[excelcrewe]

i cleaned a range the customer  paid by cheque. later that evening the customers husband rang and said ihope you are coming back to finish off . he said ovens and hob were still dirty. some marks were left on hob ,burnt on . ovens had some marks burnt on. marks burnt on will not come off. any way he says he is stopping the cheque,surely he cannot do this? what can i do?

[John Kelly]

Was this pointed out to the customer at the time? It should be, preferably in writing before you start. If it wasn't then you are on sticky ground. Just like a carpet cleaner not qualifying that all the stains may not be removed.
If it was pointed out then insist on being paid or threaten them with court action.

[Jan K]

not sure where you stand with this one, but I would take a photo of the before and after next time   

[*Chris Browne]

I would get a satisfaction note signed on completion on any job of this kind.

[excelcrewe]

i think husband is trying it on ,i have never had any complaints before. common sense is usually seen by the customer, you cant make something better if it is worn.

[steve doyle]

I think this is the link,

www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp.

just file the claim, 10 mins. they will be shocked and most likely pay up straight away. if not they will have to justify paying you nothing (impossible unless you never turned up).

i wouldent bother contacting them or talking to them, just make the claim. but dont let them off, whatever you do, or it may not be the last time it happens to you!

steve

[drivewasher]

It's a criminal offence to stop a cheque to avoid payment. The whole point of signing a cheque is to make the money available to the payee, when you sign a cheque thats a contract for payment, if the customer has any gripes with the work you've done then he should contact you asking you to put it right. If you then don't he should issue you a small claims for his money back or compo

[J. Deans]

The money claim online is great.
But, it does stipulate that you should try every other reasonable means to recover your money first.

So if I were you, I would put the cheque into the bank and see if it clears first.
Then, if it doesn't, your bank should return it to you. Contact the client and politely explain that the signature on the cheque constitutes a written acceptance of satisfaction with the work you carried out. Explain that you are prepared to take legal action and that he will become liable for the costs. You must give him a reasonable amount of time to send another payment - usually 14 days.

Try to do everything in writing and keep copies. After doing this, if he still refuses to pay, then fill out the claim online. He will receive notification from the court in a matter of days and will probably call you and be a bit upset.
Explain to him that you can withdraw the claim at any time, but there is a time limit, where the court will pass judgement regardless. Also explain that it is unfortunate that he must also now pay the £30 cost as well as the money he owes you before you will withdraw the claim. And just to ensure things run smoothly, tell him you must receive a cheque at least 5 days before the deadline to allow it to clear.

Most reasonable people would see you are serious and pay up straight away. If he doesn't, just leave it to the court.

If, and when, he does pay you in full, it is a simple call to the court to let them know you are withdrawing the claim.

Hope this helps...

[excelcrewe]

cheque has not cleared , bank says cheque was stopped. court next stop.thanks for the help guys.

[dg-cleaning]

good luck excel!