Replies

1. 
   Ray_Puhalski | Dec 11, 2001 11:39pm | #1

   *
   Prior to retiring, I operated a computer programming service. Did some work for a client once, he paid me, and asked for more work to be done. When I told him what my rate would be for the additional work, his reply was "My doctor doesn't even charge that much" after which I replied "Then get your doctor to do it for you" and left.

1. 
   Stan_Foster | Dec 12, 2001 01:24pm | #2

   *Ron: A couple of years ago I built a stairway for a client. He wanted to save some money by doing some work himself. I knocked off 1000 dollars for him to install all the second floor balustrade. Weeks went by, and he decided to have me go and install it anyway. How much?, he asked..I said--1000 dollars. He ok'd it and I finished it and he paid me 800 dollars and said he was holding back 200 until the painter assured him there was no extra sanding on his part. Weeks went by, and I called him to see if the painter was done. He said he was. I asked if there was any exta work for him, he said no. I said well you can just mail the extra 200 dollars then. He said that I didnt take very long installing the railing and he wasnt going to pay anymore. I told him that if it would have taken me two months longer than I expected to install the railing, I would have still asked for only 1000 dollars. I also said that I am not going to make an issue over 200 dollars except to never call me for any project again. Anyway, that is the only money I have ever been shorted or lost on a stairway--so I cant complain. Its too bad for my client because now he never looks me in the eye.

1. 
   Gunner_1750 | Dec 13, 2001 05:54am | #3

   *I watched a couple (acting as their own builders) argue with a guy who had just installed their septic tank. He gave them a bid for x amount and when he finished he presented her with a bill. She had already broken down the numbers and insisted that he had so much money into the job. We'll say a thousand dollars, his bill was for eighteen hundred dollars she insisted that he had only spent a thousand dollars and that's all she was going to pay since that's what he had into it, and he wasn't going to make a profit off of her. I don't know how it turned out but it was turning into one hell of an argument when I left.. That's one of the things I don't miss about residential.

1. 
   Greg_Brown | Dec 13, 2001 06:22am | #4

   *I hung a door for a guy for 150- get done with the job the guy gives me 147 & some change- told me he had the 150, but while he was waiting for me(I was 10 minutes late) he went to the store & bought a pack of smokes...

1. 
   kai_ | Dec 13, 2001 07:11am | #5

   *Greg, ur, Gumby, that made me smile :-) Thanks. I happen to think that's the only valid one, so far, although it's stretching it for just 10 minutes late. In most colleges, if the prof or a sub doesn't show for 15, you can walk. I just think if they have a cell they can call and say they will be late.

2. 
   Bob_Walker | Dec 13, 2001 03:24pm | #6

   *Seems to me one of the last people you want to piss off is your septic guy!

2. 
   Ron_Teti | Dec 13, 2001 03:24pm | #7

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   I was talking to another Bud who told me how a client didnt want to pay him for a tile job he did. She(blonde by the way)pulled out a cheaper bid AFTER
   he finished the job and tried to pay him less cuz someone else bid the job cheaper. She also tried to pay him by check when He told her it was a cash only price. Plus want some more work done and didnt pay him for the tile yet.

   OK now a milkbone goes to the winner of the best excuse by client/GC award for not paying.