Advice on dealing with a tradesman

[FROSTY]

OK you have a job that needs a tradesman to do. Its a fairly unique job requiring a specialist. You find someone whose workmanship you have seen and it's good quality.
On an appointed day half the job is done in a very professional manner.
You pay in full for the completed job.
Time goes by and you contact the tradesman asking when the job will be completed. A reasonable explaination is given -Totally unrelated to the job itself.
This senario is repeated ove a period of almost 5 months. Contact is made. Reason for non completion is given --always reasonable but again unrelated to the job they were paid for by you to do.
The nature of the job means that it is impossible to pass on to another tradesman.
How would you procede from here??

[jrandom]

Tell the dude that if he can't finish the job within a particular time period, you're going to look to recover what you've paid him, plus the cost of scrapping and restarting the job.

If he still doesn't come to the party after receiving a reasonable demand like that, take it to the Disputes Tribunal. Should be straightforward to get a ruling against him.

[yungatart]

Did you sign a contract? Is there room there for a penalty clause?
If not, maybe threaten small claims court...

[Robbo]

Without knowing the nature of this work it is a little hard to say but i am assuming that it may be a registered trade such as electrical or plumbing etc. however these can be passed over to another tradesperson. For future reference i would suggest that you only pay a progress payment part way through the job with the balance on completion.
Also you may need to consider taking this matter to the small claims tribunal.
Cheers

[FROSTY]

Sorry to be really clear here The nature of the job means under NO circumstances can the job be replaced or taken over by another tradesperson. Its a unique one off.
To replace/repeat the job would be 100% impossible.
No contract was drawn up but e mail communication outlining what would be done has been retained.

[Reido]

Sorry to be really clear here The nature of the job means under NO circumstances can the job be replaced or taken over by another tradesperson. Its a unique one off.
To replace/repeat the job would be 100% impossible.
No contract was drawn up but e mail communication outlining what would be done has been retained.

oh now you have to tell us about it!

[Max Preload]

On an appointed day half the job is done in a very professional manner.
You pay in full for the completed job.
Time goes by and you contact the tradesman asking when the job will be completed. A reasonable explaination is given - totally unrelated to the job itself.

First mistake right there. Never pay in full up front. Always make sure you have more of your job done than they have of your money.

However, since we're past that, send him a letter stating your expectation of the job being completed by whatever date or you will be forced to have the job completed by someone else and that cost sought as a partial refund from the first contractor. If you get no action stick to your word and do just that. File at the Disputes Tribunal, win and collect your cash.


Sorry to be really clear here The nature of the job means under NO circumstances can the job be replaced or taken over by another tradesperson. Its a unique one off.
To replace/repeat the job would be 100% impossible.

Ok - spill the beans. What is it? Underground dope growing operation excavation?

[FROSTY]

You will be forced to have the job completed by someone else and that cost sought as a partial refund from the first contractor.
Again its is IMPOSSIBLE to give the job to another contractor. The job cannot be repeated/replaced ever

[MSTRS]

Ok - spill the beans. What is it? Underground dope growing operation excavation?

Or special facilities for...http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1922348&postcount=3

[nallac]

Again its is IMPOSSIBLE to give the job to another contractor. The job cannot be repeated/replaced ever

Hmmmmm, High class Hooker?

[Kiwi Graham]

Are you saying this is the only person in the whole world that can do this job!!!!!!????

Give him a time period in which it should be completed or steps to recover money will be implimented. Then if he is the only person in the world that can do it pay him it back when and if he does it.

What the hell is it he does anyway???

[hospitalfood]

get back in touch with him and talk to him about it, explain in a reasonable manner without attacking him that you are seriously fucked off and want it finished now, regardless.
give him a chance to be the good guy and see you right.

if that does not sort it within the next month then take more drastic steps.

[BigG]

Probably a job I had done on me had me prostrate out and nothing can be done about it now and I paid me money.
If it is a trades person then he or she should be in a or belong to a Contractors association or the like and it would be good to contact them and let them deal with it. Or is it you he doesnt like Frosty.:Oops:

[FROSTY]

Are you saying this is the only person in the whole world that can do this job!!!!!!????
Then if he is the only person in the world that can do it pay him it back when and if he does it.
What the hell is it he does anyway???
NO he's not the only person that COULD have done the job BUT the job was a one off. Totally time critical. Once the first half was completed then yes A)the job cannot ever be repeated and B) He is the only person who can complete the job.

