[Jeff.Chicago]

Recently, I painted all the windows, doors, and garage door for my best friends mom! I gave her the estimate and she accepted all the terms. On the day that I finished the job, she owed me $2100.00 and paid me $1600.00 of it and asked if she could send me a check for the balance in 2 weeks.
The 2 week check deadline was the 7th of June, and I still have not received anything.
I did send her a friendly reminder last Wednesday just to touch base just in case she forgot. This is one of those situations we all hate because as we all know business is business, but friends and business are a whole other deal!

Any suggestions would help greatly!

Thanks!!!!! Jeff

 

[HomeGuardPaints]

never been in that situation, but you can be pretty certain that if she hasn't paid then it probably because she can't. She doesn't want to have to dodge your bill any more than you want to chase her down for it. I would give it a week and then stop by. also when money is tight, fridays are the best day to stop by and the 15th and 30th(government and SS pay days). More likely to get something when they have it.

 

[Housepainter]

If she has tight money situation, and to keep your chances open to collect, offer to finance the balance at a fair rate of interest. None of us are in the banking business...but it is an alternative...:blink::yes:

 

[JNLP]

I would kindly explain the situation with your friend, maybe he knows what's up with her & can help get it worked out. I know if my friend said my mother owed him $500, I'd cough it up for him & have a chat with mom later on about her paying me back. :thumbup:

 

[Brush and Roller]

As stated earlier, she probably needs to be set up on a payment plan. I'd have a talk with her and make some kind of arrangement for regular payments. It's not an ideal solution, but you do get payment and you don't come across as an ass picking on little old ladies, not to mention your best friend's mom!

 

[vermontpainter]

I dont know how hard I would chase my best friends mom for $500 that she doesnt have. But I sure would get it out of my best friend, one way or another.

 

[slickshift]

Interesting you all (replies) feel she needs more time to pay or doesn't have the money
I automatically thought she feels that's what she should pay and is hoping that Jeff will "forget" the rest

Normally Jeff, if this were a regular customer, I'd suggest starting the lien process
An "Intent To Lien" letter can sometimes loosen up the purse strings
And in most states you have a limited window of opportunity to send it

But as this is your best friend's mom, and I'm assuming there's no signed contract, count the money as tuition paid to the School of Real Life, and don't ever work w/o a signed contract again

I'd also strongly suggest a NoFriends/NoFamily rule
...at least, don't ever do any work for Fam/Frnds that you can't "eat" (not get paid)
It might work out OK a few times, but it'll bite you at some point

 

[crow]

Im with the slikshift guy on this one, verm your a scary little dude. last time I heard someone say "one way or another" it wasent pretty! and involved stiches! (your a bad little man) but Id ask my BF if his momma was havin $ problems? Hed might help, or at least go ask his momma. and that might cause her to feel bad and pay up if she could. either way Id go through the BF, just because she hadent responded to you.

 

[Jeff.Chicago]

You guys are great and I really appreciate the replies! As far as her financial situation, she has PLENTY of money so that is definitely not an issue. She actually owns her own chocolate candy making business and is very successful on the North Shore of Chicago.
I think if I do not receive anything by Friday I will call her to see what the situation is and see when she plans on making the payment.

 

[Purdygirl]

Working for family & friends is always tricky.. first they want a killer deal, "You charge WHAT per hour?!?! and a killer job, then they want to be flexible with the payment process...
Trading is always good in these situations, no money transactions. My brother is a mechanic (I'd paint anything for him, anything..) my cousin is a lawyer, I have a friend who's a doctor, there's the uncle who's a wine maker... you get the picture.
Maybe you should just take $500 worth of chocolates.. :thumbup: I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

[Jeff.Chicago]

Maybe you should just take $500 worth of chocolates.. :thumbup: I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Thats a lot of damn chocolate! LMAO!!!!!!!!!

 

[crow]

Yea we tend to do allota barterin round here too. fresh beef and such, they usually toss in some fresh meat just to say hey, its not considered payment. just how it is in the rual areas. but, if she got $ then Id be a little more agressive bout it. that changes the game. pay up man!

 

[crow]

Whats she look like no how? not sugestin nothin just wonderin,

 

[ewingpainting.net]

I would give her on last chance, then take her to small claims, after all she did even have the respect to call you or respond to your reminder. Just because your friends she doesn't have the right to not pay you for a service you provided for her. I would think your friend would understand, if not then is he that great of a best friend?

 

[mistcoat]

Same as Slick and Vermont

You've done the work, you want paying.
Can't go to your local grocery store and offer to pay for half your monthly shop now and the rest "whenever i got it" can you?!!!!

"One way or another" - is good for me. :shuriken: :gunsmilie:

Hahaha!

mistcoat (UK)

 

[Jeff.Chicago]

I called her yesterday, and she stated that she was out of town for ten days and she said that she mailed the check on Wednesday, and I'm happy to say that it came in the mail today. So thanks everyone for your replies!!!!!!!!

 

[slickshift]

...and the villagers rejoiced


VILLAGERS (all) : Hooray!!!

 

[Jeff.Chicago]

hahahah!

 

[paint_booger]

And you get to keep your friend ... good for you!

I have a job on the Gold coast ... I was going to boycot chocolate.

I'm back on the coco bean.

GURU