Ben,

I think a lot of people dream of getting something but don't have a dime -
it's just that most of us don't go out and contract the work and then cannot
pay for it.

I am sorry this is happening to you. Here in my business (Call Center /
communications) we make every new client sign a statement of financial
responsibility. All it is is something stating they promise to pay for our
services. This way we have a signed document incase we have to take them to
court. You may do this already I don't know.

I wish you the best on this - I hope you get the money you deserve.

On 8/8/07, Ben <huotb@videotron.ca> wrote:
>
> I always take deposit, well, almost. Not this time. I'm a poor business
> men, that i know, but i'm getting better.
>
> Sad to say, but the following is true, it's always Air-cool folks that
> give me trouble. Never had one single problem with water - cool folks,
> if money was slighly a problem, they were honest about it so we work on
> a solution.
>
> Don't worry, van sleep inside, anyway, if it would be outside... he he,
> it would miss a few vey important parts.
>
> The guy was not impolite or unpleasant, at all, but it's the kind of
> thing i don't have to hear after spending 28 hard hours of working. He
> even came at the shop at half point to see the damage. This is when i
> told him about the approx price.
>
> I don't go shopping with checks or fully loaded credit card, i stay
> home, ifi have no cash, i inform myself as for the payment method before
> thinking of buying something, like if they take credit card.... here, in
> Quebec, no one is using check anymore.
>
> Some people are not thinking.
>
> Anyway. This is a statement for those who dreams of getting something
> but don't have a dime.
>
> Ben
>
>
>
> Van-Again: Kenneth Wilford wrote:
>
> > Ben,
> >
> > You have to cover yourself on these jobs.  I always get at least a 50%
> > deposit on jobs larger than just a couple of hours.  I make up an
> > estimate and try to estimate high because there is usually always
> > something that you didn't notice or can't see until you get it all
> > ripped apart.  If you estimate high and come in under it the customer
> > thinks you are awesome (like Scotty on Star Trek), if it goes up a
> > little at least they are more prepared for the price.  Once I get the
> > estimate typed up I can either email or just give it to the customer.
> > The customer approves it, I get the 50% deposit via cash, credit card,
> > even a check since you can wait for it to clear before you start the
> > job.  If it is an extremely large job, I get 50% then at another point
> > that the customer and I agree to, I get another 25%, then the final
> > 25% on completion.
> > Parts cost money.  I don't have extra cash sitting around to buy all
> > of the parts that a customer might need for a large job.  But if you
> > get the 50% deposit you should have at least enough to cover your
> > parts and keep things rolling until the job is done.
> > A real customer that wants the work done will have no problem giving
> > you a deposit.  Any changes that I have to make to the estimate that
> > are larger than $100 I call the customer and clear it with them
> > first.  When it is all done we go for a ride together in the van and
> > any questions he (or she) has are addressed and then when they are
> > happy, I get the rest of the money and they get their invoice with
> > "Paid in Full" on it.  Now everyone is happy.  I am happy because I
> > have done a great job and have gotten my reward for doing so.  The
> > customer is happy because their baby is back on the road and they can
> > have more confidence in it.
> >
> > I have learned these painful lessons after doing this for almost 10
> > years now.  But if you learn something from the lesson, then at least
> > it is not in vain.
> >
> > I am posting this to the list so that list members know how an honest
> > mechanic does business.  Checks and balances on both parties.  I even
> > keep the old parts until the customer comes and checks out the van.
> > If they request them, I can show the old parts that were removed and
> > replaced so that there are no questions.  Again you have to cover
> > yourself.  I recommend all female customers who are dealing with a
> > shop for the first time, request that they show you the old parts
> > after completing the job.  Do this when you approve the estimate that
> > way they know to keep the old parts.  Even if you have no clue what
> > the parts are that you are looking at, it lets folks know that you are
> > going to check on them and keep them accountable.
> >
> > Hope this helps,
> > Ken Wilford
> > John 3:16
> > www.vanagain.com
> >
> >
> > Benny boy wrote:
> >
> >> Me:
> >> Sir, you Air-Cool van is ready and working fine (new heads, pistons +
> >> a lot
> >> of small stuff), 130psi all around, temp is fine, tested. Ready to
> >> drive,
> >> don't forget, drive smooth, oil change between 700-1000km.
> >>
> >> Customer: Ok, thank so much. I can go camping now, how much?
> >>
> >> Me: 3399$
> >>
> >> Customer: ho, ok, can i make a check?
> >>
> >> Me: NO check, i had to many problems with those, sorry, cash, credit.
> >> Debit
> >> as a max of 1000$ per day just so you know.
> >>
> >> Customer: ho, i don't have enough on my credit card, what shoud i do?
> >> Maybe
> >> i have enough in my bank account???
> >>
> >> Me: Sir, i have spent 3.5 days in a row in your van, i have grease up
> >> to my
> >> a**... find a solution... CREDIT, CASH or NO van, sorry but i'm sure
> you
> >> understand my point of view.
> >>
> >> Customer: Well, i'm no sure how to find the money!
> >>
> >> Me: Sir, i told you before an approx of the total bill, you didn't say
> >> nothing, you said go ahead!
> >>
> >> Customer: well, i will find a way, how can i pay again?
> >>
> >> Me: Cash or credit (me sound VERY COLD)
> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------
> >>
> >> The conclusion...
> >> This is not the first time this happen to me, far from it, what the
> >> hell is
> >> the problem with people like that??????? i work my ass off... and
> >> this is
> >> the answer i get.
> >>
> >> Frustration! yes, it is.
> >>
> >> We always blame the business men, the customers is always right...
> >> yea.. sure.
> >>
> >> I tell you all because if this happen to me.. i'm sure some of you
> >> did so
> >> one day!!! think twice before doing it again!
> >>
> >> Ben
> >> http://www.benplace.com/bjp3.htm
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
>

--
Thanks,

Jeff
90' Carat (Grover)
86' (We call this one Parts)
85' GL (Preparing for reanimation)