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. 

[banoras]

Yep e-mails flying back between us now, just received:-

"Unfortunately as long as you are in breach of our terms of trade and are not adhering to the payment arrangements we have offered you, we can refer to debt to the agency at any time.

We look forward to receiving your payments as promised.'

I have replied that, Yes you will absolutely receive payments" as promised". (ie $50/month)

6 months to send a bill? Never had THAT happen in our lives! And our combined years are 130!

[happyroo_bunji]

OP, I was told earlier this year that if you are contacted by a debt collection agency and agree to a repayment plan and stick to it, you will not have a bad mark put against your name. This is in Victoria. Phone him up and tell him you will repay $xx per month, don't make it redicously low.

Twinkles if a tradie can't be bothered to send a bill for six months, they can wait longer than 7 days for payment! Don't give me carp about being self employed, and too busy etc. Its pure laziness

[happyroo_bunji]

---

@banorasew wrote:

Yep e-mails flying back between us now, just received:-

"Unfortunately as long as you are in breach of our terms of trade and are not adhering to the payment arrangements we have offered you, we can refer to debt to the agency at any time.

We look forward to receiving your payments as promised.'

I have replied that, Yes you will absolutely receive payments" as promised". (ie $50/month)

6 months to send a bill? Never had THAT happen in our lives! And our combined years are 130!

---

If they are that concerned about terms of trade, they should of told you before agreeing to do the work!

[azureline**]

It seems odd that you owe $375 and the neighbour was only charged $200.

You need that clarified.

[twinkles**stars]

---

@happyroo_bunji wrote:

OP, I was told earlier this year that if you are contacted by a debt collection agency and agree to a repayment plan and stick to it, you will not have a bad mark put against your name. This is in Victoria. Phone him up and tell him you will repay $xx per month, don't make it redicously low.

Twinkles if a tradie can't be bothered to send a bill for six months, they can wait longer than 7 days for payment! Don't give me carp about being self employed, and too busy etc. Its pure laziness

---

Too busy? Did I say that, no.

[banoras]

The neighbour told us he "called out a mate plumber he knew" maybe thats why he got charged less! Although I doubt that. I think his was fixed in a few minutes

If only the neighbour also knew that the plumber told us he was extremely annoyed that "his mate" called him at such short notice, and really expected immediate action. AND also  told us "he was mad that our neighbour (mate) did not get him to do the pool plumbing".   (we didn't divulge that to our neighbour)

 I didn't think a professional tradie would EVER badmouth a client to another client.  Do they? 

Thank you for all the posts. 

[azureline**]

so, ask for an itemised bill and then check with another plumber. Hope you resolve it.

[*elizabeths-mum*]

Ideally they shouldn't bad mouth clients to other clients, but it's not an ideal world.
In a brief period that I had a cleaner, who a couple of friends hired as well, I was appalled at some of the things she told me about them and have no doubt she passed on juicy bits about me too. It was a relief when I couldn't afford her soon after.

[polksaladallie]

I agree with Twinkles.  Having just dealt with eight different tradies, I don't think the price is excessive.

The days of written quotes for everything are gone, I find it is cheaper without a quote.  Most give a discount for cash, or ask for a pensioner discount. 

I would pay the bill, and go on with your life.  Life is too short to argue over a few dollars.

[ashjoma]

Seems abit odd, but it is in the bigger scheme of things, a smallish amount of money, so you will probably be stuck with it.
Better to just pay it and get the plumber off your back.