poor economy/ money tight

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Sierrasparky

Senior Member
Location
USA
Occupation
Electrician ,contractor
I've been wondering for some time now. In California there are so many laws protecting the consumer and no really protecting the contractor. Such as everything must be written and signed as far a contracts and changes.

I have had the experience first hand now many times. You have a customer who knows the laws and tries to get you to do work without a signed change order.

For instance : The owner wants to add some wall sconces in each bedroom ( 14 total) and such. So you prepare a change order. You Email it over to be faxed or brought by in person signed and approved. In the change you specify Price good only for the next couple of days and 24 hrs prior to start of drywall. what you get is a YES to the email no signature. You respond back and say I need you to sign it. Days pass and you contact the customer again. He reponds " DON"T YOU BE NIKEL"N DIME ME" You kindly say I can do the work once you return a signed approval. The customer waits till after the time period expires or drywall starts.
Now you have a pissed off customer.

If you had done the work the customer might be happy and it probably would stand in court as the email is probably good enough for that venue. However in Ca. The law states it must be signed. Now you could be in trouble with them if the customer is really looking to save money and stick it to you.

You can't think every customer is a theif, but you should not have to do work on a handshake just cause the customer wants it to be that way.

Any other opinions here.
 

ceb58

Senior Member
Location
Raeford, NC
As Judge Joe Brown says " If it aint in writing, It dont mean nothing"

From what little I have learned here about the contractors and the laws in Ca. it dose seem tough. But there are more consumers than contractors and their voice is louder. The same holds true for any thing. A few ripoff contractors can and will ruin it or make it harder for the legitimate, honest contractor who is trying to make a living for himself. There are also the customers that know the laws and rules better than you and will try and use that to their advantage. Those that will pay and are not looking to screw some one will sign in a timely manner. Those who want to drag it out are the ones to watch out for.
 

Sierrasparky

Senior Member
Location
USA
Occupation
Electrician ,contractor
Well said.

I brought this up because in the last month I had 3 of these instances. The customers were difficult and did not want to sign. In all three cases I completed the work and was paid prompty. One of the customers did not want to pay as per contract and before I was able to say " but that is what you agreed to do" They handed told me to come and pick up a check in 10 minutes. The check was ready and cleared the bank.

I just wonder why the hastle. I don't roll over and play dead so why try!

They do anyway.
 

bolthead

Member
I use this to explain to my customers that a WO must be generated.

"In order for me to do the work I must have a work order(signed contract in your case). If I do not have the WO, I am not doing legally authorized work and I am not covered under insurance. So, if something were to happen, the insurance company would put the responsibility for damages or injury on my employer or on you. So, if you would kindly sign the WO we will both be better protected."

This is not dishonest nor decietful. It is the truth. Insurance companies are in the business of collecting money, not paying it out. If the law requires contract, get the contract. If they get pissed, show them the email you sent them asking for the signature. Make the insurance company the fall guy!
 
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