Did a job customer is *****d

Forestboy1978 · Fri Apr 21, 2017 7:51 pm

OK so basically installed some artificial grass.

Customer chose the grass from a supplier i recommended. He decided to go for 20mm instead of 30mm cos it was mainly for his dogs

He's now complaining that he doesn't like it and that it was my fault. Grass has been sitting in his garden for 2 days. At any point he could have decided he didn't like it before it was laid...

https://www.dropbox.com/sh....aa?dl=0

So anyway, I have a problem. A he hasn't paid me Â£1000 for this installation and a bit of fencing alteration and B I have Â£2000 worth of field gate, posts, automation kit etc sitting in his garden and shed to be installed on Monday.

Any advice would be most welcome.

Ta

jwill · Post: # 113081Post **jwill** Fri Apr 21, 2017 8:53 pm

Nowt up with that. Forget till Monday then explain face to face that he choose that product and to change will cost. Couldn't change carpet if you didn't like

Forestboy1978 · Fri Apr 21, 2017 9:15 pm

jwill wrote:Nowt up with that. Forget till Monday then explain face to face that he choose that product and to change will cost. Couldn't change carpet if you didn't like

No I didn't think so. Was my first time installing it and was happy with it.

Personally I think they always look shit but it's just not to my taste.

Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:18 pm

you have some kind of email confirmation or a small works contract?
sadly word of mouth is worthless if it gets sticky
LLL

Forestboy1978 · Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:15 pm

everyone gets a formal typed letter headed statement of work to be carried out and a link to their project folder to view online as I upload progress to it/ I get a lot of over seas people who never visit the site personally...

Sometimes I have a staged payments spreadsheet also but only on big jobs

Nothing is signed though. i did used to get them to sign that they have read, understood and agree to the terms but I lost business doing it... they just get the bullet points of what's happening

Tue Apr 25, 2017 1:49 am

but at least a confirmation email?
LLL

Forestboy1978 · Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:43 am

The quote gets attached to an email in PDF format so yeah they confirm.

Post: # 113139Post **Tony McC** Tue Apr 25, 2017 6:16 pm

The key is that the customer chose the product. It is *their* choice. They have no escape from their liability.

If they choose a wallpaper, hang it in the living room, and decide they don't like it, will the wallpaper shop give them their money back?

Forestboy1978 · Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:08 pm

Well he calmed down and realised it was his error. He sort of likes it now.

Someone on here said that artificial grass is easy.. is it bollocks. Much rather lay sandstone.

Next time I'm quoting more, a lot more and never again 20mm. I had to buy green nails and they still showed to some degree. 30mm you can't slip a little with the blade and it wont punish you as much too. Stressful business cutting along a Â£400 roll of recycled tyres....

dig dug dan · Post: # 113158Post **dig dug dan** Wed Apr 26, 2017 6:36 pm

Did you kiln dry sand it? Thats what helps hide the nail heads:)

Spudly · Post: # 113281Post **Spudly** Sun May 07, 2017 5:57 pm

Get it in writing email or text message, that way if you have to take them to small claims court will hold in your favour.
I always get a deposit for materials.