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. 

[twinkles**stars]

So true punch....and without our tradies where would we be.

It's becoming common practice for payment on completion. Large jobs requiring a deposit and progress payments. All this because tradies have been left high and dry and out of pocket.

[polksaladallie]

Thanks for that info, (and Punch).   My comments were for smaller jobs, where cash talks big time.  I did have one big job (not plumbing) where there was a written quote, insurance, and proper invoices, and I understand why that happens. 

[banoras]

Just want to point out a few things, 

• The plumber suggested he return to do our other job in May,( drier weather, son leaving etc) 
• We asked for invoice in Feb, he said he'd give it to us in May and add the next job.
• He never returned.  (were we supposed to chase him up?) we got some else for that job. 
• He badmouthed our neighbour ( his mate) while he was here about not getting the pool plumbing work
• He whinged about being called out at short notice by his "mate" because he is "very busy, lots of work"
• The plumber has not communicated with us, only his wife, who seems to be his office manager
• We thought the bill might be "bit" excessive, but no complaint about the actual amount. 

Theres more, but not going to bore people with all the minor details. 

The main point of the post was the length of time to send account, and then the demands made to get the money quickly.  Needed to know if threats of debt collectors are just that, threats. 

It seems these days, we have to research every little law before getting work done. Was very interested to read the Cert of Compliance conditions. 

[twinkles**stars]

I chased my mechanic for the invoice....I knew I owed him money. As you knew you owed the plumber money.

hmmmm you expect him to chase the money? I chased most of ours when we had the business....he was working.

He didn't return in May? But you didn't contact him? And yet you knew you owed him money hmmmmm

Just pay it and be done with it.

[sandypas]

Personally, I couldn't stand to have an account hanging around for 6 months while I pay $50 per month.  I say pay it as soon as you can manage.  We have friends who have a family electrical business and they sometimes take 3 months to get their accounts out.  Most people know there is an account outstanding and it should have been easy to have money put aside after all that time.

[the_hawk*]

I dont know why any of you are talking about compliance certificates for a simple drain clean?

and most self employed and owner operator tradies prefer cash and no paper work, I know I am usually offered two prices when getting quotes, one for tax invoice and receipt and a much lower one for cash and no paper work. 

Not are they only saving the GST but also company and personal tax. 

It sounds like the OP got away lightly by the plumber not get back to them to do the second job at the end of the day. 

I often wonder when some complain about how hard it is to get work when they dont bother to follow up and do the work they already have.

[banoras]

Ok, we could pay that today if we want to, but we've reached an age now where we will not be bullied into anything........

[banoras]

Thanks hawk, needed that

we were starting to feel like the villains now, and not the victims.  

[twinkles**stars]

---

@banorasew wrote:

Ok, we could pay that today if we want to, but we've reached an age now where we will not be bullied into anything........

---

Bullied? So old age gives you are right to not pay an account in full....ok lol

[twinkles**stars]

---

@the_hawk* wrote:

I dont know why any of you are talking about compliance certificates for a simple drain clean?

and most self employed and owner operator tradies prefer cash and no paper work, I know I am usually offered two prices when getting quotes, one for tax invoice and receipt and a much lower one for cash and no paper work. 

Not are they only saving the GST but also company and personal tax. 

It sounds like the OP got away lightly by the plumber not get back to them to do the second job at the end of the day. 

I often wonder when some complain about how hard it is to get work when they dont bother to follow up and do the work they already have.

---

If you took the time to carefully read each post you would claery see and maybe understand why certificates were mentioned....had nothing to do with any drainage work 🙂

It sounds like the OP got away lightly by the plumber not get back to them to do the second job at the end of the day ......why? Was the workmanship faulty?