This is the first time this message of has been called to my attention.
I insist on setting the record straight and clearing my reputation.
I quoted Simone Convert in January 2010 for a Screed of 30m2 approx. 7 cm thickness,
Tiling in 4 rooms, with plinth as well as to lay mosaic and wall tiles in the bathroom
All for 4.550 Euros
An extremely honest price I think you will find.
Besides my quote, she demanded the signing and acceptance of 2 pages of additional specifications.
Simone paid a down payment of 2.000 Euros as a first installment on materials and labour.
The first shipment of over a ton of materials for the screed was delivered to the 3rd storey / 2nd floor apt. with no elevator by manual labour.
Delivery of materials and screed laying took 2 days with payment of 2 different labourers for assistance. Both labourers refused to return and work with her chain smoking and checking our every gesture, the mixture and consistency of the laid concrete. They felt oppressed.
With extremely cold weather conditions in an apartment with no heat, there was some cracking on the Screed surface (which was by the way consolidated with steel mesh), which would easily have been filled in with tiler’s glue. My work was all under 10 year quality guarantee. By the way, my quote was the cheapest one, acceptedby her because done under legal conditions with insurance and not done ‘on the black’.
After the screed work, she stopped our work 2 different times for a total of 5 days, wanting to check on her acceptance of the quality.
So my company work was at a standstill.
As a very clear character reference Simone went to my supplier and charged materials she wanted to my account illegally!!!
She started making additional demands for sanding and applications on the existing old tiles to be covered with new ones.
I finally refused to add any more specifications than those that were laid out on my quote.
I offered Simone a reimbursement for the returned materials.
We settled the remainder of my cancelled work Quote with a ‘Conciliateur de Justice’ an Arbitrator Attorney who comes and works at the Town Hall of Beausoleil, France to negotiate commercial differences between parties.
We reimbursed her 1274 Euros on March 2nd 2010.
So Simone obtained her25m2 et 7cm thick screed for 726 Euros.
To set the history straight, beware of Simone Convert in Beausoleil, France, who will try to get more work out of you than you quote for and are paid for.
I have very satisfied customers for massive building renovations over 2 years, who are all very happy with my work, and asking for more.
I can provide those solid references in the 06 Alpes-Maritimes Dept. of France to any who may request them.
This case is settled and happily archived. I preferred to take a loss and be rid of this bothersome client. The first and last time I’ve had to deal with such a situation. I think one has to choose one’s clients carefully as well as vice versa!!
Gordon’s New Dawn - July 26, 2011
