Small claims? Issues with tradesman

[HGC2]

Had work done on property by a local, highly recommended company. Work was completed and stupidly I paid cash. They said they’d be back the next day to clear the site and are now refusing. There is timber, bricks etc left lying. Can I take them to small claims or have I not got a leg to stand on as paid already?

The problem with small claims is that even if you win the case the small claims will not enforce payment. You will have to spend additional money to employ bailiffs to collect, assuming the tradesperson actually has any money or goods to collect in the first place.

The only satisfaction we got from our case was knowing we had stuffed up his credit rating for a few years.

You would probably be better off using local social media and other feedback spaces to mention their poor attitude and warn other people off them

And put out notices offering the materials for free collection to community groups, community gardens, etc

Thank you

Are they on checkatrade where you can post a review. You are not alone, we paid a guy for some guttering, he did the job, but left behind his ladder and rubbish, made every excuse under the sun about why he couldn’t come around, about 30 messages later and 3 weeks, he finally came.

As a pp noted it’s not worth taking them to small claims
Obviously you know by now
never pay cash and
never make the final payment till everything is complete including clearing and cleaning the site