My vent...

[kriskitty22]

I feel just like those people that go on those court TV shows, suing a friend that didn't pay them for a service they provided. The person suing always says "I didn't get anything in writing, because he/she was a friend and I thought I wouldn't have a problem." I always said that would never happen to me. Well, the loser of the year award is now mine...

I sold one of my kits to a lady I work with. Actually, all of my kits went to people I work with, but I only have a problem with one. Anyway, I work at a Christian private school as am aide. The lady I sold the kit in question to, is the 1st grade teacher, and her daughter is in kindergarten there. So, she decided she wanted a kit, and asked me if she could pay half now(which was 3 months ago) and the other half when we got paid again, which was 1 week from that day. I said that was fine (big mistake) and she took the kit (big mistake!) Well, 3 months passed (the kids are out for the summer, but I work a summer camp there). I saw this teacher last Thursday, and told her that I needed the remainder of the money now, as I have been more than gracious in waiting. She told me she doesn't have it, won't be able to pay until 'probably september,' and basically just blew me off about it.

I know that I am royally stupid for giving her the kit without being fully paid, but live and learn. From now on, I am taking non-refundable deposits, giving receipts stating this and not giving a kit without being fully paid. Dumb me, I figured since she is a Christian and I work with her, she wouldn't screw me over like that.

Anyway, I will be seeing her next week as she will be teaching summer camp. Any suggestions on what exactly I should say? My friend (who also breeds chins) suggests that I tell her I want the kit back unless she pays. If she gave the kit back, would I be obligated to refund her what she paid? My thoughts are no, since she hasn't paid the other portion, but I need to know for sure. Another friend says I should take her to small claims court if she refuses to pay, but I would barely get back my fees to file if I did that. Plus, I work with the lady and that would be very akward. Somebody tell me what to do, I'm pulling my hair out here.

[Riddick]

Ahhh...I had your exact same problem when I sold my first kit...it makes you feel so taken advantage of, doesn't it?

Well, fortunately, I had the ladies phone number and address, so when she kept refusing to send me payment, I simply just randomly showed up at her door one day with my carrier...she gave up and gave me back my kit...I did not refund the money she had already given to me, I counted it as my nonrefundable deposit... and so started my nonrefundable deposits and full payment before you get the kit.

If I was in your situation again, I would make her realize how dissapointed you are in her, and that you trusted her to be a good person. Ask her everytime you see her where your money is, I would give it no more than two weeks, if she doesn't come up with any kind of money, ask for your kit back, and don't be passive about it, if you have to, show up at her door randomly, it worked for me!!

Good Luck and I hope everything works out for you.

[kriskitty22]

This is a very good idea. I do know where she lives, so it is a possibility. I am just so...disappointed, like you said. I will ask her to pay me when I see her next week and just keep asking until I am paid.

[lilchinchilla]

Give her a time frame of when you want it paid by or else a payment option(so much money each month till paid in full.). Tell her if she can't have it paid by that time or keep to the payment option(whichever you choose), you will be suing her. I've done similiar and got my money back, by telling the person they had 3 months and had to at least send $50 a month minimum, or else I would go to court about it.
I got my money back, and things went fine. If you are a registered business you can always go with a collection agency to get your money back also.

Also, good thing to learn is never to let a chin go out of your care without it being paid in full. I don't let chins leave here till they are paid in full and that is just all there is to it. I don't care if it is a friend or not.

[piggylover101]

If I were you, I would write her a letter by mail, stating the rest of the amount needs to be paid off. Try to be nice about it, say you are willing to accept $10 a week payments or something. (If she can't afford $10 a week, then she shouldn't even have the animal in my opinion.) Tell her if she does not pay the rest of the balance off, or even attempt to make payments you will proceed to pick the kit up at her house, seeing as you know where she lives. I personally would not refund her the money she already paid, but seeing as you did not have a contract etc. She may ask for it back, so you could give it back, but hold some back for yourself 10%-20% for your wasted time and advertising you willl have to do (to sell the kit again).

[JBBinTex]

If I was in your situation again, I would make her realize how dissapointed you are in her, and that you trusted her to be a good person. Ask her everytime you see her where your money is, I would give it no more than two weeks, if she doesn't come up with any kind of money, ask for your kit back, and don't be passive about it, if you have to, show up at her door randomly, it worked for me!!

I would send a letter first (make it official sounding), although I wouldn't threaten court. She may have seen a few court TV shows too. Then I would go with the showing up at her door. Granted, things will work will be strained, but she put you in this position. Just keep in mind that she is in the wrong. Maybe one of the breeders on here can help you draw up a contract for future sales. That way you would be covered next time.

[foxbite2]

Don't threaten, decide how you want to handle it and go thru with it...Like they say Experience is the best teacher.. you learned from your mistake. I think you should give her a time frame for final payment and if you don't get your money.. show up at her door with your carrier. It always burns me when people try to get away with something. She knew the cost of the chin when she "bought" it from you. Why does she feel she is exempt of the final payment.. would she go to a grocery store and only pay half of her bill? I think not...

[kriskitty22]

Good point Fox. I think what really upsets me, is that I feel she is taking advantage of me because I am younger than her. Granted, I'm no teenager, but she's one of those that tends to look down on those who are younger. I forgot to mention...when I had seen her last, I asked her to give me a check for the ammount and told her to post date it and I would hold it until she needed. She pretty much refused that. I don't think I could have possibly been more obvious about wanting the money back.

I will remember all of your suggestions when I see her again. I really don't want to have to take the kit back, but will if it comes to that. I wish she hadn't put me in this position. It would be really helpful if somebody would help me with a sale contract. That way when I sell to friends or family, I would be covered in that respect. Thank you all for your advice. (and for not telling me what an idiot I am)

[NeighbrGrlsPets]

It would be really helpful if somebody would help me with a sale contract.

PM me your e-mail address, and the list of writing programs you have (or if you can view PDF Files). :)

[rspruill]

I'm sorry for the trouble you're going through. Everyone had great advice. As far as it being awkward at work, it's going to be a bit awkward as she didn't pay you for the entire summer. I would let her know, in writing, that you have agreed to wait until Sept for the final payment. This has been a gracious period of time. However, if you are unable to pay the remainder, I will refund and pick up the kit. Personally, because nothing was established in the beginning, I would give the entire amount back UNLESS when you see the kit it's not doing well. I would write her a check and upon receipt of the kit, make a decision.