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#1
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
Please see me prior post on Nov 2, 2008. It's subject line is Help!!
This stupid ******* is trying to screw us and I suspect he'll win. I believe he's aiming for his alleged retainer of $1k. I've emailed a lawyer - a personal friend - for a sanity "check." (what else can I call it?) Neither my wife nor I recall his mentioning the $1k retainer he mentioned to us. He also never mentioned arbitration or three-fourths of what's in the proposal that I previously posted. God, I feel stupid Stupid! His "Phase One Proposal" to which he refers ends with the following: "This proposal is good for five (5) days only, unless initiated. Once initiated, it can be terminated by either party, in writing, at any time, with a minimum of one week of notice, when the obligations of each party, relative to this proposal have been fulfilled to date. Retainer amount is non-refundable once contract has been initiated. All parties agree to arbitrate any disputes which may arise, with respect to their specific responsibilities as outlined in this proposal." We sent him an email yesterday stating that we will not be using him. That was in response to his email asking for our response to his "proposal." I hadn't replied; that was my way of not accepting the "proposal." "good for five days only, unless initiated." Yeah, right, we pay him for work we did not authorize. Shiit. As I said, he alleges that we agreed to a $1000 retainer. That's news to me and to my wife.and I think that's what he's trying to weedle out of us. He never mentioned arbitration or anything. Frickin' prick is lying though his teeth. ----- Here's his frikin' email: My name & email address was here "his is a bit of a problem for me, as you gave me verbal authorization to spend up to 8 hours putting together a drawing when we met at your condo. Beyond that, I talked to two different contractors, one extensively about your project. Also, I did what you asked me to do, in terms of writing you an email about the floor construction, putting the preliminary plan together, which takes time, as does the coordination time I would further spend with each of the contractors. My proposal was reflective of this. Similarly, both contractors I recommended to you would have you sign a proposal before beginning any work, based on my drawing or someone else's. I asked you to call me if you had any questions about the proposal I sent. Two weeks have passed and I heard nothing from you to contradict what you had asked me to do, all of which takes time. How do you suggest we handle this? It is unfair to me to leave me hanging, after you praised my methodology in person, when we talked, since I my research made you aware of both the floor situation and the permitting process involved. Again, began this work on good faith and my belief that I would be paid for my time. I have 8 hours of additonal time into this that I believe I need to be compensated for, what should we do about it? I would appreciate a timely response. Thank you." -------- Jesus! It's my own fault. I didn't check the guy out. His name was given to me by |
#2
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
Won't touch either of 'em with a ten foot pole.
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#3
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
Ask him for what he has in writing. Or send him an email stating
that the verbal agreement was that a signed contract/proposal was required before work would commence or money would change hands. This would cast doubt on any "verbal agreement". He sounds like a scam artist plain and simple. He wont "win" anything unless you cave in and pay him. On Nov 14, 6:59*pm, "Info" wrote: Please see me prior post on Nov 2, 2008. *It's subject line is Help!! This stupid ******* is trying to screw us and I suspect he'll win. I believe he's aiming for his alleged retainer of $1k. I've emailed a lawyer - a personal friend - for a sanity "check." (what else can I call it?) *Neither my wife nor I recall his mentioning the $1k retainer he mentioned to us. *He also never mentioned arbitration or three-fourths of what's in the proposal that I previously posted. God, I feel stupid *Stupid! His "Phase One Proposal" to which he refers ends with the following: "This proposal is good for five (5) days only, unless initiated. Once initiated, it can be terminated by either party, in writing, at any time, with a minimum of one week of notice, when the obligations of each party, relative to this proposal have been fulfilled to date. Retainer amount is non-refundable once contract has been initiated. All parties agree to arbitrate any disputes which may arise, with respect to their specific responsibilities as outlined in this proposal." We sent him an email yesterday stating that we will not be using him. *That was in response to his email asking for our response to his "proposal." *I hadn't replied; that was my way of not accepting the "proposal." *"good for five days only, unless initiated." *Yeah, right, we pay him for work we did not authorize. *Shiit. *As I said, he alleges that we agreed to a $1000 retainer. *That's news to me and to my wife.and I think that's what he's trying to weedle out of us. *He never mentioned arbitration or anything.. Frickin' prick is lying though his teeth. ----- Here's his frikin' email: My name & email address was here "his is a bit of a problem for me, as you gave me verbal authorization to spend up to 8 hours putting together a