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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Slow payers

28 replies

Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 08:17

So my dp used to to odd jobs as a handyman as he's very good with his hands. He now works full-time so gave it all up but will very occasionally do some work for regular people. There is one couple in particular who whenever they want anything doing to thier house that insist on my dp doing it as they say they trust him and dont care if he does the work gradually on his weekends off etc. They are on quite friendly terms with him and treat him well giving him drinks and food whilst he's working. My dp does always give them an idea of what he wishes to charge and they always say no problem about the money. Whenever dp is at thier house the work always increases with other bits added on etc and dp has been working full-time and doing thier work which has tired him out at times.
They generally pay up at the end or sometimes dp has small amounts as he's going along.
Dp has probably spent a total of 20 days at thier place doing tiling plastering etc and now it's come to final amount to pay they are delaying and have ignored his phone calls sorry for rambling but how do you think this should be dealt with as its embarrassing to keep reminding somebody to pay and this couple although they do generally pay do have a tendency to be a slow payer they have also ignored the odd request for a small payment whilst work in progress.
I've told dp that he needs to maybe take a more professional stand with them rather than them been mates.

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Itsagreatdaytosavelives · 15/05/2024 08:22

he needs to get his money and not be free next time they need work. im self employed and have done this. 1 customer really needed me and paid in advance as they knew why i was always busy!

Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 08:29

Itsagreatdaytosavelives · 15/05/2024 08:22

he needs to get his money and not be free next time they need work. im self employed and have done this. 1 customer really needed me and paid in advance as they knew why i was always busy!

I know my dp is saying he may not go anymore they are already mentioning they want help with painting and a extension built at the back. Dp only does thier work as they insist on having him as he does a good job. On Saturday when the work was finished the guy asked my dp to call him about the money and my dp called and the guy said okay I need to look at what I've already given you and sort it out that was 4 days ago now.

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Newnamesameoldlurker · 15/05/2024 08:31

He needs to get tough. Send them an official invoice, then a reminder, then a final reminder, then a notice before action letter. He should find his anger a little bit- this is time he's taken away from his family to do a job and they need to pay. He definitely needs to firm up his boundaries a little - it's lovely he's trusting and treats clients like friends, but ultimately he needs to earn a living!

Dappy55 · 15/05/2024 08:32

I feel your pain, my DP has cut down on all the customers like that but still has 1ncouple who sat that they would like a bill emailing and then take their time to pay it. Everyone else does a XFER on the same day.and the old people have cash at the ready. It makes me mad, I would never expect to buy now pay later.

Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 08:35

Newnamesameoldlurker · 15/05/2024 08:31

He needs to get tough. Send them an official invoice, then a reminder, then a final reminder, then a notice before action letter. He should find his anger a little bit- this is time he's taken away from his family to do a job and they need to pay. He definitely needs to firm up his boundaries a little - it's lovely he's trusting and treats clients like friends, but ultimately he needs to earn a living!

Yes I've said the same I've been sitting here on my weekends off whilst he's been there from 10am until 8pm at night and he's gone after a 12.30pm finish on his full-time job on a Friday and worked there until 8pm etc etc.

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Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 08:36

This couple are about to go away tomorrow as well.

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iamtheblcksheep · 15/05/2024 08:38

I used to let people pay me when they got round to it. It just causes no end of stress for me. Luckily I have a service I can withhold without complete payment.

I now have a no item without payment policy for everyone.

Also if I’m doing a big job I take half the money upfront

PickledPurplePickle · 15/05/2024 08:39

They are taking advantage of your husbands good nature. He needs to get tough and chase the payment hard today. No more work for them in future they will have to find someone else

Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 08:42

PickledPurplePickle · 15/05/2024 08:39

They are taking advantage of your husbands good nature. He needs to get tough and chase the payment hard today. No more work for them in future they will have to find someone else

Yes I think there is an element of them taking advantage of his good nature. My dp always does work alot cheaper than what they would pay to a company that specialises in the work so he has saved them alot of money over time.

