When should we pay?

[banoras]

In February, 2013 our neighbour's pool pump was submerged after lots of rain. It was the first big downpour since pool installed. 

He called a plumber, and asked if we minded the plumber coming on to our property and also checking our drainage outlets for any blockages, as ground/roof water off our property may have been adding to the problem. 

No problem with us, gave permission. There was a blockage which he fixed. The neighbour also had drainage problems, and combined (us and the neighbour) probably caused the pool pump damage. (which actually dried out OK and was going again without damage) 

We did ask the plumber to come back and do a simple job for us, preferably before end of May 2013.(that was to suit him, as he said his son, who worked for him,  was leaving)  We wanted an account for the work just done, but he said "wait until I come back". He didn't give any indication of the cost of the work just done. It was about 1/2 hour labour x 2  (he and his son) plus use of vibrator thing to locate the blockage, 10mins vibrator. 

The neighbour got his bill soon after though. 

He never came back to our house.    Earlier this month, Sept, six months later,  we finally got an account for $374, and addressed with wrong surname, because he never bothered to actually take our particulars.  Must have asked neighbour our name, and he's got it wrong. 

Because the account took six months to arrive, we had not budgeted for it, and so immediately paid $74, and asked if we could have six months to pay the balance...ie $50/month.  

We were told that that accounts are 7days terms only, and interest would be charged. We have been asked to pay $100/month for next 3 months, and if not, the account will be sent straight to a debt collector, after which we will be required to pay extra fees for the debt collector + interest. 

Would like to know our rights in this matter, CS posters are usually right up with this sort of thing. 

We have always paid our bills right on the dot, or before, but this time we're feeling just a tad bullied. 

[the_hawk*]

As far as I know if you make a reasonable offer on a payment plan he cant refuse to accept it or send it to collection.

I would also demand a itemised account as you believe it to be excessive and fair trading has told you to ask for one.

Also ring fair trading in your state and find out what your rights are so when you contact him to tell him how it is you are confifdent in what you are telling him.

[twinkles**stars]

If he's doing his own a/c's sounds about right for a tradie. They are hopeless at getting them out on time or losing a few invoices.

The work was done, the money is owed.

OP you could find yourself paying interest if you drag it out, plus court costs.

[twinkles**stars]

It's not excessive for 2 plumbers x 1.5 hours work..... 🙂

Call out for a blown washer these days can be up to $130

[twinkles**stars]

sorry .5 hours and I find that hard to believe.

[*ibis · Accepted solution]

Having had a plumbing business I have heard it all

how often did you invoice customers 9 monts after the job was done

as a tradesman myself i would be too embarresed to send someone a invoice for work done 9 months ago

when you snooze you lose

b-sew i wouldnt lose any sleep over it, youve made a reasonable offer

[the_hawk* · Accepted solution]

I wouldnt worry about the threat of interest, you never agreed to any of his terms so he cant impose them into you. 

Contact Fair trade and take their advise.

Some of these people like to act tough when dealing with people they believe dont know their rights and try to intimidate and scare people

[twinkles**stars]

Like I said ...I find this hard to believe.

Shows that many here don't like to pay for what they get.

And where did the OP say he's been rude? Sending a late invoice is rude? pftttt

[the_hawk*]

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@twinkles**stars wrote:

Like I said ...I find this hard to believe.

Shows that many here don't like to pay for what they get.

And where did the OP say he's been rude? Sending a late invoice is rude? pftttt

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The rude part is refusing to accept a reasonable payment plan after being slack sending a bill and threatening to send to collection

most reasonable people would find that rude

[imastawka]

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@twinkles**stars wrote:

Shows that many here don't like to pay for what they get.

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OP 's question was When should we pay?    Not how do we get out of paying

[*elizabeths-mum*]

Make sure you get receipts for any money you pay.