Very poor service from window supplier, I withheld 8% but now debt collector threat

Hi All

Last year I purchased windows from a company whose level of service was just terrible.
Eventually (about six months late) we got the order finalized, but with so many issues along the way.

I withheld approx 8% of the final payment to cover my costs for fixing up after the mistakes.

We still have not got all items as they were ordered, but some way was gone to try get around that.

However, now, relations have turned sour as I am being threatened with being handed over to a debt collection agency if I do not pay the full amount owed, regardless of the fact that I was out of pocket to the effect of almost 1500 euro for rectifying the mistakes made by them, and that they were incredibly late in fixing everything.

I wonder if anyone has been in a similar position and if so, what are my options like in this scenario.

Cheers

Re: Threat of Debt collector - Advice

Debt collection agencies usually have no real power to do anything except make phone calls and visit your address. If you don't pay on foot of this the usual course of action would be for the person you owe money to to contact a solicitor.

I would write to them now outlining all the problems that you had and the costs that you were forced to incur and threaten that you will be discussing the matter with your solicitor.

Re: Threat of Debt collector - Advice

Hey

Thanks for that. I have sent a number of emails with detailed descriptions of all the issues I had to the company. The last correspondance before this threat, was me explaining again to a new person all the background, all the mistakes and my costs.

So hopefully this is just an empty threat, but it irks me that my name may be on a debt list somewhere.

Thanks for your response

Re: Threat of Debt collector - Advice

Get the name of the managing director of the company (CRO listing), amalgamate all your problems and difficulties into a single registered letter addressed to this individual enclosing copies of all previous emails / letters etc, and state that you will not discuss your case with any delegates until it is resolved.

Get proof of delivery from An Post.

Re: Threat of Debt collector - Advice

Moved from Askaboutlaw to Consumer Issues and Rights which is the sub forum where this type of consumer issue is discussed.

Re: Threat of Debt collector - Advice

Thanks for that mathepac

The guy emailing me is listed as a company director with the CRO. I think it's pretty much just one or two people and they import the goods from abroad.

Cheers for the advice

Re: Very poor service from window supplier, I withheld 8% but now debt collector thre

Sean, I had a dreadful experience with a window company, and I fully understand where you're coming from...

It has rarely happened since, but I have found that if I HAVE to withold part payment for poor work three little words usually help if the supplier gets stroppy... Those words are Small Claims Court... Always works for me!...

If they don't want to put it right, but still demand that eight percent just say "Okay, let's go tell it to the judge!"... I bet they'll back off, and even if they don't initially, will they be willing to risk the bad publicity???... I doubt it... In the present economic climate, they'll want the best image for their company!... And the Small Claims procedure is cheap and easy!... Hope this helps...

Re: Very poor service from window supplier, I withheld 8% but now debt collector thre

Thanks Darthvadar.
That was my last response - that if they continue, I will initiate proceedings in the small claims court. We'll see if anything comes of it.

Re: Very poor service from window supplier, I withheld 8% but now debt collector thre

You're very welcome, Sean... After my own experience, I'd love to hear of a positive outcome!...

It'll be interesting to see what their reaction is... Please keep us informed!...

Re: Very poor service from window supplier, I withheld 8% but now debt collector thre

Just to let everyone know.

I got a mail today from the supplier informing me they were closing the file as finished.

So - good news

Re: Very poor service from window supplier, I withheld 8% but now debt collector thre

Nicely done, Sean...

That's great news... One battle down!...

God bless,and thanks for letting us know...

Darth..

Re: Very poor service from window supplier, I withheld 8% but now debt collector thre

I think you should take them to the small claims court/seek legal advice