People who don't return and pay for thier computer repair

Hi,
I have been repairing computers for quite some time. Have never had a
problem with people paying and picking up thier computer till now. I
have a customer who dropped off her computer for repair about three
months ago. Everytime I see her (we live in a small town) she tells me
how she will be over to pick it up "When I get my check next week".

This has been going on too long, and I want my money. She is supposed to
come by today or tomorrow SHE SAID and pick it up, but, somehow, I know
it's not going to happen. I would like to find out how other techs have
handled this situation. What are my options?? Any suggestions are
really appreciated!!
Thanks

Jeff Stelson

"Jeff Stelson" <> wrote in message
news: ...
> Hi,
> I have been repairing computers for quite some time. Have never had a
> problem with people paying and picking up thier computer till now. I
> have a customer who dropped off her computer for repair about three
> months ago. Everytime I see her (we live in a small town) she tells me
> how she will be over to pick it up "When I get my check next week".
>
> This has been going on too long, and I want my money. She is supposed to
> come by today or tomorrow SHE SAID and pick it up, but, somehow, I know
> it's not going to happen. I would like to find out how other techs have
> handled this situation. What are my options?? Any suggestions are
> really appreciated!!
> Thanks
In both of the repair business that I've worked at we had some people that
wouldn't come get repaired machines. We gave them 90 days and then sold
them. We had a sign to that effect on the wall.
Since you're in a small town I'd call her and tell her you need your money
or at least a down payment or you're going to have to put it up for sale.

AG

AG

On Thu, 4 Nov 2004 13:17:33 -0500, Jeff Stelson <>
wrote:

>Hi,
>I have been repairing computers for quite some time. Have never had a
>problem with people paying and picking up thier computer till now. I
>have a customer who dropped off her computer for repair about three
>months ago. Everytime I see her (we live in a small town) she tells me
>how she will be over to pick it up "When I get my check next week".
>
>This has been going on too long, and I want my money. She is supposed to
>come by today or tomorrow SHE SAID and pick it up, but, somehow, I know
>it's not going to happen. I would like to find out how other techs have
>handled this situation. What are my options?? Any suggestions are
>really appreciated!!
> Thanks

Have it clearly posted that you will charge for storage after thirty
days. Make sure, though, that you are able to legally do this in your
community.

Tom

Tom MacIntyre

When in business this will happen, so try not to get too upset about it.
Since you live in a small town it might be better to have patience with her
because it could help your reputation, and if you go and sell her computer
as others have suggested it may kill a lot of future business in your town,
even if your right in doing so.

Maybe the person is going through a very difficult time financially right
now, and be ever so grateful for your understanding and patience, and in
turn tell all their friends what a wonderful person you are and that they
should take their business to you.

IMHO....


"Jeff Stelson" <> wrote in message
news: ...
> Hi,
> I have been repairing computers for quite some time. Have never had a
> problem with people paying and picking up thier computer till now. I
> have a customer who dropped off her computer for repair about three
> months ago. Everytime I see her (we live in a small town) she tells me
> how she will be over to pick it up "When I get my check next week".
>
> This has been going on too long, and I want my money. She is supposed to
> come by today or tomorrow SHE SAID and pick it up, but, somehow, I know
> it's not going to happen. I would like to find out how other techs have
> handled this situation. What are my options?? Any suggestions are
> really appreciated!!
> Thanks

ghz1862

ghz1862 wrote:
> When in business this will happen, so try not to get too upset about
> it. Since you live in a small town it might be better to have
> patience with her because it could help your reputation, and if you
> go and sell her computer as others have suggested it may kill a lot
> of future business in your town, even if your right in doing so.
>
> Maybe the person is going through a very difficult time financially
> right now, and be ever so grateful for your understanding and
> patience, and in turn tell all their friends what a wonderful person
> you are and that they should take their business to you.
>
> IMHO....
>
>
> "Jeff Stelson" <> wrote in message
> news: ...
>> Hi,
>> I have been repairing computers for quite some time. Have never had
>> a problem with people paying and picking up thier computer till now.
>> I have a customer who dropped off her computer for repair about three
>> months ago. Everytime I see her (we live in a small town) she tells
>> me how she will be over to pick it up "When I get my check next
>> week". This has been going on too long, and I want my money. She is
>> supposed to come by today or tomorrow SHE SAID and pick it up, but,
>> somehow, I know it's not going to happen. I would like to find out
>> how other techs have handled this situation. What are my options?? Any
>> suggestions are really appreciated!!
>> Thanks

AGREED!!! I think it it better to accomidate her and possably **gain** a lot
more future business, and repeat business. All the other suggestions telling
to to sell or charge a fee for storage work for the larger repair places.
Although I don't understand why... as a little understanding towards a
person who might be going through money problems would go a long way even
for the "big guys" Good business relations should always outweigh the
dollar. In the long run, that will always pay off!!