[FROSTY]

get back in touch with him and talk to him about it, explain in a reasonable manner without attacking him that you are seriously fucked off and want it finished now, regardless.
give him a chance to be the good guy and see you right.

if that does not sort it within the next month then take more drastic steps.
Been there done that over several months

[FROSTY]

The reason Im being a bit vague folks is that the tradesman is a KBer.
I'm trying to avoid a public flaying so Not keen to say what the trade is at this stage.

[yungatart]

Oh! that is even worse then...
Hopefully he will read it on here and be ashamed that he has dragged it out so long, and put it to rights

[Maki]

Make a large sign that says:

MR X CAN NOT BE TRUSTED. HE DOES NOT HONOR HIS
COMMITMENTS. AVOID ALL BUSINESS WITH HIM.

Turn up outside his home, hold the sign and stay there until he agrees to finish the job. Repeat as necessary if job is not finished.

I guarantee results.

[Forest]

Disputes Tribunal. That's what it is there for:

http://www.justice.govt.nz/disputes/home.asp

BTW I'm sorry to hear about the non-completion of your BDSM dungeon/playroom.

[FROSTY]

Make a large sign that says:

MR X CAN NOT BE TRUSTED. HE DOES NOT HONOR HIS
COMMITMENTS. AVOID ALL BUSINESS WITH HIM.

Turn up outside his home, hold the sign and stay there until he agrees to finish the job. Repeat as necessary if job is not finished.

I guarantee results.
Unfortunately something similar happened on THIS and another bike forum It Involved other KBers and the person concerned It turned into a who's mates with who personal thing rather than adressing the central issue.

[Maki]

You could try the polite way and show up with a sign that says:

Mr. X, please finish my job.

Just at make sure that he understands that you are desperate to get the job finished and you are prepared to go to some lengths to make it happen. I hope he get's the message without things having to turn ugly.

[Kiwi Graham]

I know what Frosty's issue is. If the KBer concerned is reading these posts you should be thoroughly ashamed of youself.

Do the right thing dude and finish what you have started. The last thing you need is a whole 'community' on your back!!!!

[Crisis management]

Time for a reality check Frosty, if he hasn't completed it after 5 months and you have hounded him to death over that period then your screwed.

Get someone else to complete it......he isn't coming back.




There is no charge for this sage advice.

[Max Preload]

NO he's not the only person that COULD have done the job BUT the job was a one off. Totally time critical. Once the first half was completed then yes A)the job cannot ever be repeated and B) He is the only person who can complete the job.

I can't think of any scenario how this could be the case. All jobs are one-offs unless they're a production run.

[rottiguy]

doesn't make any sense at all, job was time critical but only half done ? or was half the job time critical and the other half not.

I would tell the surgeon if he doesn't attach the part to your lower extremities he said he was going to, you will leave a smelly present on his door step every day till Xmass.

I would tell him you will give him a serious dose of bad PR if he doesn't finish the job and/or refund all of your money and will take him to small claims court.

[Lias]

I've have no knowledge of the events mentioned by Frosty, but what he's said rang bells in my head, and set gears to whirring and stuff and I have a hypothesis:

My theory is that Frosty paid a fellow KB'er to do his wedding photos. Said photos were taken, all good (first half of job completed). Photos have never been albummed/printed/delivered/etc (second half of job). Hence why the job can never be done again, given to another tradesman etc.

Go forth my minions and prove my theory.

[MadDuck]

Go forth my minions and prove my theory.

Damn oh wise one. That kind of makes sence. Not good at all if that is the case because you only get that special day once.

[Max Preload]

I've have no knowledge of the events mentioned by Frosty, but what he's said rang bells in my head, and set gears to whirring and stuff and I have a hypothesis:

My theory is that Frosty paid a fellow KB'er to do his wedding photos. Said photos were taken, all good (first half of job completed). Photos have never been albummed/printed/delivered/etc (second half of job). Hence why the job can never be done again, given to another tradesman etc.

Go forth my minions and prove my theory.

I think you've cracked it. :2thumbsup

[FROSTY]

My theory is that Frosty paid a fellow KB'er to do his wedding photos. Said photos were taken, all good (first half of job completed). Photos have never been albummed/printed/delivered/etc (second half of job). Hence why the job can never be done again, given to another tradesman etc.
I DIDDN'T say it he did but VERY good guess :whistle:

[Headbanger]

Some cracker is fuckin with your wedding photos?

