Ever get a bad feeling about a customer?

[fattyphatcakes]

Did a bid today for a woman who is truly crazy. She want's a cottonwood that's leaning over her neighbor's house removed. She made claims that the neighbor physically and legally threatened her because the tree is causing damage to their house. She also ranted about being the victim of vandalism and complained of the neighbor's being too loud, blah, blah, blah....etc. So I go talk to the neighbor, ask if I can get a look from their back yard at the tree.....totally friendly, normal people. IMO the tree should be removed, and the neighbor did mention some damage due to clogged gutters, branches on the roof etc. but was perfectly rational and reasonable. I had to refrain from shouting at this woman because she continually went back to ridiculous diatribes about all her neighbors, totally paranoid. Took a lot of effort to keep her focused on the problem at hand. I kinda high balled the bid, almost hoping not to get it. However if I do get it what should I do? about $2k for the one tree, $4k if she has the other one taken down as well, if she's good for it that's a lot of dough for me to pass on. I would need assurance that she has the money, escrow account? Or should I say forget it? I run into a lot of strange people around Boulder, but never anything like this. Yikes!

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Hmmm. Perhaps ask for a bond/large deposit? I have had a few clients like that.

 

[Lumberjack]

Anything over 1 grand I do a written contract and require a 35-50% down payment/retainer.

I decide the amount when I am talking to the people, if I think its risky I require 50%, if they are friends or decent people its 35%.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Go with yur gut!

 

[R Schra]

I remember cases that the weirdest people had the fastest payed the job. Most stand ready with cash when finished the job. Also some very neath people were a crime to get paid from.

 

[diltree]

Contract

Definitely a written Contract, 50% down payment with the balance due upon completion of the work. There are allot of crazy people out there, but if the price is right and they can sign a check, it can be just part of the job dealing with them. Make sure the check clears on the downpayment before you start the job. Good luck man

 

[Dadatwins]

Anything over 1 grand I do a written contract and require a 35-50% down payment/retainer.

Good advice, take it and be careful.

 

[Lumberjack]

I also make a contract when the job changes from th norm, such as leaving wood for the customer to use as firewood or anything other than how I normally do a job, including if I dont grind the stump.

 

[treeman82]

Go with your gut. If you really need the work, then take the job. If you are having a bad feeling about it already, then pass. There's nothing wrong with passing on a job.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Just don't take NO $HIT off of ANYBODY. :blob5:

 

[Stumper]

Dang, She called you to? I had a weird call today-haven't returned it. The message on the machine was. "(Name and number withheld), Tree trimming that requires the bucket. Call me. Later!"

I never have asked for a down payment but on large job that I'm concerned about payment (or if it is just big and will take several days) I require progress payments. -if this is a one day tree that may be kinda weird butyou could set it up that way anyway.

 

[Trinity Honoria]

I have two businesses-- both service oriented... i applaud your instincts to 'high ball' the $$$. may i suggest that you check at your local courthouse if any other businesses have had to file liens on her property for lack of payment? that would indicate a pattern of non-payment... and perhaps in your area there is a small claims court record system where you can see if others have had to pursue extensive efforts to receive payment for services rendered. you might even be able to do these searches online... these searchs are not time intensive, will help you decide the deposit size, and may protect you from grief later...

 

[Mike Barcaskey]

the saws dont come off the truck with out a signed contract
that's for every job
I dont ask for money up front unless I have a rental involved (crane, bobcat, etc)
Guess I have been lucky, not a single payment problem in 6 years

 

[begleytree]

Around here, money before the job is complete is a big problem. After our '03 ice storm, everyone with a saw and pickup was out, and a great many took payment before job was complete, and never returned to finish. I still get 4-5 calls a month to come finish a job that the homeowner has already paid someone else to do.
I'm not saying you wouldn't complete the job, I just think it points to problems if you have to have money before you even start the job. If you're that worried about this one, your answer is simple: don't do it.
-Ralph

 

[a_lopa]

i wont take payment/deposit till the job is done,if they want a good price make sure its money on the day

 

[ckliff]

Go with yur gut!

Ditto!

Contract everything. Trust your instincts. Dump the wierdos.

 

[darkstar]

well i had a really good feeling about this contractor recently and i got reemed .... only the second time ever .... ive had bad feelings and got paid really quickly you can ask for a copy a cashiers check befor you start .... it sux to work and then not get paid .... id be careful of this one if i were you ... dark

 

[fattyphatcakes]

I do a written contract for practically every job (small jobs for past customers I'll do verbally). Now that I've had a little time to think about it, I think that she probably does have the money and will pay, (stiffing me prolly wouldn't help her paranoia any) but having to deal with her for several days justifies my price being a little on the high side. You never can tell though who actually has money and who doesn't. A 50% deposit, or breaking the job into parts and requiring payment after each part may be wise. Thanks for the advice. I honestly feel pretty indifferent as to weither I win this bid.

Laters.

And R Schra's right about some pretty wierd people having money to spend, some of those people with big brains and big bank accounts also have big problems I'm content with my mental mediocraty and my sanity.

 

[pbtree]

Get it in writing, and get a deposit. If she don't like that idea, then run fast and far...