[Hairbone]

So I replaced a service cable damaged by a satellite tv installer and am getting the run around about getting paid.

I followed up with the homeowner after getting the run around by the satellite company and the HO said she received a letter in error from the satellite insurance company stating the satellite dish company had a 5K deductible and would not pay the claim.

How would you proceed?

 

[Big John]

Who called you, the homeowner or the satellite company? I'd bill whoever called me.

 

[MDShunk]

Who were you working for? Sounds like the homeowner hired you. If that's the case, whatever they got going on the side really isn't your concern. Bring out your inner sociopath and collect the debt that is owed by the person who hired you.

 

[chicken steve]

Yep,
rolled up to find a very fried bell drill thru some seu via sat guys drilling from inside the bedroom out a while ago

They are beyond reproach, due to their 'utility immunity', you've about as much chance getting hit by a meteor as them owning up to pay for their bad hairbone

~CS~

 

[MDShunk]

This picture is years old, but here's a nearly identical one I had to patch up from the cable TV guy:

 

[chicken steve]

Nice!

what a shot!


~CS~

 

[Hack Work]

Who signed the contract agreeing to pay for the work you provided?

 

[MDShunk]

Who signed the contract agreeing to pay for the work you provided?

I know where you're headed, but chances are real good that work like that, for at least 75% of electricians out there, there ain't no contract for a little biddy service call like that. Thus, the current problem. He can still collect anyhow. It's just a bigger pain.

 

[Hack Work]

I know where you're headed, but chances are real good that work like that, for at least 75% of electricians out there, there ain't no contract for a little biddy service call like that. Thus, the current problem. He can still collect anyhow. It's just a bigger pain.

I'm the tiny contractor that you are probably thinking of, never spoke to a lawyer or anything like that, I only do small resi service work.

But even on the smallest calls, I still have the customer sign the estimate on the iPad, which contains a terms & conditions page.

Even if it's not 100% bullet proof, at the very least it shows that the customer agreed to pay for that scope of work. In the situation in the OP, I think it would have helped tremendously.

Also, when it comes to multiple parties like this, especially when insurance is involved, I would be very specific up front about who is paying and make it clear that I wouldn't be waiting for insurance to send a check.

The app costs $30 and e-mails really professional looking estimates and invoices right on the spot.

 

[480sparky]

I know where you're headed, but chances are real good that work like that, for at least 75% of electricians out there, there ain't no contract for a little biddy service call like that. Thus, the current problem. He can still collect anyhow. It's just a bigger pain.

Maybe not a written one, but I'm sure there's a verbal one.

 

[sparkie2010]

Who signed the contract agreeing to pay for the work you provided?

That is correct! Who authorized the commencement for the work?

 

[MDShunk]

Maybe not a written one, but I'm sure there's a verbal one.

Uh-huh. Sorta what I was saying, but in a different way.

 

[Sparky J]

I can send you a couple of the POCO insulators you slip on the meter pins that they use around here for non payment.....
Just saying.
Oh and if its the satellite installer feel free to go to his office and sit down and tell them your not leaving until paid in full. It sometimes works for the HO too but not always as easy.

 

[chicken steve]

I'm the tiny contractor that you are probably thinking of, never spoke to a lawyer or anything like that, I only do small resi service work.

I'm so small i have to sit on the handbook to see over the truck dashboard ~CS~

 

[rewire]

We had a cable company call us about drilling through the receptacle wires. We asked for a CC they said they would pay us 30 days after we invoiced them we said we cant do the job without payment at time of service they hung up. A few minutes later the cable guy calls and gives us his personal CC. Seems the cable company had burned to many bridges.

 

[dspiffy]

Interested to hear how this turns out . . . I sincerely hope the satellite company pays the claim and not the homeowner. These guys do enough damage as it is.

 

[CaptainSparky]

NO WORK should ever be started without and agreed price and signed authorization to proceed. The homeowner can submit it to their insurance company for reimbursement less the deductible. In my area a permit is required for that job, and I'd be obligated to complete it and get it inspected regardless of payment.
Work done, no signature, good luck,just hope they have a "do the right thing mentality.

 

[The_Modifier]

This picture is years old, but here's a nearly identical one I had to patch up from the cable TV guy:

Did you save the drill bit?:laughing:

 

[FrunkSlammer]

Even with a signature on a piece of paper or an iPad a customer can not pay. You guys are making it sound like you now got Cousin Vinnie the neck breaker standing beside you and he'll MAKE the customer pay because they signed.

I like Rewire's method of asking for the credit card # ahead of time.

 

[brian john]

We get involved in quite a few insurance jobs. We NEVER work for the insurance company and we make sure the customer knows up front the bill is on them.

The insurance company always has stupid rules they make up, like we don't pay mark up on material, we can get it cheaper, your rates are too high, we didn't authorize OT. I DON'T CARE.