drawing when we met at your condo. Beyond that, I talked to two different contractors, one extensively about your project. Also, I did what you asked me to do, in terms of writing you an email about the floor construction, putting the preliminary plan together, which takes time, as does the coordination time I would further spend with each of the contractors. My proposal was reflective of this. *Similarly, both contractors I recommended to you would have you sign a proposal before beginning any work, based on my drawing or someone else's. I asked you to call me if you had any questions about the proposal I sent.. Two weeks have passed and I heard nothing from you to contradict what you had asked me to do, all of which takes time. *How do you suggest we handle this? *It is unfair to me to leave me hanging, after you praised my methodology in person, when we talked, since I my research made you aware of both the floor situation and the permitting process involved. Again, began this work on good faith and my belief that I would be paid for my time. I have 8 hours of additonal time into this that I believe I need to be compensated for, what should we do about it? I would appreciate a timely response. *Thank you." -------- Jesus! It's my own fault. *I didn't check the guy out. *His name was given to me by |
#4
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
"Info" wrote in message diainc... Please see me prior post on Nov 2, 2008. It's subject line is Help!! This stupid ******* is trying to screw us and I suspect he'll win. I believe he's aiming for his alleged retainer of $1k. I've emailed a lawyer - a personal friend - for a sanity "check." (what else can I call it?) Neither my wife nor I recall his mentioning the $1k retainer he mentioned to us. He also never mentioned arbitration or three-fourths of what's in the proposal that I previously posted. God, I feel stupid Stupid! His "Phase One Proposal" to which he refers ends with the following: "This proposal is good for five (5) days only, unless initiated. Once initiated, it can be terminated by either party, in writing, at any time, with a minimum of one week of notice, when the obligations of each party, relative to this proposal have been fulfilled to date. Retainer amount is non-refundable once contract has been initiated. All parties agree to arbitrate any disputes which may arise, with respect to their specific responsibilities as outlined in this proposal." We sent him an email yesterday stating that we will not be using him. That was in response to his email asking for our response to his "proposal." I hadn't replied; that was my way of not accepting the "proposal." "good for five days only, unless initiated." Yeah, right, we pay him for work we did not authorize. Shiit. As I said, he alleges that we agreed to a $1000 retainer. That's news to me and to my wife.and I think that's what he's trying to weedle out of us. He never mentioned arbitration or anything. Frickin' prick is lying though his teeth. ----- Here's his frikin' email: My name & email address was here "his is a bit of a problem for me, as you gave me verbal authorization to spend up to 8 hours putting together a drawing when we met at your condo. Beyond that, I talked to two different contractors, one extensively about your project. Also, I did what you asked me to do, in terms of writing you an email about the floor construction, putting the preliminary plan together, which takes time, as does the coordination time I would further spend with each of the contractors. My proposal was reflective of this. Similarly, both contractors I recommended to you would have you sign a proposal before beginning any work, based on my drawing or someone else's. I asked you to call me if you had any questions about the proposal I sent. Two weeks have passed and I heard nothing from you to contradict what you had asked me to do, all of which takes time. How do you suggest we handle this? It is unfair to me to leave me hanging, after you praised my methodology in person, when we talked, since I my research made you aware of both the floor situation and the permitting process involved. Again, began this work on good faith and my belief that I would be paid for my time. I have 8 hours of additonal time into this that I believe I need to be compensated for, what should we do about it? I would appreciate a timely response. Thank you." -------- Jesus! It's my own fault. I didn't check the guy out. His name was given to me by I'm not a lawyer but verbal contracts don't mean a thing unless there is some physical evidence to back them up or *both* parties agree there is an agreement. All you have to say is unequivocally "there was no contract". It's your word against his and he is screwed in court (Judge Judy 101). Olddog |
#5
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
On Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:47:43 GMT, "olddog"
wrote: I'm not a lawyer but verbal contracts don't mean a thing unless there is some physical evidence to back them up or *both* parties agree there is an agreement. All you have to say is unequivocally "there was no contract". It's your word against his and he is screwed in court (Judge Judy 101). Olddog Howdy, It may be better than that... If I understand this correctly, there were three people present two of whom believe that no agreement was made. All the best, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." |
#6
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
Kenneth wrote:
On Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:47:43 GMT, "olddog" wrote: I'm not a lawyer but verbal contracts don't mean a thing unless there is some physical evidence to back them up or *both* parties agree there is an agreement. All you have to say is unequivocally "there was no contract". It's your word against his and he is screwed in court (Judge Judy 101). Olddog Howdy, It may be better than that... If I understand this correctly, there were three people present two of whom believe that no agreement was made. All the best, I find rather incredulous that he would create a proposal with such detail regarding remuneration yet he would incur cost without a written contract. I think he's bluffing. I'd let him sue. Just don't ignore any suit related documents that you receive...if you get any. |
#7
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
"Boden" wrote in message I find rather incredulous that he would create a proposal with such detail regarding remuneration yet he would incur cost without a written contract. I think he's bluffing. I'd let him sue. Just don't ignore any suit related documents that you receive...if you get any. I had a situation years ago with my ex-husband's finances. After the divorce I began to receive phone calls and letters demanding payment on his accounts that (we had kept all finances separate). I simply said, "Do you have a piece of paper with my signature indicating that I am responsible for this debt? No? Then never contact me again." Click. I never had anyone contact me more than once. If you didn't sign anything, how can it be a "contract"? |
#8
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
h wrote:
I had a situation years ago with my ex-husband's finances. After the divorce I began to receive phone calls and letters demanding payment on his accounts that (we had kept all finances separate). I simply said, "Do you have a piece of paper with my signature indicating that I am responsible for this debt? No? Then never contact me again." Click. I never had anyone contact me more than once. If you didn't sign anything, how can it be a "contract"? A "contract" is a meeting of the minds regarding an exchange of goods or services for something of value. Only in a few specific instances must the contract be written. There are typically six categories of contracts that need to be in writing: * Contracts involving marriage (including pre-nuptial agreements) * Contracts that convey ownership of real property (land) * Contracts that take more than one year to complete. * Contracts for the sale of goods (not services) above a statutory amount (usually quite high). * Contracts by the executor of an estate where debts are paid from the executor's accounts. * Contracts where one party acts as guarantor for a third persons debt. These rules were first formulated in 1677 and was called the "Statute of Frauds and Perjuries" and the list is still known by the name "Statute of Frauds." I was taught to remember the list by use of the mnemonic MYLEGS (Marriage, Year, Land, Executor, Goods, Surety). Therefore, a vanishingly small number of contracts NEED to be in writing. A perceptible number of contracts actually ARE written down. 99% of contracts - exchanges of goods and services we undertake every day - are not written. In your case, if you lived in a community property state, you are not required to sign any contract for it to be valid. In those states, marriage is presumed to be a partnership and any obligation entered into by one spouse is equally binding on the other. |
#9
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
I'm not a lawyer but verbal contracts don't mean a thing unless there is
some physical evidence to back them up or *both* parties agree there is an agreement. Pah. Next year you'll have to agree that you agreed there was an agreement. A verbal agreement MEANS very much. Of course getting it enforced in court is a different story. Courts make it very handy to lie your way out of an agreement. |
#10
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
On Nov 14, 6:59*pm, "Info" wrote:
Please see me prior post on Nov 2, 2008. *It's subject line is Help!! This stupid ******* is trying to screw us and I suspect he'll win. I believe he's aiming for his alleged retainer of $1k. I've emailed a lawyer - a personal friend - for a sanity "check." (what else can I call it?) *Neither my wife nor I recall his mentioning the $1k retainer he mentioned to us. *He also never mentioned arbitration or three-fourths of what's in the proposal that I previously posted. God, I feel stupid *Stupid! His "Phase One Proposal" to which he refers ends with the following: "This proposal is good for five (5) days only, unless initiated. Once initiated, it can be terminated by either party, in writing, at any time, with a minimum of one week of notice, when the obligations of each party, relative to this proposal have been fulfilled to date. Retainer amount is non-refundable once contract has been initiated. All parties agree to arbitrate any disputes which may arise, with respect to their specific responsibilities as outlined in this proposal." We sent him an email yesterday stating that we will not be using him. *That was in response to his email asking for our response to his "proposal." *I hadn't replied; that was my way of not accepting the "proposal." *"good for five days only, unless initiated." *Yeah, right, we pay him for work we did not authorize. *Shiit. *As I said, he alleges that we agreed to a $1000 retainer. *That's news to me and to my wife.and I think that's what he's trying to weedle out of