NEED ADVICE on how to handle terrible situation PLEASE

[wingtime]

Take pictures!  When you pick up the boat when/if they finish it take pictures.  Or if you drop in to see how the work is progressing...  take more pics of what they have done sot far.  Make sure the date stamp on your camera is turned on and the date and time is set correctly.  This way you have evidence for when you take this low life to small claims court!   I'd be careful of writing a check and then canceling it.  In some areas that can be illegal and get you in deeper trouble.    The big question here was there anything in writing about the promised delivery date?  If so then what did it cost you by not having your boat for this event?  Document those costs.  Your main goal here is to get your boat back!  The second goal is to get what you paid for..  that is the live well installed like you asked for and acceptable workmanship that you contracted him to do.  I just hope the only bad thing so far is him getting the job done late...  I really don't want to hear about them just slapping the thing together just to get it done and do a sloppy job just to get you out of their hair.

One thing I have learned is NEVER tell a body shop to take their time.  You'll never see it any time soon!  LOL  I think that same rule applies to fiberglass work on boats too.   I used to have a friend that had a body shop next to my workshop.  I used to overhear him talking to customers and they told him to take his time or he said "OH it won't take long"  As soon as his customer left I would start laughing at him..  He would tell me to shut up and then laugh back knowing what I was laughing about...  They wouldn't see that thing done anytime soon!  LOL   But he was a good guy that did good work..  and if you REALLY needed it by a certain day he would get it done.

[GoneFission]

Since it seems you have missed your deadline, it's too late to threaten much.  Besides, they've got your boat and pi$$ing them off will not help your work quality.  If you still have a chance at the tourney, tell them you need the boat ASAP (tomorrow) - if they can't get over their hangover and get your boat ready, you will flame their name over THT, CS, utube, and anybody else who will listen!

[Treefish]

You need a boat to use for that tournament? My 19-6 is waiting for you in Lakeland.

[seabob4]

You need a boat to use for that tournament? My 19-6 is waiting for you in Lakeland.

Now THAT is an offer!!!  

[MarshMarlowe196]

So... did you have a contract of any kind on the completion date?  If not, I guess I would view it as a lesson learned, and one I'll learn vicariously...  

As mentioned, at this point, you've possibly been financially affected by not having your boat for the tourny.  If you had any kind of contract, you might at least be able to get a free livewell if you want to pursue it further.

I know we can't slander businesses on this board (for good reason), but maybe you can PM the entire Florida group on this board and name names.  That way, if anything else, they wont get anymore of OUR business.

[RickK]

I know we can't slander businesses on this board (for good reason), but maybe you can PM the entire Florida group on this board and name names.  That way, if anything else, they wont get anymore of OUR business.

That's the beauty of the Usergroups and PMs  :!:

[Keith Knecht]

Wes,

I just saw this.  I'm so sorry.  I'll never recommend these guys again and I'm taking their # out of my phone.  I know you were happy with the first job that they did for you but this is beyond words.

[Capt Matt]

PM me the company name, I am curious but not surprised as a lot of fiberglass/boat places seem to operate like this.
That really sucks they treat people like that. Guess they think they are that good they don't need repeat business and referrals.
Capt Matt

[gran398]

wes,

Sorry late to the discussion, have been off the board for the last couple days, gone fishing.

Funny thing about the boat repair biz...really makes no difference where you are. For some reason, some of them act like they are doing you a favor to take your money. Next week means next month...maybe. And they NEVER feel bad about lying to you...another excuse, another week.

The only thing that seems to work is the expose' route. At the very least, its feel-good finality. Don't get mad, get even. And take it from me as the unfortunate star of the Caveat Emptor thread. Not what most people would like to be known as.

 Been boat-screwed more times than Carter has pills...and you know why? Because I was brought up to respect people, and take them at their word.

First step: Go there personally, unannounced, with a well-dressed, attractive, obviously successful accomplice.

This person will appear to them as an attorney, police detective, insurance investigator, etc.

Your friend will have in their hand a clipboard, with pre-printed pages (think initial doctor's office visit)
They politely say hello, state their name...but that's it. You begin asking short, specific questions. They follow the two of you around like a dog in heat, scribbling furiously...flipping pages...saying nothing. Professional. Question session ends, you nod and depart immediately.

Remember how they ignored your calls? An hour later...it's a Miracle! They found your number!

It works.

Last step is the media. Local newspaper is the best, hangs around permanently as opposed to a 15 second blurb on the late news. At this point, there will be no chance for monetary retribution to you...you've been had, and it is a public service announcement.

But for them...its a tick in the middle of their back that can't be pulled off. Just keeps sucking.

[Circle Hooked]

First step: Go there personally, unannounced, with a well-dressed, attractive, obviously successful accomplice. This person will appear to them as an attorney, police detective, insurance investigator, etc.Your friend will have in their hand a clipboard, with pre-printed pages (think initial doctor's office visit)They politely say hello, state their name...but that's it. You begin asking short, specific questions. They follow the two of you around like a dog in heat, scribbling furiously...flipping pages...saying nothing. Professional. Question session ends, you nod and depart immediately.Remember how they ignored your calls? An hour later...it's a Miracle! They found your number!It works.

Man i like that,need to remember that one.

[wessnapp]

When I get infront of a computer, I will be far more descriptive and public with this.  In short, I finally texted the installer at 3:30 on Thursday to check in status.  He called back almost immediately and said live well was ready and I needed to bring an extra $70 for material an labor overages.  

Upon arrival, he had not done but 60% of the work and went into a profanity last tirad.  Said that is all he is doing.  "Give me the full amount plus the extra $70 and you can have your boat.  Otherwise, go away until you have your money."

So many things are missing, not done, and so far from the scope of the project that I could only laugh.  Never raised my voice, nothing.  Just paid and drove away with the boat.  But I did take pictures, I did get his signature on getting paid, and I WILL be taking several different courses of action against them.

An attorney said I can't make their names public until I give the company 10 business days to accept fault, complete job, and fix all outstanding issues after receipt of certified letter.  

That kinda sucks.

[RickK]

An attorney said I can't make their names public until I give the company 10 business days to accept fault, complete job, and fix all outstanding issues after receipt of certified letter.  

That kinda sucks.

But good info for all of us to learn and remember :!:

[love2fish]

you never said- did you have a contract written up agreeing between you and the company- what you were paying for ( scope of the job and expected/promised delivery dates) when you paid the deposit?

[seabob4]

Now, I'm sorry, but "labor overages" is simply a bunch of BULLSHIRT!!  I quote a customer as to what it is going to cost him, labor-wise, to do the job.  Now, unless the customer asks for additional items or what have you that were not part of the original quote, that's what he will pay.  Because it takes me longer than I had expected, well, that's MY problem!!

These guys (yes, I know who the company is) are just sorry a$$ pieces of crap!!! :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x  :x

[pete]

Sorry to hear this story,boating is supposed to be fun,my recent experience with my cracked t top and re-upolstery was the exact opposite,no money up front,job completed on time or early.Good luck and let us know how we can help!