Windlass Installation Rip Off

[gearyg]

Not sure if this is the correct forum or place, but any help on the below would be great.

I contracted for a windlass to be installed and gave the guy $1,300 and he took one of my batteries (to swap out for a group 27) and is not answering my calls. Prior to, he gave me so many excuses not to show up, he is a mobile electrician. He claims to purchase everyting from West Marine, but not sure if he actually buys anything at all. Does anyone know any avenues I can pursue to get this guy? I have a signed contract between us and he cashed a check of mine. He also promised to send me an invoice, but hence getting the money, he never did..

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Windlass Installation Rip Off

Never pay until the work is done, that said I will offer you this old-fashioned solution. Camp out at his place until he shows, inform him that he has X-days to finish the job to your satisfaction. If he disappears again, repossess the doors on his house...funny what people will do to get their doors back, especially if they have stuff in the house worth keeping. Not a joke either...had a landlord once who would "impound" the doors of late-paying/no-paying tenants. Always seemed to work.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Windlass Installation Rip Off

Never pay until the work is done, that said I will offer you this old-fashioned solution. Camp out at his place until he shows, inform him that he has X-days to finish the job to your satisfaction. If he disappears again, repossess the doors on his house...funny what people will do to get their doors back, especially if they have stuff in the house worth keeping. Not a joke either...had a landlord once who would "impound" the doors of late-paying/no-paying tenants. Always seemed to work.

Sure, go ahead and do that! Just wear clean clothes for when the police pick you up for stealing. The landlord owns the property, so he can do that. Send the guy a certified letter. You probably dont want this guys doing any work for you so try to get your money. Small claims court and bbb. Good luck.

 

[rob711]

Re: Windlass Installation Rip Off

have a friend call him for a estimate....when he shows up you could surprise your money out of him!!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Windlass Installation Rip Off

You could try confronting him at his shop, but I doubt he will pay you, and if you do get a check, it will probably bounce.

I would send him a certified letter explaining that you want your money and battery back by X date or you will take the matter to court. Then follow through.

 

[RubberDuckie]

Re: Windlass Installation Rip Off

Get a lawyer

 

[pgdignan]

Re: Windlass Installation Rip Off

Go to the local courthouse and fill out the small claims form and file a suit. Probably only costs around $35 to file. Then just follow the procedures as laid out on the complaint form and send him notice of the suit. If he doesn't show up on the date set, you win, file a lien and contact the sheriff's office. If he does show up, based on what you've got in your possession, you'll still win. Get a lawyer, he can sue for you and probably recover his fee at the same time (and likely get you treble damages as well for willful breach of contract).

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Windlass Installation Rip Off

Preferably a legal beagle who knows how to remove doors!

 

[bigboneli]

Re: Windlass Installation Rip Off

Never pay until the work is done, that said I will offer you this old-fashioned solution. Camp out at his place until he shows, inform him that he has X-days to finish the job to your satisfaction. If he disappears again, repossess the doors on his house...funny what people will do to get their doors back, especially if they have stuff in the house worth keeping. Not a joke either...had a landlord once who would "impound" the doors of late-paying/no-paying tenants. Always seemed to work.

This is VERY true!

I'm a painter/tile layer/taper/u name it/ and do a lot of work for a friend who has several rental properties. It's funny how the ones who can't/won't pay their rent always go to the rental tribunal wanting repairs and saying that's why they can't/won't pay...Which btw isn't allowed...Anyhow, everytime I go into one, he's always wanting me to pull the front door off (which you CAN argue is necessary for whatever it is you're fixing.) Not too sure how that would fly if he actually owned his house, but what the hell

I know this doesn't relate/help you with your problem, just saw the bit about the landlord and his love affair of doors and had to chime in.

Keep on him...Phone him...Let others at your local marina/s know about him. Failing that, contact your lawyer...You have a cashed check and an invoice, but no service performed...Sucks to get that far into it, but hey...Next time, work first, scrilla later!

Paul