us. *He never mentioned arbitration or anything.. Frickin' prick is lying though his teeth. ----- Here's his frikin' email: My name & email address was here "his is a bit of a problem for me, as you gave me verbal authorization to spend up to 8 hours putting together a drawing when we met at your condo. Beyond that, I talked to two different contractors, one extensively about your project. Also, I did what you asked me to do, in terms of writing you an email about the floor construction, putting the preliminary plan together, which takes time, as does the coordination time I would further spend with each of the contractors. My proposal was reflective of this. *Similarly, both contractors I recommended to you would have you sign a proposal before beginning any work, based on my drawing or someone else's. I asked you to call me if you had any questions about the proposal I sent.. Two weeks have passed and I heard nothing from you to contradict what you had asked me to do, all of which takes time. *How do you suggest we handle this? *It is unfair to me to leave me hanging, after you praised my methodology in person, when we talked, since I my research made you aware of both the floor situation and the permitting process involved. Again, began this work on good faith and my belief that I would be paid for my time. I have 8 hours of additonal time into this that I believe I need to be compensated for, what should we do about it? I would appreciate a timely response. *Thank you." -------- Jesus! It's my own fault. *I didn't check the guy out. *His name was given to me by He wrote: "Similarly, both contractors I recommended to you would have you sign a proposal before beginning any work, based on my drawing or someone else's." Similarly to what? You didn't sign any proposal agreeing to compensate him for any work. If he's saying he works "similarly" to the other 2 contractors, then he shoudn't have done any work without a signed proposal. Apologize for the misunderstanding and tell him (nicely) that if he wants to take you to court to contact your lawyer. Give him your friend's name and number - or better yet, give him his business card to show him you are serious. I'll wager he never even makes the call. BTW - you said: "I've emailed a lawyer - a personal friend - for a sanity check. How did the lawyer respond? |
#11
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
"DerbyDad03" wrote in message ... On Nov 14, 6:59 pm, "Info" wrote: Please see me prior post on Nov 2, 2008. It's subject line is Help!! This stupid ******* is trying to screw us and I suspect he'll win. I believe he's aiming for his alleged retainer of $1k. I've emailed a lawyer - a personal friend - for a sanity "check." (what else can I call it?) Neither my wife nor I recall his mentioning the $1k retainer he mentioned to us. He also never mentioned arbitration or three-fourths of what's in the proposal that I previously posted. God, I feel stupid Stupid! His "Phase One Proposal" to which he refers ends with the following: "This proposal is good for five (5) days only, unless initiated. Once initiated, it can be terminated by either party, in writing, at any time, with a minimum of one week of notice, when the obligations of each party, relative to this proposal have been fulfilled to date. Retainer amount is non-refundable once contract has been initiated. All parties agree to arbitrate any disputes which may arise, with respect to their specific responsibilities as outlined in this proposal." We sent him an email yesterday stating that we will not be using him. That was in response to his email asking for our response to his "proposal." I hadn't replied; that was my way of not accepting the "proposal." "good for five days only, unless initiated." Yeah, right, we pay him for work we did not authorize. Shiit. As I said, he alleges that we agreed to a $1000 retainer. That's news to me and to my wife.and I think that's what he's trying to weedle out of us. He never mentioned arbitration or anything. Frickin' prick is lying though his teeth. ----- Here's his frikin' email: My name & email address was here "his is a bit of a problem for me, as you gave me verbal authorization to spend up to 8 hours putting together a drawing when we met at your condo. Beyond that, I talked to two different contractors, one extensively about your project. Also, I did what you asked me to do, in terms of writing you an email about the floor construction, putting the preliminary plan together, which takes time, as does the coordination time I would further spend with each of the contractors. My proposal was reflective of this. Similarly, both contractors I recommended to you would have you sign a proposal before beginning any work, based on my drawing or someone else's. I asked you to call me if you had any questions about the proposal I sent. Two weeks have passed and I heard nothing from you to contradict what you had asked me to do, all of which takes time. How do you suggest we handle this? It is unfair to me to leave me hanging, after you praised my methodology in person, when we talked, since I my research made you aware of both the floor situation and the permitting process involved. Again, began this work on good faith and my belief that I would be paid for my time. I have 8 hours of additonal time into this that I believe I need to be compensated for, what should we do about it? I would appreciate a timely response. Thank you." -------- Jesus! It's my own fault. I didn't check the guy out. His name was given to me by He wrote: "Similarly, both