customer delays job progress....

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JES2727

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NJ
About six weeks ago I signed a contract with a customer to wire an exhaust fan to be installed over a fork truck battery charger. The contract also called for a few other items to be installed and some repairs to some lights. He called me the following week, bitching because I had not started yet. I explained that I was waiting for the exhaust fan to be installed (by others) and that he had not provided me with the info I needed for the permit regarding the fan. He said "But you've got other things you can do in the meantime...." Ok. Two days later I'm on the job getting a scissor lift delivered. My guy was done in 7 days, just as I anticipated. Still no progress on the exhaust fan. We've been off the job for 2 1/2 weeks with no word from the customer. The rental on the lift ends this coming Monday morning. Still no progress on the exhaust fan. I called the customer this morning and explained that the lift rental was ending & I was not optimistic about getting the job done before I sent it back. I suggested that we would have to talk things out and see how we're going to pay for the additional rental time needed. He said " What do you mean how are we going to pay for it?? You have to finish the job! " I said "You're absolutely right, but the lift has been there for 4 weeks!" He said " I'll call you back..." Naturally, he hasn't.
This puts me in a real jam, as the lift costs me $150 a day ($350/week, $650/mo.) and that could really eat up my profit. I intend to pull the lift as scheduled, and listen to him scream. But then things could get really sticky. He owes me about $4000 when the job is complete. On the other hand, the township is threatening to fine him for having a battery charger with no exhaust fan, so he's also in a jam. I don't understand how he can drag his feet like this with the inspectors making weekly visits to check progress.
Any suggestions??

Thanks,
John
 
Re: customer delays job progress....

JES2727 said:
...I don't understand how he can drag his feet like this with the inspectors making weekly visits to check progress...
Click to expand...

He's probably out of money hoping for some receivables to come in and save the day. Casually ask one of his employees if their checks have een drawn on a different bank recently -- one that's out of state. That's a common ploy to buy more float time when someone is in trouble.
 
Send the lift back. No need to pay for a piece of equip you are not using.

Bill the customer for work done to date. Tell him to let you know when the fan is installed so you can have another lift delivered.

When fan gets installed, get another lift and finish the job.
 
tshea said:
Send the lift back. No need to pay for a piece of equip you are not using.

Bill the customer for work done to date. Tell him to let you know when the fan is installed so you can have another lift delivered.

When fan gets installed, get another lift and finish the job.
Click to expand...

But first, find out as much as you can about the fan from the HVAC Contractor who is going to install it. Try to run as much of the fan circuitry a possible before the lift goes back.
 
welcome to the contracting industry!!! we all know the right thing for the owner to do is pay the additional rental fee when the fan is installed--but that ain't gonna happen! i would rig it so you can complete the job as the fan is installed--working with the mechanical guys.

a mechanical buddy went into business the same time i did. he started keeping a list of qualifications which he listed on the back of his proposal papers. and little by little he began covering his butt. this would be an example. other things like "providing secure parking on the site". "jobsite security". "proper lighting and temporary power available". "elevator access during normal working hours".

everytime he got stuck on an issue --- he would add it to his list. when he showed it to me, he had about thirty items -- and as i read them, i remembered needing each of them at one time or another!! it worked for him. i asked if the owners or contractors complained about them -- he said "no" and that when there was a covered item costing him money -- the list got their attention!!!
 
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The contract I use is a generic one which I believe I pulled from MikeHolt.com. It includes protections against "acts of God, municipal interference, labor disputes, etc....." Unfortunately, it says nothing about the customer being negligent and stalling the job and costing me money. Much like CharlieTuna's mechanical contractor friend, I will be sure to include this type of protection on the next one......

John
 
Re:

Re:

JES2727 said:
The contract I use is a generic one which I believe I pulled from MikeHolt.com. It includes protections against "acts of God, municipal interference, labor disputes, etc....." Unfortunately, it says nothing about the customer being negligent and stalling the job and costing me money. Much like CharlieTuna's mechanical contractor friend, I will be sure to include this type of protection on the next one......

John
Click to expand...

I can see this added as an exclusion:

In the event you (the customer) prove to be stupid beyond a reasonable doubt, the contract fee will automatically double.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
 
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