Contacted a specialist mechanic this morning to enquire about a job over the next few weeks, surprisingly he could come to me within the hour. Alarm bells should perhaps have rang but has some good reviews online etc. The particular service be provides he comes to customers.
We agreed on £135 in advance. He said that either bank transfer or cash was fine. All good.
After he was finished, I asked for his bank details to send on the money. He said he had the bank details and would like to be paid there and there. I had presumed most services are happy and prefer to send an invoice but said this was fine.
I tried to add him as a new payee, but do this so infrequently, I forgot the password needed for this and inserted it wrongly several times, the panic didn't help!
I said to him that I would get cash, but would need my husband to bring this, who was a five minute run away with the baby. Out in running buggy, so could get to me quickly not so much vice versa if that makes sense.
Honestly, I never carry my Debit card (use contact less on my phone!) and explained that my husband could go to the nearby cash machine and bring along.
At this point, his tone became hostile, trying initially to go to the cash machine with me, then asking me where I lived and if I could not get cash there, and insinuating we would both go.
All whilst shaking his head and saying 'this is very strange' and putting my car key from the ignition into his pocket.
He seemed to lessen slightly when he heard me phoning my husband and explaining the honest situation to him as well, with the agreement that he would be five minutes.
My husband was along after a very difficult five minutes, and I still feel a bit upset about it all.
I appreciate that he wants to be paid, I would too. But I was taken back by the aggressive tone, the immediate assumption I was trying not to pay, all whilst I tried to explain it was an honest error and trying to arrange a swift solution.
Any thoughts appreciated!