contractors I recommended to you would have you sign a proposal before beginning any work, based on my drawing or someone else's." Similarly to what? You didn't sign any proposal agreeing to compensate him for any work. If he's saying he works "similarly" to the other 2 contractors, then he shoudn't have done any work without a signed proposal. Apologize for the misunderstanding and tell him (nicely) that if he wants to take you to court to contact your lawyer. Give him your friend's name and number - or better yet, give him his business card to show him you are serious. I'll wager he never even makes the call. BTW - you said: "I've emailed a lawyer - a personal friend - for a sanity check. How did the lawyer respond? ======== His reply is below. I know the jerk is just trying to rip the "retainer" out of me. I know enough about contract law to It's the frikin principle of the thing. You'll laugh at this: Have these people no shame? Why not just steal some kid's lunch money? The gall of this guy. I can go to the local TV news channels "problem solvers", if need be. The press is the last thing the prick wants. I'm doing nothing but send the email for now. ! Here's a free suggestion, worth exactly what you are paying for it (which, by the way, is nothing - this is a birthday present - happy birthday, belated or otherwise) - I would write him something in simple declarative statements, along the following lines: We called you. You came. No retainer was discussed. We are both absolutely clear about this. You said you would send a proposal. You did. It was good for five days only. We didn't like it. We didn't respond. Your proposal expired. We never agreed to pay you to make a proposal, and we don't owe you any money. See what happens. He can't afford an attorney for this, either. He can take you to small claims, I guess, but he can't use an attorney there, either, and so it will be a fair fight. And there are two of you, and one of him, and I don't like his facts. Good luck. |
#12
Posted to alt.architecture,alt.home.repair
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****t
On Nov 14, 5:59*pm, "Info" wrote:
Please see me prior post on Nov 2, 2008. *It's subject line is Help!! This stupid ******* is trying to screw us and I suspect he'll win. I believe he's aiming for his alleged retainer of $1k. I've emailed a lawyer - a personal friend - for a sanity "check." (what else can I call it?) *Neither my wife nor I recall his mentioning the $1k retainer he mentioned to us. *He also never mentioned arbitration or three-fourths of what's in the proposal that I previously posted. God, I feel stupid *Stupid! His "Phase One Proposal" to which he refers ends with the following: "This proposal is good for five (5) days only, unless initiated. Once initiated, it can be terminated by either party, in writing, at any time, with a minimum of one week of notice, when the obligations of each party, relative to this proposal have been fulfilled to date. Retainer amount is non-refundable once contract has been initiated. All parties agree to arbitrate any disputes which may arise, with respect to their specific responsibilities as outlined in this proposal." We sent him an email yesterday stating that we will not be using him. *That was in response to his email asking for our response to his "proposal." *I hadn't replied; that was my way of not accepting the "proposal." *"good for five days only, unless initiated." *Yeah, right, we pay him for work we did not authorize. *Shiit. *As I said, he alleges that we agreed to a $1000 retainer. *That's news to me and to my wife.and I think that's what he's trying to weedle out of us. *He never mentioned arbitration or anything.. Frickin' prick is lying though his teeth. ----- Here's his frikin' email: My name & email address was here "his is a bit of a problem for me, as you gave me verbal authorization to spend up to 8 hours putting together a drawing when we met at your condo. Beyond that, I talked to two different contractors, one extensively about your project. Also, I did what you asked me to do, in terms of writing you an email about the floor construction, putting the preliminary plan together, which takes time, as does the coordination time I would further spend with each of the contractors. My proposal was reflective of this. *Similarly, both contractors I recommended to you would have you sign a proposal before beginning any work, based on my drawing or someone else's. I asked you to call me if you had any questions about the proposal I sent.. Two weeks have passed and I heard nothing from you to contradict what you had asked me to do, all of which takes time. *How do you suggest we handle this? *It is unfair to me to leave me hanging, after you praised my methodology in person, when we talked, since I my research made you aware of both the floor situation and the permitting process involved. Again, began this work on good faith and my belief that I would be paid for my time. I have 8 hours of additonal time into this that I believe I need to be compensated for, what should we do about it? I would appreciate a timely response. *Thank you." -------- Jesus! It's my own fault. *I didn't check the guy out. *His name was given to me by If you didnt sign anything dont worry, if you did get a registerd return reciept letter out, Him demanding arbitration means he has had trouble. The local court house has his cases on file, once to late I found I hired a guy that lost a case a year. He wants money, forget it. |
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