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how can I track down deadbeat?

| Posted in Business on February 7, 2003 04:58am

Before we get into my problem, I admit I handled things poorly, was too trusting, and basically a dummy.

OK, I was doing some work for a guy who was moving out of his apartment. It was a small job, he paid, no problem there. Then at the end of the job he says, you know I really should paint these rooms too, (the walls were a mess). So I gave him a cheap price of $400 plus materials to do the really bad areas including drywall repair. So the next day we come bright and early, I talk to the guy and say the paint and supplies was $200 so the job would be $600 total. (I had told heim the day before we would use top of the line paint because we were going for just one coat coaverage of some very marked up walls). OK he says, call me when your done and I’;ll swing by with a check. Well, the job ran a bit long and we finished late, I called, left a message and left. The next day I get him and he insists on mailing a check which of course never comes. So now all I have is his name, old address and cell phone number which he never returns my calls. I have no written contract and feel pretty dumb. The job did go smooth, he came by in the middle of the work (I wasn’t there) and told me he was expecting some additional things to be painted (apparently he didn’t realize that when we discussed no trim, that that meant window sills.) We did the extra at no additional fee, no big deal. But now I just want to get paid. Any suggestions?

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  1. Mickus | Feb 07, 2003 06:49am | #1

    Try the post office to see where his mail is being forwarded to. How did you connect with this guy? who refered him? Get in touch with the landlord - maybe he is trying to track him down - maybe the security $ is still with the landlord & you might be able to get it out of that. Where does he work? Become his nightmare - license plates? vehicle make - track him  through Driver Motor Vehicle. Did he leave anything in apartment that has some of his I.D. check his garbage. When you find him & he still don't pay I got a few tricks to help get you the $. contact me by this post & I will give you my e-mail & I'll give you some ideas. lol



    Edited 2/6/2003 10:53:36 PM ET by mickus123

  2. UncleDunc | Feb 07, 2003 07:19am | #2

    I read about one small business owner who contracted with a member of the informal economy to do collections for him. The collector got half the cash and all the jewelry, drugs, and guns he collected.

  3. ponytl | Feb 07, 2003 07:22am | #3

    I'd talk to the landlord...  in my state he's the one it comes back to... you improved his property and he'd have to pay you here

    1. AMIGO1081 | Feb 07, 2003 07:29am | #4

      I'm just wondering if I have a leg to stand on as I have no written contract, just a receipt for paint, testimony of my painter, and a nice paint job. Obviously I don't go around painting peoples homes for free without them knowing about it! I'll find the land lord. Also, you can do reverse phone lookups on verizon's web page. You put in the number and the address comes up. Unfortunately I only have his cell phone. I'll let you know how it turns out.

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