joseph becker Expensive cookware delivered and never paid for. HOUSTON TEXAS

Broken Trust – The Accountant Story

Maybe I’m in the wrong business. I should have become an accountant. It seems the freebies and liberties are endless – if you know what you’re doing. Here’s a true story of how one accountant got free stuff (although sadly) through dishonest means.

On November 13, 2017, Joseph Becker, (CEO at Ten Forty + Quality Tax Preparation & Financial Services in Houston, Texas) called our company and ordered a large set of high-end stainless steel cookware. (https://www.tenfortyplus.com/)

Lucky him. He got the set at over 63% off the retail price – which is close to our cost.

But Mr. Becker was keen to receive the Cookware in an unreasonable turn-around time – so he could have it on time for his Thanksgiving gathering. We did everything in our power to accommodate that request.

He did receive some of the pieces on time, however the remaining pieces were delivered the following week after the Thanksgiving holiday. It seems a rush was on for cookware orders for the upcoming holidays, resulting in some delays.

To make up for his inconvenience, we graciously credited him over $500, and he was happy with that.  Then without warning, he disputed the credit card charge for his order, and received the remaining amount back.

When we enquired, the credit card company said he would need to call them to reverse this cancellation of payment to us – which Mr. Becker promised to do.

So we waited…and waited…and waited…

We called him back since the funds were not returned to our account. He said he’d take care of it. So we waited…and waited…

Let’s summarize some of the conversations and promises.

March 3, 2018 –Becker promised to call the credit card company that day.

March 28, 2018 – He said he would call them in the morning.

April 5, 2018 - Said he wrote the credit card company. I reminded him that a call was needed from him, and he again promised to call in the morning.

April 19, 2018 – Said “Becky” made the call. (that must be his wife)

April 26, 2018 – I advised him that Amex did not receive a call. Becker said he’d call them, then call me right back.

May 26, 2018 – Said he was with a client and would call immediately after he was done.

June 6, 2018 – “Becky” called them (apparently).

And so it went on…lots of promises. None kept.

Mr. Becker is still enjoying his high-quality cookware – which ultimately, he has received for free – for the past year. Oh…did I mention that Mr. Becker is a tax accountant? And rightly so…he’s great at handling money!

On the other hand, we have lost the ability to process Amex cards, which greatly affects our ability to do business, along with the cookware sale.

There have been numerous phone calls to him since June, but he just hangs up on me.

In the end, selling cookware doesn’t seem to be a lucrative business for me. Maybe I should become an accountant too.