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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 9375
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 11:47 am: | 
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You may remember my grousing about Maplewood Tree throughout the month of July? I signed a contract for them to do major tree trimming work at the end of June. They didn't come for two weeks and then "couldn't" come because of all the storms. I was understanding the second and third weeks after all the storms, but by week 4, not so much.
Anyway, they finally show up on August 4 and do a great job. I had to have them come back and get a couple large stragglers, but it happens and they came within just a couple days.
The bill, of course, they manage to send right away. I threw it in the pile and paid it last week. I pay bills once a month.
This morning, my phone rings. They have not received my check. Yesterday was one month since the work was done. I have now incurred a late payemnt fee.
Right.
I sent the check out last week. And since you had no problem waiting a month to execute the contract, I don't expect that you should have a problem waiting one month for payment.
You sent the check last week? For the original amount?
Yep. And that's all you are going to get.
From all indications this morning, September is going to be Big Cajones Month. What color ribbon should that be? |
Ken Scout
Citizen
Username: Lightningken
Post Number: 163
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 11:52 am: |
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Not for nothing, but our tree service contract, that we signed in May for a June completion, has yet to be started. (almost 3 mos latte?). I'm not upset yet for some unknown reason, so I won't post a 'scathing' review, but they are a Well Known co. here on MOL.....you never know what you are going to get when using this board for references. |
melicious
Citizen
Username: Melicious
Post Number: 775
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
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I think Big Cajones Month ribbons are green (for the money you usually spend as a ritual) and black (for your utter dispair).
As a fun little excercise (one I usually do), try sending THEM a bill for the time and effort you spent in getting them out there. I have never gotten any money from it, but it sure does make me feel better.
You may also want to include a "feedback form" that includes ways in which they could improve their service. I DID get an answer to a few of those. Once, I got a coupon for free labor (but not parts) at a mechanic's on my next repair and I have also gotten discounts for future service (although I understand you would never use them again - give it out at Halloween).
Oy vey. It seems so simple. You pay, they serve; not hard, not a big deal.
Sorry for your ordeal! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 9376
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 12:37 pm: |
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Ken - I know that there is almost always a waiting period between contract signature and execution on home stuff. My issue was with the length of time (although nothing like yours) and then the audacity to call me exactly 30 days later and tell me that I have a late fee.
The work was wonderful. It was worth the wait. I will use them again. I just hate this "Vinny the Bill Collector" mentality. Contact me with a friendly reminder or ask me if the bill was perhaps lost at least once. THen you can be a jerk.
A few years ago, I used a local painter who did a spectacular job on our exterior. The owner came to inspect when the crew was done. TS offered to write him a check but he said just to send it in the mail. That was on a Tuesday. Saturday morning, he was pounding on the door, demanding payment and yelling at me like some deadbeat. I had already mailed the check by then.
We exchanged some casual conversation and then I threw him out of the house. I think my parting words were something like "Get the hell out of my house. How dare you come to my home, speak to me like that and treat me like some criminal? You had your chance to take the check with you and now you'll just have to *&&^(* wait for the mail."
The next Monday morning, his office manager called me to aplogize; they'd just received the check. I may even use him again, but not without a reminder that I expect him to conduct himself in a professional and gentlemanly manner.
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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 9377
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 12:42 pm: |
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Thanks, Mel. Just a PIA & I'm venting, really.
I understand how hard it is for small businesspeople. I realize that they do get stiffed and don't have the resources to let their A/R departments (which they usually don't have) handle it.
But many of us pay our bills. And not all of us are going to weight the pros (good, reasonable $ work) and cons (dealing with an orifice and being treated like crap) and choose to hire the same company again.
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Oregon gal
Citizen
Username: Oregon_gal
Post Number: 108
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 4:06 pm: |
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So here's a good one. The previous owners of our house used a lawn service company for the three years they lived here. They also recommended them to us. The thing with this company is - you can't GET them to send a bill.
When the previous owners moved out, the co. sent them a bill from 2004 to June 2006 - for $3k!
I've already called them once to get them to bill us (for June/July/Aug). If they don't bill me soon, I'm think I'll have to find someone else. Confidence is not high. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 2208
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 5:33 pm: |
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The generally accepted color for Big Cajones is BLUE. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 12577
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 5:40 pm: |
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Greenie on a Dun and Bradstreet report you are what is known as a "slow 30", meaning the credit giver doesn't collect for more than 30 days.  The habit of paying bills once a month is pretty common in the NY area. From talking to some merchants and contractors you would be surprised at the people they have to work to collect from. Yah know, people with mid six figure incomes, two Bimmers and a house at the shore.
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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 9389
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 6:16 pm: |
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Bob - you caught me. I did not pay the bill because I had the mortgage payment on my villa in Tuscany.
Actually, it is very rare that it takes 30 days to pay. Some are automated and go out timed to hit a couple days before the due date (mortgage, insurance, etc). Most of the bills (PSEG, Verizon, etc.) come at the beginning of the month. I pay 2nd or 3rd week, when all are usually in. So, unless I get a bill the day after I've paid, it's still paid in less than 30 days. And that bill which comes the day after Bill Day will be paid in about 33 days, allowing for mail.
Although, with small business folks like my plumber and electrician, I do pay within a week of getting the bill.
I was just floored at the cajones on the tree bill, given the time it took them to get to me.
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NJguy99
Citizen
Username: Njguy99
Post Number: 83
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 6:45 pm: |
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Comcast did the same thing to us when we moved. We cancelled our service at the old home, and went with satellite at the new one. That was in June.
We're waiting, waiting, waiting. Finally the final Comcast bill arrives - in mid July. It goes in the pile to pay.
A week later, we get a collection notice. They turned the bill over to an agency in less than 30 days. No second notice, no nothing.
We wound up writing a nasty letter to Comcast and to the NJ Division on Consumer Affairs. Comcast called, very apologetic, told us "that's not how we do business" - even sent us a "we're so sorry" card. NJ Consumer Affairs did them one better - they're investigating.
I say - write a letter to the head of the tree service. Say exactly what you've said here, and see what they do. If they value you as a customer, they'll back off. |
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