CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 3:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks, I don't think it will come to that./ Funny though, I've been screwed out of exactly $700 in 8 years of doing online business, maybe 1.5 million at this point in projector and parts sales, maybe more, and I write off over $5K each year locally in unpaid bills. And you wonder why I got out of sound installs, and want to move to the US!

macgyver655 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 8508

AHHH, Now I understand your thinking. Youv'e been screwed so many times that now you expect it. The problem your now facing is not really a big deal. Just got to grit your teeth and hope to get paid or take some stuff back. Not worth making a big deal over. I understand that. I'm sure most people on here will cross there fingers for you. Again, good luck!!

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:08 pm Post subject:

Ya know, no, I don't expect it. If I did crappy work, or something didn't work, then fine, don't pay your bill. The Canadian attitude seems to be to expect something for nothing, then screw over the supplier. My former audio competitors say the same thing about customers in Vancouver. Sad, really!

macgyver655 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 8508

Well sadly its not much better here in the US either. I know I find myself ,before making a transaction, asking, (how can I make sure I'm not going to get screwed here?). And having to take steps to make sure it doesn't happen. I guess it's just the world we live in now. And your right, It is sad. Especially when your the type of person that takes pride in their work and goes out of your way to make sure things are done right, then to not get paid. It sucks!!! Almost seems like the ones who don't care about their work, and does crappy jobs, usually get paid. Oh well.

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 6:27 pm Post subject:

Update: Customer called again today, and says that his Epson with 'warning, change bulb' looks better than the Marquee. I get the 'I do lots of business, I want to keep using you' line.

I agreed with the 'using you' part.. Wink

So he's saying that he's better off buying a $700 digital from Costco every three months instead of keeping the Marquee. I told him that we would discuss this after I cash his check. He then said that either I take the set back and refund him the money or he'd keep the set, pay me and we never do business again. I thought option 2 sounded better.. Very Happy

So I'll keep you posted. I'm sure I'll end up with this thing on consignment, and I wanna see the Epson blow the bulb 1/2 way through the PPV fight next weekend.

Vibe · Joined: 03 Apr 2006 Posts: 164 Location: SoCal

I have post-dated checks a few times in the past and have had them deposited/withdrawn from my account well before the date on the check. I would Deposit the check immediately. In my experience here in the US even if it is post-dated, the bank will honor it the day they receive it. Then when you are paid you can select any of the many options above. I personally would offer to take it back -25 or 30% for 90 days usage.

JustGreg · Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 3098 Location: Kenosha, WI

What a dipstick. What more can you expect from someone who's used to having coin slot AV equipment in sticky floored booths. Twisted Evil

penticton102 · Joined: 27 May 2006 Posts: 137 Location: penticton B.C

So.. what do I do?

simple curt do him like you did me no refunds for used equoiement even when it doesn,t work properly like the panny-1085 you sold me and is collecting dust in storage .........................

CRT_Ben · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 1684 Location: Northern Virginia

Z-Photo · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:23 am Post subject:

I vote for free t*tties - until the debt is 'paid' off....

CRT_Ben · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 1684 Location: Northern Virginia

Z-Photo · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:35 am Post subject:

bad ben -

like I needed that visual. ick

km987654 · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 9:34 am Post subject:

The long term answer to this type of situation is to have this type of transaction in writing specifying that "Ownership of the goods does not transfer to the purchaser until full payment is made in cleared funds". This way you can simply pick up your own property if full payment is not made.

Maurizio Prandi · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 12:15 pm Post subject:

Dear Curt,

I really think that for this issue you should use the same strategy of your customer.
Postpone any resolution of your debate with this customer until you see your money in the bank.
Use every excuse you can manage in order to avoid performing any repair/set-up/replacement until you see your balance with this customer settled.
After the balance is settled then you can proceed (if you wish) to perform other inquired jobs with this individual.
IF you intend to continue business with this sorry individual make sure you get paid in advance.
If the customer complains then make sure he understands that it is not for his fault you request these extremely tight payment methods: "It's the market that requires them". Thumbs Up

glad to be back... Very Happy

JustGreg · Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 3098 Location: Kenosha, WI

Hey Maurizio,

Hi! È buono da vederli indietro ancora. Non avete inviato da giugno. Mi sono domandato dove siete stati.

It's been quite a while. You must have had a busy summer.

Good to see you back.

Greg

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 12:00 am Post subject:

wkomassa · Joined: 21 Aug 2007 Posts: 101 Location: Brookfield, WI

Hey Curt,

All Canadian provinces have adopted the Uniform Commercial Code just like most states in the US. Therefore the discussion earlier about the UCC's treatment of checks is valid up north as well.

Also, just remember this, you have quite a bit of leverage against this guy, and even more when the check clears the bank. Deposit the check today, wait for it to clear, then go talk to him. His options are 1.) 30% (or more!) restocking fee, or 2.) consignment with the commission of your choice. What an a-hole.

Stonefool · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 253 Location: Sweden

I don't know how it works in Canada, but here in Sweden, if you through your business/company sell used (electronic)hardware there is a mandatory warranty of 90 days, including an open purchase of 8 days (which means you can return the product [usually unused] and get a full refund within 8 days.) If the product has been used or after 8 days you don't have a legal right to get a full refund per se, it all depends on the state of the product on return, and of course the kindness of the seller. With used hardware you can't claim warranty issues after the 90 days (unless the seller gives say 90 days more then what the laws dictate), and even if it is within the 90 days timeline you still don't have a legal right to get refunded, because it is a used product sold as is, you can only claim to have it fixed or get a new similar product for the same value. Any added expences for the seller have to be paid for by the buyer.

(Of course most seller of used hardware has a big enough heart and are kind enough to do way more then what the law and regulation really requires. Which has its pro's because it adds to the number of buyers, but also its con's ... because it doesn't take that many bad buyers to put someone out of business.)

So if you are within your legal rights, cash the check, and delete the guy. The rest of your customers/clients doesn't need a bad buyer to screw with your time and financials. Anyway your heart, or moral, side that go above what the law dictates should be with those who pay on time.

Dave Lister · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 3:39 am Post subject:

Maurizio Prandi · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 7:45 am Post subject: