John, the proclaimed owner, called me the day the job was to start and said he was having staffing issues. He assured me he would be out to start the work by the next morning. Again, he could not start the job and proceeded to avoid me by communicating through text messages. Finally I spoke with him personally and he answered the call by shouting, "WHAT!". He then grew more and more angry as I questioned his ability to even start the job. He was very unprofessional! I was eager to complete the project for several reasons.
He finally started the job and took partial payment, but then several more days passed before I saw any more progress.
Almost 3 weeks have gone by and he sent a text stating he would be by to pick up the remaining balance to finish the job. I was hesitant and should have demanded the job be completed before any more payment was given.
I came home that day and no work was done and I had made final payment. I tried to get in touch and he stated that he was in the hospital and may die, as well as his businees being in trouble and the possibility of his electric being turned off.
OK, I agonized over the fact that if he was telling me the truth, I would feel bad about accusing him of taking advantage of me. After more time passed we finally spoke one last time. He stated that he "honestly" did not want to wrong me but he was unable to do the work and that he had no money to even reimburse me. I informed him that another landscaper was coming out to do some work and I was shelling out another $200, which was less than the amount of work John owed me still. John stated he would pay me back that $200 for starters and then finish what was left in the spring.
I told him that he could pay me back as little as $20.00 at a time once he got back on his feet. Well five months later I'm still S.O.L., as it appears many others in my neck of the woods are!!!
Victim
Sewell, New Jersey
U.S.A.
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