Non paying customer

[cr0ft]

After being stung once I ask for full payment for any materials specific to the job (boilers etc) up front. For a larger project like a full bathroom installation or re-plumbing a house, I usually split payments for labour into first/second fix. All of this is covered in a signed contract (if the job is worth more than £1,000 inc. VAT) for both mine and the customers protection. Not had a single non-payer since I started working this way and customers actually like having a contract. If you use a template it doesn't take long to do either.

 

[johnnyplumb]

I m a plasterer and in my line its difficult taking money up front prob because the materials are considerably less than in your game. You do get the odd suprise at times but as long as you stick to your guns then there should nt be a problem . Some people do hpoe that they can intimidate you into walking away or accepting less but once you agree a price thats it. If you re soft then expect to get s*** on simple as that and its usually a certain 'type ' of customer that tries it on but i could nt possibly say which on here🙄

i've heard people saying that you should never do work for Hamilton accies, i wonder why that is lol

 

[RR1981]

turn of the outside stopcock and fill with cement is good as you can watch the action unfold

Interresting to hear this...am writing a story about non- payment and an arrogant guy who winds the plumber up more and more when he wont pay. Are there any other ways such guys can be pranked? Cheers

 

[Veggie Dave]

Interresting to hear this...am writing a story about non- payment and an arrogant guy who winds the plumber up more and more when he wont pay. Are there any other ways such guys can be pranked? Cheers

You're a writer? One hopes you put a little more effort into your work than you do into forum posts... :book:

 

[WaterTight]

He might be dysleixifnchticc.

 

[WaterTight]

I think that's how you smell it.

 

[tamz]

Are there any other ways such guys can be pranked? Cheers

I once knew a brickie who threatened to do this (and he would have done)

[video=youtube;avER-t6GL4U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avER-t6GL4U&feature=related[/video]

 

[ndsmith]

We use letters reminding them, and then pass the debt on to a local debt collector, £60 per case, as soon as people get a debt collector at their door they normally cough up instantly!

saying that we are still in dispute with a barrister for payments from last july, she just ignores everything, think court is the only way forward now though.

 

[chris watkins]

A tip which will stand you good over the years, never ever ever work for barrister's, judges & even think twice for solicitors, for some reason they all seem to think that because they work with the Law that they can use (& abuse it) against us to not pay for proper services rendered !! Which is quite worrying to me should I ever have cause to rely on their services.
(I think it may be something to do with defending those that they know are guilty?)

 

[Masood]

always get half when you start, that way you only loose labour.

Sound advice. Except for very small jobs I always put on the quote that 50% is payable by bank transfer before work starts, to cover material costs. On the flip side, I also say that remainder is not due until 14 days after completion, so that they have had a chance to live with the work and find any niggles / issues. I've never had anyone quibble about the deposit, nor has anyone waited the full 14 days to pay...

 

[CMcM]

Done a boiler change and replaced a few rads all agreed on a price before install, when I was doing the install the girls dad, a joiner, ripped out the kitchen bursting/ splitting hot and cold water pipes. Once boiler was fitted the girl was in tears because she would have not have a working kitchen cos of what her dad done. I fixed the pipes. After my good dead was done I asked for payment AND NO joke as I was asking for payment she disputted the agreed pice saying they were skint her partner and dad were hanging a NEW 3D.. my jaw hit the floor in disbilef!

 

[markfxy]

take the 3D telly as part payment!

 

[stevetheplumber]

im currently chasing £120 for a blocked waste turned out the landlord is in new zealand

 

[dholi85]

What about renting one of those card processing machines, instant payment, less chance of people not paying?

 

[deadstare]

Always fit a service valve some where out of sight if they dont pay turn the valve off and leave they will soon pay up

 

[Millsy 82]

I was speaking to some one who says they pass the debt on to a debt agency does anybody do this. Chasing payment was the worst thing of being self employed glad I dont have to do it now.