Lady skipped w’out paying full bill during job

[rob allen]

I violated my own rule yesterday handling an over run job. I always demand payment up front unless a preferred realtor or property manager with 30 days. This client was moving out and said her husband worked for the city and he is in the field with no phone. At lunch she said she would give me the credit card.

But then realtor showed up and did the walk through as I was part way through the job. They pointed out all the things wrong and said “it will come out deposit”. I saw her demeanor change. She opened her purse and gave me 160 cash (on a 300 Cleaning job) and said she was going to her husband and call me with credit card for balance. Never heard back and no reply to my texts or calls.

Now I am on good terms with this realtor and know he will back me up with deposit if I ask but seeing the microwave, fridge and dishwasher are all broke I’m probably at the bottom of the totem pole. She did sign off on the job and total. Should I go after her or her deposit? Or should I chalk it up as owner brain fart?

 

[The Cleaning Artist]

Garnish her deposit. Try to place it on her credit report. Depending on the state u may be able to lean the property. Do not allow her/him to do you that way. If we continue to let it go it will only get worse and happen more often. On a move out rental we ALWAYS get payment b4 we start.
In Florida what she did is theft of services and is a felony.

 

[SRD]

Thats what i was gonna say theft of services

 

[OxiFreshGuy]

Theft of services yes but for $140 it isn't worth the time or energy.

I think of Les Miserables where the priest catches Jean Valjean stealing his silver and instead helps him pack it up and tells him God must believe he needs it more than himself the priest.

This changes Valjeans heart as he realizes what True kindness and virtue is.

Maybe send her a letter stating you are owed the money but if she is unable to pay now you understand and hope she needed the money for something important and that she can pay you later as her fortunes improve.

 

[Anderson]

anything around 100$ you just have to chalk it up as operating a business....

some are going through a divorce and husband is supposed to pay 1/2......

at least 1-2 of these a year for me.......usually bad check....

 

[OxiFreshGuy]

As business owners we get stolen from everyday...lol, funny government

 

[smart n kleen]

I violated my own rule yesterday handling an over run job. I always demand payment up front unless a preferred realtor or property manager with 30 days. This client was moving out and said her husband worked for the city and he is in the field with no phone. At lunch she said she would give me the credit card.

But then realtor showed up and did the walk through as I was part way through the job. They pointed out all the things wrong and said “it will come out deposit”. I saw her demeanor change. She opened her purse and gave me 160 cash (on a 300 Cleaning job) and said she was going to her husband and call me with credit card for balance. Never heard back and no reply to my texts or calls.

Now I am on good terms with this realtor and know he will back me up with deposit if I ask but seeing the microwave, fridge and dishwasher are all broke I’m probably at the bottom of the totem pole. She did sign off on the job and total. Should I go after her or her deposit? Or should I chalk it up as owner brain fart?

Old fart like you, chalk it up lol.

 

[keep it clean]

Lady was a tenant? Or homeowner

 

[rob allen]

Lady was a tenant? Or homeowner

Tenant

 

[rob allen]

Old fart like you, chalk it up lol.

Hey watch it, I resemble that remark.

 

[AZHome&Carpet]

I worked my butt off yesterday one job $1226.43 urine job at a home. Ran the card.... declined. Why? Not theft but ugggggg.

 

[OxiFreshGuy]

Yeah I usually get payment on anything $400 or more upfront, just in case. No checks either lol

 

[AZHome&Carpet]

Well my day got better 5 mins after I posted she called with payment. I’m thankful!

 

[AZHome&Carpet]

Yeah I usually get payment on anything $400 or more upfront, just in case. No checks either lol

My market is pretty small. Everyone knows everyone or at least knows of. We have house cleaned this clients moms house for a long time. She’s getting a job at out high school as a secretary. It’s a tough town to burn people. I worked 6 hrs hard to get her carpets done, so glad she just paid! The Power of TMF. Lol

 

[rob allen]

Still no call. Shady.

 

[TillertheJohn]

Yeah I usually get payment on anything $400 or more upfront, just in case. No checks either lol

Did a job yesterday for a property manager who said she will be paying with a check from the property owner. When I arrived I asked about using different method. When it was still a check on behalf of owner I asked if we could contact the owner to get his DL # or picture of DL.

Long story short I called the owner and he texted me a picture of his license. Everything jived with their story and what I could find online about the people. The owner even arrived at the end of the job and I got to exchange a few words.

Like a dummy I left my toolbag there and the owner texted me that night letting me know. When I showed up at 9am this morning the property manager was there and remarked that the owner and her need to make sure they have my info to use me again.

I proceeded to go to the bank and deposit the check. Fingers crossed- over $400!!

 

[TillertheJohn]

Still no call. Shady.

I read Luke 6:30 the other day and began to wonder how it relates to business..

 

[OxiFreshGuy]

It's an interesting practice. Sometimes I wonder if it's the psychology of it that is more meaningful. If I give to everyone who asks, then I am blameless (also I've noticed it often comes back to me whether I expect it or not) and if someone takes without asking and I demand it back, I won't get it back regardless and it will hurt the relationship.

 

[The Magician]

Once you let a thief steal, they will continue to steal from others. Go after her deposit. If some one orders $300 of chemicals from tmf store and only paid for $160 would you let that slide. Its the principle of business

 

[AZHome&Carpet]

I read Luke 6:30 the other day and began to wonder how it relates to business..

Give but don’t ask back.