I have recently received an order from a customer, whom I quoted back in May this year, lost it on price to a local Medway landscaper, oh well on to the next, but then about a week ago I get a call from the same customer asking me to go back and price it up. The problem was that the local company that he gave the work to asked for a deposit of £2000 which the man gave. This was the last he saw of it, this company took the money, did nothing in the garden and my customer is now trying to get the money back, the company has told him that the money has been spent.
Should I name and Shame this company on here, as I do know the name of it, also the name of the man who runs it.
What do you think!!
regards Peter
Views: 28
Replies
It is a tricky one Peter.
There may be no reason to doubt your client's version of events but you would need to have cast iron facts before naming anyone. otherwise you leave yourself open to legal action.
Best keep out of it, I would think this will shortly be a case for the authorities - the man has stolen £2,000. Just be careful the customer doesn't try and short change you to get his money back!
Personally I would avoid that. It's not your fight and there are always two sides to every story. It's a matter between the client and trader, you could find yourself drawn into legal litigation if your comments are challenged as defamation of character, libel or slander no matter what you think you know.
*Turns on Telly* and settles in to watch Rogue Traders!
But on a serious note that's bad form :(
Colin Hunt said:
I would caution at least an element of doubt on the customer's word Peter. Sorry, Phil. Unless he was daft enough to hand over cash, for which he would have no proof it was ever handed over at all. Then he would have tremendous difficulty convincing me he ever did any such thing when inviting me back for another go.
If it happened it was theft and he has recall to the police and to whichever office of trading standards it calls itself these days. Used to be OFT charged with keeping corrupt individuals out of robbing the public but perhaps I'm getting the names mixed up.
Has the company verified any of this? Has the client shown you any proof? Are you aware of any proven misdemeanours by this company in the past? You haven't said as much in your post.
It may be wise to be somewhat less intent on pointing an accusing finger at a competitor and even more careful about wrapping everything up in writing, signed, and taking dated photographic evidence of all proceedings from pre-start to the moment of completion. If you are still willing to take on the contract under such a cloud, that is.
With regard to taking sides or believing either side in the absence of clear evidence, in your shoes I'd be trying to remain strictly neutral.
i must admit its all from the customer, all I can say is that the companies website is down, and the chap who runs it is on facebook advertising rubbish clearance. I am staying on the fence at the moment. Does make my blood boil when I hear such things, but as you say £2000 is a big deposit.
He has informed the police and trading standards, again this is from the customer
Never, ever name anyone on a forum when there is any possibility that it could ever end up in court. You prejudice the case before it's started.
Never, ever name any business in relation to malpractice or fraud, unless you are 100% willing to go to court over it and pay the costs if you lose.
Other than that, it's unfair to name anyone unless you give them the right to reply first IMO.
Paul McNulty said:
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