Almost Called Police On Detail Job UPDATE

Kinalyx said:
Actually that is not true. The law states that 1 person on the recording has to be aware of the recording, not every party. Since he would be doing the recording of himself and someone else, it is legal and can be used in court...or at least could be a few years ago, as my wife and i had to do so.

Shawn
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Just ask Mel Gibson.
 
seanconway34 said:
That won't be necessary, thank you so much for your support and everyone's support here on autogeek. Although this incident really dragged me down and has caused me much depression over the past few days I am going to put it behind me. People like this do not deserve me wasting time thinking about them, I need to focus more on getting new customers instead of thinking about this guy. I am not going to retaliate or pursue getting the extra money, I am going to put this behind me and hopefully this guy will stop bothering me soon. Thank you for your support, it means a lot to a young entrepreneur.
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This:iagree::dblthumb2:
Best way to forget? Get to work!
 
I hate to be the one the one to step in with some tough love advice, but you really gotta put some big boy pants on and HANDLE IT.

Next time they call, if you decide to pick up, the only words that should come out of your mouth are "Get the #### off of my phone, stop wasting my time. I let your piece of trash father bully me out of 140 HARD EARNED dollars because he made it perfectly clear he was unsatisfied. I now realize you're BOTH full of ####. I will no longer answer your phone calls, and any more attempts to contact me will be considered harassment. Do what you feel you must, but there will be no refund of any sort. Good day." And hang up.

The BBB can't make you do squat. If they try to sue (and I'd bet my next check they won't), countersue and you'll both probably lose because none of you have any evidence. I hope, at least, that you have before and after pics to back your statements up if it comes down to it.
 
Do not answer their phone calls. ven if they leave pleasant messages, more than 6 are harassment in most eyes. Document document. If they call and hang up write it down or save in your phone, log time etc. definition of harassment: the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one party or a group, including threats and demands.

Next time have a simple pre work invoice with estimated totals and hours of work and steps taken for results. signed by customer and then a final invoice for services rendered signed by cutsomer stating vehicle was is same or satifactory condition. good luck.
 
Kinalyx said:
Actually that is not true. The law states that 1 person on the recording has to be aware of the recording, not every party. Since he would be doing the recording of himself and someone else, it is legal and can be used in court...or at least could be a few years ago, as my wife and i had to do so.

Shawn
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You're correct...in most states, however, some states require two-party consent to record a convo. To be safe, he should check his local statutes.
 
First
You made offer, he made acceptance=contract!!!

second
you did what they wanted and they refused to pay, which is kind of stealing

third
if they come back call the police as it is a threat to you directly

fourth
do not do anything, you did the work they wanted and they refused to pay
 
Man look...screw them and forget about them calling BBB. Thats a threat in and of itself. You guys didn't agree on compounding so he didn't get the compound. The father paid you $60. I agree with everyone that says if he calls let it go to voicemail. If he threatens you on voicemail then you have record of it. The next time he calls tell him flat out that you aren't going back and the deal is done. And if he says he's going to call BBB, tell him to shove that ish up his arse. Eff them!!

:rantoff:
 
While there is some good advice and not so good advice, here is what I would do personally:

I would accept his next call and politely remind him you agreed to a particular cost and agreed services. They decided to break that agreement and they settled on a price for services rendered. Because you felt threatened and if you did protect yourself it would end badly for all involved you accepted the pitance for payment and have moved on. There will be NO second visit, and no compounding. Use the funds you essentially bullied me out of to find another detailer. If any further discussion insues, then you warn them that any and all future contact will be considered threats and harrasement and you will involve the police for your safety. Ask them to refrain from any further contact and disconnect. You MUST control the conversation and outcome thats how to control the bullies and they move on to other prey.

The BBB has absolutely no enforcement power and is simply an open threat with no basis. The BBB works to try and amicably resolve issues between companies and clients but does so freely and with no power to bring either side to the bargaining table. If contacted, you are free to offer your side of the issue and how you resolved it. Only small claims court could force a refund, and trust me they are not going to that expense and time over a car detail. If they do (by shear chance) setup a folder and place in all dates, correspondence, and outcome. (those with the details ALWAYS win in court).

Take it all as a lesson learned and try to use some different choices in the future. Perhaps a quick sign off form as to work to be completed, a vehicle walk around, and *estimate* of prices incurred provided no additional work is needed or recognized during the refinishing process.

And best advice to date : never use a public forum for issues like this, consider consulting a professional !
 
Well, I am a police officer, and as already stated by multiple members document everything, and if they do say something on a voice mail keep that. Dont know about your state as far as recording the conversation, but worst case scenario you just couldnt use it in court. If they keep calling make a police report, if they keep calling file a protective order against them and after a few times it becomes a stalking charge which can be a felony. Under no circumstances go back to that house, neighborhood, or even meet with them in any way, there are too many crazy people in this world anymore and I have seen things that started out smaller than this go terribly wrong, and it aint worth it. I commend you for your work ethic, dont ever lose it, and chalk this up to a learning experience. Unfortunately with the ethics a lot of people are raised with these days, it probably wont be the last time you deal with a jerk. Also as stated earlier get a walk around agreement from now on. The days of a handshake agreement, or gentlemans agreement are probably over unfortunately. Remember common sense isnt common.
 
Look at it this way, you just fired your first unhappy customer.
I own an electrical contracting business and some people you just can't make happy and therefore I refuse to work for them again.It does bother me you're out the money but it is a lesson learned .
As far as the BBB goes some of the worst contractors I know advertise that they are part of the BBB so I personally don't put any faith in the BBB.

Take a deep breath let it go and move on.

Ken
 
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