My (humble as it is) oppinion.

davemeek
--
Certified since 2001 and still learning! If you want to, you can check
out my 'About Me' page on eBay!
http://members.ebay.com/ws2/eBayISAP...serid=davemeek

poorspeller

My two bits:

My parents used to own a Typewriter/Adding Machine Repair and Office
Supply Business back in the late 70's and early 80's. (I know type-what??)

They had both the after-thirty-day-storage charge and the
sold-if-left-longer-than-90-day thing because they got burned by a lot
people. Unfortunately, IMHO, must people are out there trying to trying
screw who they can in search of saving some almighty dollars.

But, ranting aside, I think that those rules should be posted clearly at
your business and that you should be willing to be flexible with people.
I like the suggestion that you work with her on a payment method, but
remember: write it down and get it signed by both parties. If you want
to put something in there about being able to amend the terms in order
to give her more time, that is fine. Have something to fall back on. If
you rollover, people steamroll over you.

BTW, I'd be careful about the small town thing, because it can work both
ways. If you rollover, she could tell all her friends that you are a
pushover and, well, you know...

poorspeller wrote:
> ghz1862 wrote:
>
>>When in business this will happen, so try not to get too upset about
>>it. Since you live in a small town it might be better to have
>>patience with her because it could help your reputation, and if you
>>go and sell her computer as others have suggested it may kill a lot
>>of future business in your town, even if your right in doing so.
>>
>>Maybe the person is going through a very difficult time financially
>>right now, and be ever so grateful for your understanding and
>>patience, and in turn tell all their friends what a wonderful person
>>you are and that they should take their business to you.
>>
>>IMHO....
>>
>>
>>"Jeff Stelson" <> wrote in message
>>news: et...
>>
>>>Hi,
>>>I have been repairing computers for quite some time. Have never had
>>>a problem with people paying and picking up thier computer till now.
>>>I have a customer who dropped off her computer for repair about three
>>>months ago. Everytime I see her (we live in a small town) she tells
>>>me how she will be over to pick it up "When I get my check next
>>>week". This has been going on too long, and I want my money. She is
>>>supposed to come by today or tomorrow SHE SAID and pick it up, but,
>>>somehow, I know it's not going to happen. I would like to find out
>>>how other techs have handled this situation. What are my options?? Any
>>>suggestions are really appreciated!!
>>> Thanks
>
>
> AGREED!!! I think it it better to accomidate her and possably **gain** a lot
> more future business, and repeat business. All the other suggestions telling
> to to sell or charge a fee for storage work for the larger repair places.
> Although I don't understand why... as a little understanding towards a
> person who might be going through money problems would go a long way even
> for the "big guys" Good business relations should always outweigh the
> dollar. In the long run, that will always pay off!!
>
> My (humble as it is) oppinion.
>
> davemeek

el Diablo

My two bits:

My parents used to own a Typewriter/Adding Machine Repair and Office
Supply Business back in the late 70's and early 80's. (I know type-what??)

They had both the after-thirty-day-storage charge and the
sold-if-left-longer-than-90-day thing because they got burned by a lot
people. Unfortunately, IMHO, must people are out there trying to trying
screw who they can in search of saving some almighty dollars.

But, ranting aside, I think that those rules should be posted clearly at
your business and that you should be willing to be flexible with people.
I like the suggestion that you work with her on a payment method, but
remember: write it down and get it signed by both parties. If you want
to put something in there about being able to amend the terms in order
to give her more time, that is fine. Have something to fall back on. If
you rollover, people steamroll over you.

BTW, I'd be careful about the small town thing, because it can work both
ways. If you rollover, she could tell all her friends that you are a
pushover and, well, you know...

poorspeller wrote:
> ghz1862 wrote:
>
>>When in business this will happen, so try not to get too upset about
>>it. Since you live in a small town it might be better to have
>>patience with her because it could help your reputation, and if you
>>go and sell her computer as others have suggested it may kill a lot
>>of future business in your town, even if your right in doing so.
>>
>>Maybe the person is going through a very difficult time financially
>>right now, and be ever so grateful for your understanding and
>>patience, and in turn tell all their friends what a wonderful person
>>you are and that they should take their business to you.
>>
>>IMHO....
>>
>>
>>"Jeff Stelson" <> wrote in message
>>news: et...
>>
>>>Hi,
>>>I have been repairing computers for quite some time. Have never had
>>>a problem with people paying and picking up thier computer till now.
>>>I have a customer who dropped off her computer for repair about three
>>>months ago. Everytime I see her (we live in a small town) she tells
>>>me how she will be over to pick it up "When I get my check next
>>>week". This has been going on too long, and I want my money. She is
>>>supposed to come by today or tomorrow SHE SAID and pick it up, but,
>>>somehow, I know it's not going to happen. I would like to find out
>>>how other techs have handled this situation. What are my options?? Any
>>>suggestions are really appreciated!!
>>> Thanks
>
>
> AGREED!!! I think it it better to accomidate her and possably **gain** a lot
> more future business, and repeat business. All the other suggestions telling
> to to sell or charge a fee for storage work for the larger repair places.
> Although I don't understand why... as a little understanding towards a
> person who might be going through money problems would go a long way even
> for the "big guys" Good business relations should always outweigh the
> dollar. In the long run, that will always pay off!!
>
> My (humble as it is) oppinion.
>
> davemeek

