by corey2444 » 5 May 2010 16:18
I am having an experience with a Realtor. I got a job to pick and install a lock. Got it done and they even tipped me $5. The lock had 2 deadbolts, but one was only accessible from the inside, with the hole for the deadbolt drilled only 1/2 way.
I don't know if there's a name for this set-up but basically what happened was another Realtor looking at the Town Home opened it from the front door. Then locked the deadbolt you can open (outside) with a key.. Locked the deadbolt you cannot open (outside) with a key, then went out the garage.
I ended up opening this fairly easy. My options were, Front door.. Garage Door.. Sliding glass door.. or a window. Since I couldn't get in from the front door, I checked the sliding glass door before trying the garage. Basically I was able to lift the sliding door enough to put the air bad in up top, then use a long reach to flip the latch.
Ok, back to the point. This was an after hours job 7pm, about time it gets dark in Phoenix. Since she just gave me work a few days prior, and they needed to home opened again, I felt bad an gave them a low price. Since I was in the middle of dinner, I told I couldn't make it for an hour. She couldn't wait, so I told her it was ok to just send me a check. BIG MISTAKE. I faxed it over a few days ago, and text her to see if she got it. NO REPLY. Funny thing was, every time she needed me she replied immediately. Now that I need her, she's silent.
I may be wrong, but I can pretty much guess it's going to be hell getting payment from this one. The screwed up thing is, she's avoiding, or may not ever pay me. Which is to say, if she decides never to pay me, I will never see work from her again. So, not only have I lost just one payment, but who knows how many times she would have used me for lock work in the future?
Best to get paid right after the job is done.
