have been stung 3 times since starting on my own .. im too trusting in people .. i bought a card reader machine and now ill never leave a job without payment. As for these send them a text (if thats their preferred method of communication) saying a letter will be through your door stating you have 1 week to pay or legal action will be taken place. sorry to hear bud

 

[Best]

To the OP - Why as you state, did you issue a receipt when she said she had transferred the money?
You had no proof, so I would have told her she would get all paperwork including a receipt once she fulfils her part of the agreement & you can check to verify it is in your bank.
Maybe in this case with a bank transfer, you can prove she didn't pay, but if that had been a cash payment & you issued a receipt without any payment, you would have lost it all as she could obviously wave the receipt about as proof she paid in full.

 

[oz-plumber]

If you gave her a receipt stating that you had been paid the money, and she doesn't pay you, you won't have a leg to stand on - in court or anywhere.

If it goes to court she will just wave the receipt in the air and say she paid you cash.
End of story - no one will believe you after issuing a receipt for payment.

 

[Millsy 82]

If you gave her a receipt stating that you had been paid the money, and she doesn't pay you, you won't have a leg to stand on - in court or anywhere.

If it goes to court she will just wave the receipt in the air and say she paid you cash.
End of story - no one will believe you after issuing a receipt for payment.

Depends on how it is worded. If you get paid by cheque then if it bounces you can still take them to court and win. So how is it different with a bank transfer as long as you have proof nothing has entered your account from her then you will have a leg.

If you have put payment received but not saying by bank transfer/ cheque then your pretty much screwed.

 

[Viper Gas]

Totally agreed with you on that.

 

[Viper Gas]

If you gave her a receipt stating that you had been paid the money, and she doesn't pay you, you won't have a leg to stand on - in court or anywhere.

If it goes to court she will just wave the receipt in the air and say she paid you cash.
End of story - no one will believe you after issuing a receipt for payment.

absolutely right.

 

[oz-plumber]

Depends on how it is worded. If you get paid by cheque then if it bounces you can still take them to court and win. So how is it different with a bank transfer as long as you have proof nothing has entered your account from her then you will have a leg.

If you have put payment received but not saying by bank transfer/ cheque then your pretty much screwed.

The only way you are not going to be screwed over in this situation is that if you received a cheque that bounced.

The only way you are gong to prove that your receipt is null and void is to have proof of a bounced cheque.

If you don't have proof of a bounced cheque, and have issued a receipt for payment - its your word against theirs.
How else can you prove you haven't been paid - you issued a receipt of payment.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

Is there anything in what she is saying about damaged property and using her tools etc. You need to address that so you can both move forward and you can get some sort of payment.