Its a common problem. Next time make sure you have some kind of written
contract, make sure you get some kind of deposit (eg. 1/3 of total), and
be fully willing to threaten to put a lien on the property if you don't
get paid.

Electric company? You don't pay your bill and they will disconnect you,
and some of them will ask for a big fee to re-connect you, and maybe a
security deposit too. And the post office will return your envelope if you
don't have postage on it.

My father did "individual" work when I was a kid (long ago) and he said
that, at least at that time, the worst payers were the doctors and lawyers
at paying their bills.

On Tue, 16 Jun 2009, Bill wrote:

Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:26:15 -0700
From: Bill
Newsgroups: alt.home.repair, misc.consumers
Subject: You can come get the money I owe you...

These self-centered "me" generation people are really something!

I did some free remodeling work for a young friend about 10 months ago.
Prior to doing this work, my friend assured me he would reimburse me for all
the materials I needed buy to do the work...

When I was done with the work, I gave him a copy of all the receipts for
things I had purchased as well as an itemized list and total amount he owed
me. Again my labor was free.

So the months rolled by and not a single dime came my way. But in the mean
time, my friend purchased all sorts of expensive "toys" for himself (he
makes very good money). Like fancy wheels/tires for his car (the old tires
were fine), a new very expensive entertainment system for his house, and on
and on.

I kept reminding him of the money owed to me...

Well after 10 months of this, he finally mentioned something about paying
me. He said he would total up the receipts I gave him. I again gave him a
copy if the itemized list I have given him 10 months prior.

After a couple of weeks, he called me and said "You can come and get the
money I owe you!"

I think I will try this with my electric bill. I'll call the electric
company and tell them I have the money for their bill and they can come and
pick it up!

Geeze these people are really something!