Thats low man, real low.

[Crasherfromwayback]

A)the job cannot ever be repeated and B) He is the only person who can complete the job.

Unless he is using part of his scrotum to complete the job...No job cannot be completed by someone else.

[Nasty]

Love it .... Frosty you are unique ... trying to avoid public flaying .. but you are giving him one without saying his name .... Why anyone had to know that it is a kber is beyond me ...this is like so many so silly threads .. tell half a story to get people interested ... and then "oh and this ..." .. to keep them reading ....

[Owl]

Love it .... Frosty you are unique ... trying to avoid public flaying .. but you are giving him one without saying his name .... Why anyone had to know that it is a kber is beyond me ...this is like so many so silly threads .. tell half a story to get people interested ... and then "oh and this ..." .. to keep them reading ....

Worked though!

:corn:

[nallac]

Worked though!

:corn:

Sure has.


10 chars

[Kiwi Graham]

I've have no knowledge of the events mentioned by Frosty, but what he's said rang bells in my head, and set gears to whirring and stuff and I have a hypothesis:

My theory is that Frosty paid a fellow KB'er to do his wedding photos. Said photos were taken, all good (first half of job completed). Photos have never been albummed/printed/delivered/etc (second half of job). Hence why the job can never be done again, given to another tradesman etc.

Go forth my minions and prove my theory.

Ahh grasshopper you have learned well ;)

[The Pastor]

I think i know who it is, he needs a good smack around the head.

[SixPackBack]

FROSTY there is something important you are not telling us here.......a totally unique job that no one else can tackle or complete??? I'm a Tradesman and what you are saying defies logic??

[jrandom]

Love it .... Frosty you are unique ... trying to avoid public flaying .. but you are giving him one without saying his name .... Why anyone had to know that it is a kber is beyond me ...

Someone on these forums has taken Frosty's money and is now dicking him around.

A gentle or not-so-gentle public shaming is entirely appropriate.

[yungatart]

FROSTY there is something important you are not telling us here.......a totally unique job that no one else can tackle or complete??? I'm a Tradesman and what you are saying defies logic??

Frosty's description of 'tradesman' maybe putting you off...stop thinking builder, plumber etc and start thinking 'professional', although IMHO, this person could not class himself as a professional either, based on his behaviour.

Absolutely disgusting! The person concerned should be ashamed of himself!

[Nasty]

Someone on these forums has taken Frosty's money and is now dicking him around.

A gentle or not-so-gentle public shaming is entirely appropriate.

This is not a public shaming .. a public shaming is called name, blame, shame .. that is the process ... this is a long and dragged out for nothing process to make other people interested in stuff that he has to deal with ... and can't because he has choosen not to ... taking it up here ... no name .... no nothing ... is just a teaser ... lets get others interested ... lets not say .. what who how .. .or anything ... its just another time waster ... but well done .. its achieved!!

[jrandom]

This is not a public shaming .. a public shaming is called name, blame, shame .. that is the process ... this is a long and dragged out for nothing process to make other people interested in stuff that he has to deal with ... and can't because he has choosen not to ... taking it up here ... no name .... no nothing ... is just a teaser ... lets get others interested ... lets not say .. what who how .. .or anything ... its just another time waster ... but well done .. its achieved!!

Actually, I think you're being a bit cynical and paranoid, and Frosty is genuinely just reluctant to actually name the individual and situation in question.

Even though by now, of course, we have now all extrapolated what's going on (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=50187).

No, don't can my post because of that link. It is, in fact, what's going on.

But I don't think it's Tony's style to play games; he's just genuinely unsure of how to handle the situation.

[Nasty]

Actually, I think you're being a bit cynical and paranoid, and Frosty is genuinely just reluctant to actually name the individual and situation in question.

Even though by now, of course, we have now all extrapolated what's going on (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=50187).

No, don't can my post because of that link. It is, in fact, what's going on.

But I don't think it's Tony's style to play games; he's just genuinely unsure of how to handle the situation.

Why would I bin your post (THAT IS PARANOIA) ... you are defending a viewpoint ... congrats ... I am going on a ride ... cos I can.