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Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 08:44

Dp does a great job and is very trustworthy but he's a bit soft as well.

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mrstea301 · 15/05/2024 08:48

If he's too soft or finds it too awkward to chase them for money, could you get involved for these specific clients? I know your DH should be doing it, but if it could move things along he could tell them you're dealing with his billing and you could be a bit more straightforward with them?

echt · 15/05/2024 08:49

He needs to charge the going rate, 50% before the job starts, formal invoice and bank transfer in person on the last day of the job. By the last I mean seeing the screen that shows the transactions has been acknowledged by the bank.

Oh, and don't work for the late payers again.

Total scum not to pay someone on time.

Chasingsquirrels · 15/05/2024 08:50

Obviously he needs to get the money for this work he has already done first, so official invoice with payment terms (immediately or at most 7 days).
If you think they WILL pay but are just slow then chase in your usual way, if you think it is likely that they WON'T actually pay then more official routes (small claims court).

Then going forward, he just doesn't do any more work for them.
They can't "insist" on him doing the work, he just says no. And then says it again. And again.

malmi · 15/05/2024 08:52

Do be careful not to undermine your dp, if he is laid back and knows they do always pay then he may not want you rocking the boat. If you actually need the money to pay bills etc then fair enough to apply some pressure but I would just say to make sure he's on the same page as you and any messages to them should come from him not you

Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 09:02

I asked dp to message them again yesterday and dp is saying I will not message again but it's too thier detriment as they will lose me. I'm saying we need the money though.

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Tourmalines · 15/05/2024 09:23

They are cfs . I doubt making a more professional stand with them would work . When they have paid up your husband should not take on anymore of their commissions .

BloodyAdultDC · 15/05/2024 10:11

How much is he owed op?

Is it so much that he can write it off as a lesson learned, and never work for them again?

Or give them a hard deadline to pay - is there any documentation of the work done, quotes etc - then small claims?

They know they are taking the piss.

Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 11:58

BloodyAdultDC · 15/05/2024 10:11

How much is he owed op?

Is it so much that he can write it off as a lesson learned, and never work for them again?

Or give them a hard deadline to pay - is there any documentation of the work done, quotes etc - then small claims?

They know they are taking the piss.

Unfortunately not they have a very familiar friendly type relationship my dp has done alot for them over last few years. They practically beg him to do thier work say they don't want anybody else only him.

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Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 12:01

He's already had £650 and asked for another 600. My dp has rendered a fireplace plastered 2 rooms, and boarded and tiled all ground floor of house.

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Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 12:04

I think £1250 is reasonable labour cost for all of that as I'm sure a company would charge alot more. They was quoted thousands for an extension so now they are looking at my dp for that. Its not a small house either

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Maryamlouise · 15/05/2024 12:14

Sounds very cheap. Just paid similar for much less work. Surely the fact that they are going away gives him an excuse (not that he needs one but if it feels awkward for him) to message and ask for the money before they are away. Good luck

Dearg · 15/05/2024 12:23

I get that your DP is willing to wait, it I do think he needs to be clear before starting any more work - they clear what they owe him, he quotes them a rate, they pay weekly for work done/ on completion within 48 hours , or no more.
They are CFs

Shinyandnew1 · 15/05/2024 12:26

He needs to send an invoice, get the £600 and then not do any work for them again.

Are you saying they’ve had 20 days of work for him for £1250?! What does that work out an hour?!

Sorry, but he needs to stop doing this. No wonder they want him to do it-he charges peanuts!

Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 12:52

Shinyandnew1 · 15/05/2024 12:26

He needs to send an invoice, get the £600 and then not do any work for them again.

Are you saying they’ve had 20 days of work for him for £1250?! What does that work out an hour?!

Sorry, but he needs to stop doing this. No wonder they want him to do it-he charges peanuts!

Edited

Less than minimum wage tbh

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Lacky301 · 15/05/2024 12:55

I'm going to speak to dp tonight and insist he sends a message if not I'm gonna send a polite one just saying can you transfer as we've had unexpected expenses and things are a bit tight. What you all think

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