Other mechanic work -Non paying customer

Andrew1289

Andrew1289



Hey guys, advise wanted.

I had some time on my hands so I took on a job at my house. I worked on a 1997 seadoo speedster jet boat. Drained the gas tank. Cleaned fuel system, cleaned carbs, rebuild the top end of one of the engines. Changed the pump oil, also changed the steering cable.

I only changed the guy $2100. I think thats a hell of a deal.

The guy was a nightmare. At first the top end was totally siezed to the cylinder. I was going to get an sbt motor, but they had a long wait. The guy
says to me, "If you can not have it done by the end of the week I do not want it done." I said thats fine them come pick it up because thats not possible. Then he goes ok ok, just go ahead and fix it anyway. It took alot of work to rebuild that engine but I was able to get it all done even by the time he wanted it. But meanwhile I got a call back from where I ordered the steering cable. They do not make them anymore. I looked and looked and
could not find one. I told the customer about this and said I will look around for a used one. After two weeks I told him that I could not find one and would take $200 off the price and he would need to figure out the cable on his own. He ignored me for about one month. (I was away working) Then I got a text saying, "I got the cable."

I said I was not happy about him ignoring me but to drop it off and I would install it. So I installed it the next day and the boat is ready to go. I texted him the boat was ready to come pay me and pick it up.

Now he it telling me he wants me to go with him to "sea trial" the boat and pay me after. I am not happy.

I told him to pay me first then I will meet him at the lake to try it. We will see what he says...

I have never had to deal with something like this, I am so frustrated.
 
Matt_E

Matt_E

steals hub caps from cars
Site Supporter
Location
at peace
Whatever you do, do NOT let him take the boat before he pays you. Lock it up until he pays.
I've been there.
 
ntrsspray

ntrsspray

I do DUMB THINGS!!
Location
jersey
Unfortunately you can't just lock up his boat. If there is no written contract he could say the boat is stolen. You should of gotten a deposit for atleast the parts. I work on boats and skis for a living and I have learned the hard way about "favors" and friends. The best thing I would just do the sea trial and tell him to have cash ready bro. Good luck


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Andrew1289

Andrew1289

I have never had a problem with a friend. I would always do the work for free for a friend. This guy is a wack job. I only have like $400.00 into the job.
 
THRUST

THRUST

ThrustInnovations.com
Location
royal palm beach florida
Sounds like my everyday . I have alot of great customers , but noone likes to go to service because they always feel they are getting ripped off because of other dishonest shops out there .
But like said get at least 75% and the other 25% after sea trial hooked up to your truck
 
onlyFX-1

onlyFX-1

Jace Forest...BRAP!
Location
Lake Travis,Texas
Damn puco tha sucks bro! Just say you don't see any harm In getting 50% before sea trial and the other 50% after the sea trial. Never do buisness with a contract also...NEVER!!!!
 
waterfreak

waterfreak

I had a vision!
Site Supporter
Vendor Account
Location
s florida
I would do a sea trial yourself first before going with the customer. If the carbs need adjustments, then you can take care of it then and avoid any problems or issues that may arrise from watertesting with him onboard of which could give him another excuse to not pay you !

If he still refuses to pay, then you can put a mechanics lean on the unit. the boat will belong to you if he does not resolve the bill

i've been in bussiness for 10 years and have had all kinds of experiences like yours. just "nip it at the bud" and you'll be fine!!
 
Waternut

Waternut

Customizing addict
Location
Macon, GA
The Penguin said:
I'd meet him at the ramp for the sea trial.

leave the boat/trailer hooked to your truck until he pays...don't let him haul it to the trial.
Click to expand...

I think this might be the best bet... Lock it to your truck and if he demands you give it to him without paying, say you accidentally left the key at home.

If he gets snippy at the ramp and threatens to report it as stolen, all you have to do is show emails, receipts, or any other form of proof that you've had the boat for months and then question the authorities why it took him this long to report it...

Hope it works out man... People suck!!
 
firemedicmonkey

firemedicmonkey

Erie Surf & Ski
Location
Erie Surf and Ski... Cleveland, OH
Everything everyone has said has been good advice... I have learned this a couple times this summer. From now on everyone since a work order agreement prior to any parts being ordered or any work over 1 hr.

I would at the very least tell him that all of the parts need to be paid for in advance of the seatrial. So atleast your covered there... Then I would do as suggested do the water testing yourself prior to meeting with him... Then I would only agree to a sea trial if he agrees to bring cash...

Have him show you the cash prior... then take him out to the middle of the lake... and tell him to pay up or get out and swim... lol (this also works with chicks... only using a little different currency!) If he doesn't pay you will atleast have time to get the boat back and out of the water and back to your shop before he makes it to shore... Then slap a lein on it and the boat is yours...

hope that helps...
 
Mdavies_02

Mdavies_02

Location
Stouffville, Ontario
firemedicmonkey said:
Everything everyone has said has been good advice... I have learned this a couple times this summer. From now on everyone since a work order agreement prior to any parts being ordered or any work over 1 hr.

I would at the very least tell him that all of the parts need to be paid for in advance of the seatrial. So atleast your covered there... Then I would do as suggested do the water testing yourself prior to meeting with him... Then I would only agree to a sea trial if he agrees to bring cash...

Have him show you the cash prior... then take him out to the middle of the lake... and tell him to pay up or get out and swim... lol (this also works with chicks... only using a little different currency!) If he doesn't pay you will atleast have time to get the boat back and out of the water and back to your shop before he makes it to shore... Then slap a lein on it and the boat is yours...

hope that helps...
Click to expand...

Most entertaining advice by far!
 
tor*p*do

tor*p*do

Squarenose FTW
Site Supporter
Location
NW NC
good luck!
not sure where you are at, but in NC a verbal agreement is as good as a contract
I have let $40,000 jobs with nothing but a verbal agreement and a handshake.
 
nightrider05

nightrider05

Location
St.Louis Missouri
tor*p*do said:
good luck!
not sure where you are at, but in NC a verbal agreement is as good as a contract
I have let $40,000 jobs with nothing but a verbal agreement and a handshake.
Click to expand...

A verbal contract will only stand if both parties agree there was a verbal contract. And a handshake is only as good as the person standing behind the hand.

To think that a verbal contract will actually hold up is pretty naive.
 
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