Almost Called Police On Detail Job Today

[The Moose]

"I can very easily un-do all the work I just did... would you like me to do that?"

works every time.

[cardaddy]

Originally Posted by scooterguitar

Yet another reason for conceal carry.

Ooops.... I know this is digging up an old thread, but I bet you and me would get along just fine! (CC holder since 77.... if the .45 on my hip don't getcha' the 9 in my back will, or maybe that .38 strapped to my ankle)

[Klasse Act]

Originally Posted by rock012345

let it go and never detail for him again

Ditto!

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online

[RZJZA80]

It's not worth the effort to pursue, but in the future, if you don't know the person, collect the money first as a detail can't be undone if they don't want to pay.

[Dr_Pain]

Here is my 2 cents,

First off the contract was between you and the son. Legally you have to ask the question if the son was entitled to contract on his father's behalf for his father's property. Did you perform work with or without prior consent from the father? If you performed the work onsite, did you have permission to be on premise? Those are all legal questions that may be raise and he can claim that you damaged his property by trespassing on his property (unless the son is legally residing there, and gave you permission... then it is only a claim against property)

My solution for you is to start a paperwork trail. Sending them a certified letter would serve to show intent and would serve to express the content of the oral agreement, and the fact that the contract was not fulfilled on his end. You should threaten legal action in small claims (due to the nature of the work and the amount owed). Do describe the subsequent conversation about compounding, and detail that it was not part of the agreed work order. You should finish by stating that in the spirit of fairness and to demonstrate your willingness to resolve the issue amicably that you will agree to compounding the behemoth for a set price (reduced or full) at a location of your choosing (son's house or otherwise...)

In most cases, the letter is enough to get them moving in the right direction. For your benefit, ask that all subsequent communication be done in writing via email unless he already knows where you live, or if you have a PO box...

[Mr Megane]

It does sound although there was no way you were ever getting paid in full. I would have been inclined to have refused payment and then finalised the job with a quick spray over with a strong solution to strip off any of the protection you had just laid down. Hardly satisfying but better than leaving them with a pristine vehicle at practically no cost!

[Andr3wilson]

Sounds like these guys are trying to rip you off. Get a free detail

[1953hogan]

My humble opinion for what it is worth...

I have owned a service oriented business for over 30 years. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, customers just are not satisfied.

I have always strived to live by the notion that the customer is always right, but in this case, the customer was obviously abusive, to the point of making you feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

You've already been paid $60, which means that you were stiffed for $140. I realize that what the customer did was completely unfair. You didn't deserve to be treated so poorly and certainly deserved to be paid in full for your work. But honestly, is it worth it to detail for this guy in the future and what emotional distress do you risk by attempting to collect your unpaid fees?

To me, the emotional distress of dealing with this guy far outweighs the slight amount of additional profit you'll get by trying to collect.

You did good, honest work for this guy even if he doesn't appreciate it. Don't beat yourself up for this. Pat yourself on the back for doing a professional job and walk away. There are plenty of great customers out there who will love your work. Don't waste your time with one irrational customer.

Best of luck,

Steve

[MarkD51]

I haven't read through every post, but read the original post, and a few follow-ups.

Of course you don't go back and screw up the person's vehicle. Even if you hypothetically gotten away with it. Don't sicken your heart-soul like that to think, or do such horrid things.

Yep, indeed, you were had.

Probably had by a dope smoking son, and a drunk of a father who the son leaked to his dad where his Excursion was when he didn't see it.

Then the son leaked that he was giving him a present at the price of $200, and the ole man blew a gasket.

I've been had like this once on a detail, on a 1963 T-Bird, that made its owners $1500 profit due to my hard work on a resale shortly thereafter. The agreed $100 price for 8 hours of ball busting sweat soaked work turned out to be $50.

And that's why I rarely if ever detail anything for anybody anymore. I could've been a professional detailer 20+ years ago. It just wasn't worth it with such bad experiences.

[Johny B]

Originally Posted by 1953hogan

My humble opinion for what it is worth...

I have owned a service oriented business for over 30 years. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, customers just are not satisfied.

I have always strived to live by the notion that the customer is always right, but in this case, the customer was obviously abusive, to the point of making you feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

You've already been paid $60, which means that you were stiffed for $140. I realize that what the customer did was completely unfair. You didn't deserve to be treated so poorly and certainly deserved to be paid in full for your work. But honestly, is it worth it to detail for this guy in the future and what emotional distress do you risk by attempting to collect your unpaid fees?

To me, the emotional distress of dealing with this guy far outweighs the slight amount of additional profit you'll get by trying to collect.

You did good, honest work for this guy even if he doesn't appreciate it. Don't beat yourself up for this. Pat yourself on the back for doing a professional job and walk away. There are plenty of great customers out there who will love your work. Don't waste your time with one irrational customer.

Best of luck,

Steve

+1