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. 

[azureline**]

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@banorasew wrote:

Thanks hawk, needed that

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

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I would think it is a matter of principle to pay a debt that is owed? You appear to be disputing the length of time he took to send the bill, not the $ or the work done.

Pedantic comes to mind............however debt collectors will not consider that a good excuse.

[azureline**]

and to the op title, when should you pay....NOW.

If your OH is unwell, it is not worth the stress of trying to "win".

[the_hawk* · Accepted solution]

I dfont see any where the OP has refused to pay the account or asked how to get out of paying it, perhaps I missed that?

The Op asked when they should pay, then went on to say they offered what seemed like a fair payment plan at which the tradie became threatening and demanding, or again did I miss something?

Just contact fair trade and then tell tradie how it is, you dont need to put up with self opinionated opinions here

[banoras]

Yes, it was the length of time, never the $ or work done came into it. You would have known that, had you read the OP fully. 

OK, what if every tradesmen took so long to send out accounts? Imagine the state of the economy. 

A family member has offered to pay it immediately for us, but that was never the point. 

[azureline**]

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@the_hawk* wrote:

I dfont see any where the OP has refused to pay the account or asked how to get out of paying it, perhaps I missed that?

The Op asked when they should pay, then went on to say they offered what seemed like a fair payment plan at which the tradie became threatening and demanding, or again did I miss something?

Just contact fair trade and then tell tradie how it is, you dont need to put up with self opinionated opinions here

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I didn't say she refused to pay.....but I did read this and replied to this.

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.......

[*ibis]

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@polksaladallie wrote:

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@*elizabeths-mum* wrote:

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@polksaladallie wrote:

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. 

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Cash payments and no written quotes can be very convenient for tradies who don't want to trouble the tax man.

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Of course, the black economy is as huge as it ever was.  GST was supposed to all but eliminate it.    Ha!

It is very convenient for the poor also.

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Of course, the black economy is as huge as it ever was.  GST was supposed to all but eliminate it.

really?

how was GST supposed to elimate the black economy?

[the_hawk*]

Azure if the guy came on with threats as the OP has claimed I would be paying him as quickly as the account he sent just to annoy him as much as he did me.

[polksaladallie]

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@*ibis wrote:

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@polksaladallie wrote:

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@*elizabeths-mum* wrote:

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@polksaladallie wrote:

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. 

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Cash payments and no written quotes can be very convenient for tradies who don't want to trouble the tax man.

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Of course, the black economy is as huge as it ever was.  GST was supposed to all but eliminate it.    Ha!

It is very convenient for the poor also.

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Of course, the black economy is as huge as it ever was.  GST was supposed to all but eliminate it.

really?

how was GST supposed to elimate the black economy?

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Don't ask me.  Ask John Howard and co.   That is what they were saying as part of the promotion.

[azureline**]

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@the_hawk* wrote:

Azure if the guy came on with threats as the OP has claimed I would be paying him as quickly as the account he sent just to annoy him as much as he did me.

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A threat to call a debt collector?

how does that equate to annoyance? sending the account late?

I often get late accounts and have to trawl back through paperwork to find it.......but I know I have to pay it.

[**meep**]

Have you called Fair Trading?  What did they say?