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. 

[id-to-post-anything]

I think he has the utmost cheek!

I would be calling Fair Trading ASAP

[*ibis]

just say 50 a month, take it or leave it

if you wanted to stiff him it doesnt sound like he has a leg to stand on anyway. was there any written agreement or even a written quote?

[love*today]

Yep call his bluff and tell him outright that is all you can manage and that's what the debt collected would be told too.

There's no way it'll go to court if you are agreeing to pay an amount that won't put you out. These days businesses are big bullies and they try to intimidate people....

[j*oono]

I think it is a shame that you already paid the $74 because it makes it look a though you believe the bill is yours.

I think you should speak to your neighbour and find out if they have an itemised bill and their receipt for payment.  Are they expecting you to pay their bill as well as yours?  That's what I would like to know.

I think that id to post is quite right and you should get advice from Fair Trading.  The 7 days thread is just that.  

That should say threat.  There.  I did do an edit 😄

[imastawka]

If he got the name wrong. who's the debt collector getting the money from?

Call his bluff

[**meep**]

hmmm....it would be his word against yours i think with the bottom line being that you owe him money for the job already done.  i dont think he has to agree to your terms.   i'm not an expert, just an opinion based on what i know...

[joz*garage]

pretty excessive price for 1/2 hour's work

i always ask for a quote first then take it from there and hes trying to take advantage of you because you didnt

[love*today]

Yeah it is excessive hey.
Ignore him and wait for the collector......if he comes 😉
And when he does $50 a month but you have to be firm.

[**meep**]

i assume he was licenced. if he wasn't, cant take it to Fair Trading.