Date:         Wed, 8 Aug 2007 08:46:34 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      Honest mechanics, etc.  NVC
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Asking for partial payment up front as a mechanic:  Probably a bit strange,
unless you live somewhere where there is no lien law.  After all, you do
have the vehicle as security.  Or if a large expenditure is anticipated for
a major component that must be obtained before work can begin..crate motor,
etc.
  The signed contract-thing..that is the most odious part of a job, for me.
I love working, building something really right and pleasing the customer,
surprising them by the quality and speed, etc etc.  I hate dealing with
bids, estimates, payment schedules, permits, licenses, bonds..on and
on...But..the integrity of some of my customers finally taught me that
having everything pre-discussed, agreed upon and if the work is more than I
can stand to give away..I try to get a contract in writing.
  Even that sometimes is not enough for some bad customers.
I had a custom home customer who's house I did for "X-dollars per square
foot"..Signed a contract, we did the work, he was happy until time for the
final payment.  He then said.."I am not paying.  See my lawyer"  Huh?  I
asked what was wrong, he said "Nothing.  Love the house, but it is just
business"  Huh?
   He explained that he didn't get wealthy without playing all the angles,
without being a 'good businessman'. He said it was good business practice
that he made everyone sue for their final payments, saying he usually came
out ahead because most people didn't want to spend the money getting an
attorney to collect, so they settled for a lesser sum!  Dickwad!  Of course,
he was right, I did settle for less than was due because I had to pay off my
men, the subs and the lumberyard, etc. and I didn't want to get into a court
battle because I was on to the next house...
  But...he sold that house the next  year for a tidy profit and was wanting
to build another one...Except when he put the plans out for bid, nobody
would touch it!   Word was out about this particular  slime ball... He then
moved on from Jackson Hole to Bozeman, Mt....where he found another
contractor to screw, I am sure..
  Luckily, that  was the worst..but I have had other 'sharpies' try to
weasle a bit of extra..on the "Just Business" excuse...
  Sorry for the off topic..
  Don Hanson