[Question] Possibly screwed out of R1.3k

[Perform Computers]

Hi guys,

Yesterday I did IT support work for a public school & the bill came to R1.3k

They have to have two people signing the cheque, so I couldn't get a cheque yesterday as the one "lady" wasn't there to sign it. Principal told me to come to the school today to pick it up.

Called this morning before I went, & the Principal said it'll be ready when I get there as he was off to get it signed. Got to the school, no cheque. So he says he'll deliver it today to me.

Told him I'll meet him at a public place so he doesn't have to drive all the way out to me.

Called him now on his cell phone, phone is off. I'm really worried here. Think the bugger screwed me out of R1.3k. Sent him an SMS.

Here's the kicker.... Like a complete IDIOT I didn't get him to sign a job card.

Any advice? The school's re-open again on the 18th July. Please I know I'm an idiot for not getting a job card signed, so no need for replies with regards to my stupidity

What should I do? Wait till the school re-openes to get my money?

Dammit! I'm so mad right now.

[Mark Atkinson]

Give it a while.

The school holidays are periods when staff aren't at the school very often.

I do some IT work for a public school an sometimes it takes a while to be paid, but I'm invariably paid out eventually.

Just keep calling. I'm sure you'll get some joy eventually. I don't think he has much incentive not to pay you, since it's not actually his money.

[Perform Computers]

Thx Mark. He called me now & I'm picking up the cheque tomorrow. Let's hope all goes well.

Can't believe I'm such an idiot for not getting a job card signed.

I hate cheques. Oh my gosh.

[Mark Atkinson]

I'm lucky enough to have them EFT the amount straight into my account.

Thank goodness I have a decent support structure at the school (my mother teaches there and knows which strings to pull) otherwise things may not be as efficient as they currently are.

Also hate it when a client gives me a cheque. So frustrating.

[KimH]

Glad you got it sorted out.

[Perform Computers]

It gets worse. Cheque amount is R1304.00

Woman goes and writes, "One thousand three hundred and four CENTS only". Sigh

Now I have to go fetch a NEW cheque tomorrow. At least the Principal apologized for the inconvenience.

[Dave A]

Accidents happen
Although this is starting to sound a bit like they might be stalling for the next batch of school fees to come in.

I can remember all to well the days of picking up a payment, being handed a closed envelope, and being too polite to examine the contents right there on the spot. Got caught out with the contents not being quite as advertised a few times

Error between amount in words and amount in figures, wrong date, wrong year, unsigned cheque, some alteration they're sure is going to be OK and the bank sure isn't going to accept, wrong beneficiary, cash R100.00 short... Seen them all.

I have no such qualms nowadays.

Goes with the territory, I guess.

[AndyD]

Keep the cheque you have until they replace it with a correctly written cheque. At least by giving you a cheque, even though it has a mistake on it, they have shown intent to settle the invoice so this should negate the need for a signed jobsheet if the matter were to end up in court.

I'm tempted to say it might be a genuine mistake, if you had presented the cheque at your bank they would have incurred costs if it was returned because of a mistake on it.

[Perform Computers]

Yup, still have the faulty cheque. I'm picking up the new cheque today at 10am. Will DOUBLE CHECK it before I leave . :-)

[sterne.law@gmail.com]

A cheque is as good as an acknowledgment of debt.
In the case that you need to pursue, very easy now. Provisional summons, attach cheque, serve. Will have a judgment witgin 30 days. No defence against a cheque. only defence in tems of provisional summons is signature is not mine or not my agent.

[Perform Computers]

Cheque collected.

Cheque banked.

It's all over now. Thank goodness.

[KimH]

Glad to hear it

[Dave A]

[AndyD]

Glad to hear it worked out Andrew, I love a happy ending.

[apprepcen]

What about customers who just decides to take a discount for themselves? This customer was invoiced R1400 and did not pay it for a few weeks. Yesterday I saw that she paid R1000. In my mind I have already written the total amount off. She will be the first I blacklist when I monopolize the appliance repair business in this town. If any of her machines give but a small problem, she will have to replace it.

I heard a good one the other day. These devilfork fences and motorized gates really backfired. The repair company was not paid and the owner used a thick chain and lock to lock the customer into his own yard. Then he sat outside the gate and waited until he was brought the cash. Some R6000.