el Diablo

My two bits:

My parents used to own a Typewriter/Adding Machine Repair and Office
Supply Business back in the late 70's and early 80's. (I know type-what??)

They had both the after-thirty-day-storage charge and the
sold-if-left-longer-than-90-day thing because they got burned by a lot
people. Unfortunately, IMHO, must people are out there trying to trying
screw who they can in search of saving some almighty dollars.

But, ranting aside, I think that those rules should be posted clearly at
your business and that you should be willing to be flexible with people.
I like the suggestion that you work with her on a payment method, but
remember: write it down and get it signed by both parties. If you want
to put something in there about being able to amend the terms in order
to give her more time, that is fine. Have something to fall back on. If
you rollover, people steamroll over you.

BTW, I'd be careful about the small town thing, because it can work both
ways. If you rollover, she could tell all her friends that you are a
pushover and, well, you know...

poorspeller wrote:
> ghz1862 wrote:
>
>>When in business this will happen, so try not to get too upset about
>>it. Since you live in a small town it might be better to have
>>patience with her because it could help your reputation, and if you
>>go and sell her computer as others have suggested it may kill a lot
>>of future business in your town, even if your right in doing so.
>>
>>Maybe the person is going through a very difficult time financially
>>right now, and be ever so grateful for your understanding and
>>patience, and in turn tell all their friends what a wonderful person
>>you are and that they should take their business to you.
>>
>>IMHO....
>>
>>
>>"Jeff Stelson" <> wrote in message
>>news: et...
>>
>>>Hi,
>>>I have been repairing computers for quite some time. Have never had
>>>a problem with people paying and picking up thier computer till now.
>>>I have a customer who dropped off her computer for repair about three
>>>months ago. Everytime I see her (we live in a small town) she tells
>>>me how she will be over to pick it up "When I get my check next
>>>week". This has been going on too long, and I want my money. She is
>>>supposed to come by today or tomorrow SHE SAID and pick it up, but,
>>>somehow, I know it's not going to happen. I would like to find out
>>>how other techs have handled this situation. What are my options?? Any
>>>suggestions are really appreciated!!
>>> Thanks
>
>
> AGREED!!! I think it it better to accomidate her and possably **gain** a lot
> more future business, and repeat business. All the other suggestions telling
> to to sell or charge a fee for storage work for the larger repair places.
> Although I don't understand why... as a little understanding towards a
> person who might be going through money problems would go a long way even
> for the "big guys" Good business relations should always outweigh the
> dollar. In the long run, that will always pay off!!
>
> My (humble as it is) oppinion.
>
> davemeek

el Diablo

I too live in a small town and even in a small town you have to get paid or
you go out of business. Most people understand that and the ones that don't
probably aren't worth doing business with.
We've all got to pay our bills and all we have to sell is our knowledge and
abilities.

AG
"poorspeller" <> wrote in message
news:8RCid.98489$tU4.75429@okepread06...
> ghz1862 wrote:
>> When in business this will happen, so try not to get too upset about
>> it. Since you live in a small town it might be better to have
>> patience with her because it could help your reputation, and if you
>> go and sell her computer as others have suggested it may kill a lot
>> of future business in your town, even if your right in doing so.
>>
>> Maybe the person is going through a very difficult time financially
>> right now, and be ever so grateful for your understanding and
>> patience, and in turn tell all their friends what a wonderful person
>> you are and that they should take their business to you.
>>
>> IMHO....

AG

"Barry Watzman" <> wrote in message
news:...
> It really needs to be dealt with before the fact (agreement up front,
> signed by the customer as part of the work order).
>
> What I'd recommend is a storage charge after 30 days, computer to be
> sold for repair & storage costs after 90 days.
>

That gives her the opportunity to buy it back also...
with a fair amount of warning...
Send a letter to her a week prior to sale date..
(37 cents added to bill of course)....
what can she say about your
reputation when you have given 90 days to retrieve her machine and
a letter stating she has one week left to get it....


--
<B0N3H3@D>
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." Albert Einstein

«bonehead;\)