I may be cynical ... but I know how to deal with tradesman or people I give money to to do a job. Its simple ... get a lawyer if its worth it ... or NAME AND SHAME ... or go to the community law centre for advice on small claims court. They are three simple and concise options.

[imdying]

In a similar position, it was actually my wife that sorted it out. When I had given up hope 6 months later, she showed that she was made of more determined stuff than I by ringing this tradesman every single day. She got his cell phone number and rung him every day, for over 3 months. A number of fruitful days of activity we're brought about by myself going there and overseeing the work; crazy given that I'm not in that trade.

Like yours, the excuses were always reasonable, but not related to my job.

In the end the job was done to my satisfaction, and the price was right. But it took 9 months longer than it was promised to take.

The next time, I went directly to the larger specialist for that sort of work in the city. They charged like a wounded bull, but did beautiful work, and did it inside of two weeks.

So, long story short:
- If your woman is a pit bull, set her on them
- Perhaps visiting and doing the job with them would help? (not what you paid for sure, but if the job has to be done with this person, then suck it up)

[jrandom]

Why would I bin your post (THAT IS PARANOIA) ...

You have a history of hysterical reactions in your capacity as moderator.

I wouldn't put it past you to have some form of fit over the fact that I named Zapf via that link, and delete my post lest someone sue SpankMe for defamation.

However, I'm glad to see that you're continuing to keep your head pulled in.


Its simple ... get a lawyer if its worth it ... or NAME AND SHAME ... or go to the community law centre for advice on small claims court. They are three simple and concise options.

I think Frosty should just get on with sorting the situation out. A few phone calls and a personal visit should do the trick. And perhaps he just needed a bit of moral support to clarify that he should be doing that, eh?

[jrandom]

Perhaps visiting and doing the job with them would help?

Oh, fuxache, I've had enough of this wishy-washing drivelling about.

As everyone who attended the ceremony knows, Frosty engaged Zapf's services as a wedding photographer.

Months later, Frosty still doesn't have his wedding photos.

What do you think Frosty should do, folks, particularly given the history I linked to in my previous post?

Me, I'd go knock on the man's door and get a commitment to a delivery date, then update this thread with progress. But that's just me.

[FROSTY]

Love it .... Frosty you are unique ... trying to avoid public flaying .. but you are giving him one without saying his name .... Why anyone had to know that it is a kber is beyond me ...this is like so many so silly threads .. tell half a story to get people interested ... and then "oh and this ..." .. to keep them reading .
.I may be cynical ... but I know how to deal with tradesman or people I give money to to do a job. Its simple ... get a lawyer if its worth it ... or NAME AND SHAME ... or go to the community law centre for advice on small claims court. They are three simple and concise options.
..

Ok I can see how YOU would deal with the situation. So tell me if you gave say an irreplaceable heirloom item to be restored and the restorer could easily destroy all trace it existed -would you just go in all guns blazing or would you stop and concider the probablity of never seeing the item again if you do?? Yea ya win but its a hollow victory given in reality you loose.
And UNLIKE "a lot of these hysterical threads" Its taken 5 months of giving him a chance before I concidered posting and even that was after discussion with senior people here.
so why diddn't you just say the last bit instead of going out of ya way to be nasty about it?? -advice asked response given END

[Max Preload]

So tell me if you gave say an irreplaceable heirloom item to be restored and the restorer could easily destroy all trace it existed - would you just go in all guns blazing or would you stop and consider the probablity of never seeing the item again if you do?

He's not going to do that if he possesses more than the smallest amount of common sense.

[imdying]

What do you think Frosty should do, folks, particularly given the history I linked to in my previous post?

Me, I'd go knock on the man's door and get a commitment to a delivery date, then update this thread with progress. But that's just me.I simply related what, in a similar situation, ended up with me getting the result I wanted, which wouldn't have happened if it were merely 'wishy wash'y.

I said what I'd do/have done, you've said what you'd do. From the sounds of it, he's already tried it your way, I'm simply suggesting another option that I believe may actually produce the desired result.

It's very hard for someone not to produce when you're standing over them. Sure, that's not the most desirable way to get an outcome... but hey, this situation is not like chasing girls; in this case it's the having, not the getting, that's important.

[JimO]

they said the job couldnt be done and that he couldnt do it, so he tried the job that couldnt be done.............and he couldnt bloody well do it