We agreed in writing (as per NJ state law) to install a filtration system to an existing pond and also clean the pond for this person. Our contract clearly stated "Due to the nature of the work we are unable to give an exact work date. Work will be done between April 26 and May 17. If possible you will be notified 3 days in advance of actual dateDeposit must be received by April 21 to reserve work date."
It should also be noted that he only reason I agreed to work on this project (usually when there is a problem with a pond that we didn't install, we will only take it out and rebuild it) is she stated that she was "personal friends with (I will not involve this other contractor) which turned out to be false.
This person not only constantly called our office demanding certain work dates and that she be home, she showed up at my home office and refused to leave until my wife gave her a firm work date.
Well the day came when I said I would do the work and it was 90 degrees out and the job that was booked ahead of her took longer, but we still went to her home at 7:00 pm at night and did the work that was outlined in the contract. When it came time to get paid she stated that she wanted a written bill and then she would give me a check. Since we do not carry pre-printed bills I informed her that one would be dropped off.
Well this person has now decided that she doesn't like the location of the new filter (it was placed where the old filter was) and wanted us to move it to her choice location for free. Since I don't work for free (as most people I know don't except for volunteer work) I gave her a price to move the filter to cover my costs of material and labor. Now mind you while we installed the filter and she was outside she NEVER requested that it be located elsewhere.
This person has now begun a pattern of harrasing us and filing false police reports as well as frivolous lawsuits. So far she has tried to sue me personally for non performance of the contract, which in her complaint she replied that I did do the work however she felt I needed to learn how to deal with customers, this was dismissed, then I had to attend a Dispute Resolution meeting in the town, I which time she just yelled at me, and now I am heading to court for harrasement charges because I told her that I would get even with her by letting every contractor in the area know she is a liar, thief and deadbeat who doesn't pay her bills.
So exercising my 1st ammendment rights and sharing my experience in dealing with this person I am making this public. I own and manage a well respected business, however I will not tolerate people who sign up for our services and then decide not to pay us because they know the legal system is a mess and use it to get out of paying bills they owe.
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