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. 

[cherry*135]

Re read your post rose robin. $574 was for both jobs OP &neighbours.

Didn't see your post freddie before I  posted the above.

[freddie*rooster]

Clair stop laughing this is serious.

[azureline**]

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@freddie*rooster wrote:

Just do it Az and don't tell him.

problem solved.

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norti Freddie

[imastawka]

Way, way back on page 4 OP said

Gosh, wasn't going to weigh into this anymore LOL The question was answered quite early on

That was also the last page she replied.  Guess no-one has noticed.

All you guys coulkd hire a hall for all this.  LOL

[azureline**]

This is page 4?

[twinkles**stars]

think  it depends how your settings are azure

[imastawka]

Sorry,my bad, as the young 'uns say.     Post 64.

[green.fields]

Yes AM3 my $574 was for OPs bill of $374 and the neighbours reduced bill of $200 combined.

[green.fields]

Oh and the OP isn't going to weigh in on this anymore. Goodo but I still feel making payments to a tradesman is off, pay the man and be done with it.

[jimmy*part4]

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@am*3 wrote:

There were two men that did the job. If there was only one it could have taken twice as long.

The plumber said they could pay it off at $100 a month x 3.... there would be no sending to collection in 7 days if that offer was accepted.

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There were two men that did the job. If there was only one it could have taken twice as long.

True...I rarely have a helper, but when I do an hour job may only take 15 minutes. But we don't charge X'2 for that. Overhead has been calculated into my cost, so the helper can factored in as straight pay plus a profit.

The plumber said they could pay it off at $100 a month x 3.... there would be no sending to collection in 7 days if that offer was accepted.

As always...you're right, lol.

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. 

Just comes across as a bit hard nosed.

I think this is the problem....

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. 

Imagine having your morning coffee and all is well in your world, then the knock on your door. You do the guy a favour then get banged with $375 bill!!! Me being me, No doubt I would have said, "as long as it doesn't cost me anything".

It sounds like he got railroaded into that one. Plus getting billed almost double what the guy with the actual problem got billed.