Nasty Customer Computer Dilemea!

[Cosmicman]

I know I can post this on here because there is nobody close enough that would want this thing.

The other week a customer (I am a computer tech) came into my home/shop and had this computer that was loaded with viruses, spy ware and all kinds of nasty bugs. To top it off, the woman was a chain smoker. She walked into my house with a cigarette in her mouth (didn't bother to ask if she could do it). I was nice enough to look past that and I ignored her rude smoking.

The computer was nice, it was a Pentium 4 and had XP on it. After inspecting the computer I gave her a rough estimate my fees would be and I might have to reformat it if it the computer was too bad.

Well, it was too bad. After I pulled all the junk off it. The hard drive had so many error issues that it was easier to just reformat the drive and put all the stuff back on. Plus I must have washed the tower from head to toe and did some professional cleaning on the inside to remove tabocco like tar film from her nasty habit. Ugh! I hate smokers!

I told her that is what I was going to do and she said to she didn't care because she had copies of all her pictures and music.

So, I did the task and called her up and told her the cost was about $110.00 for all the work (about maybe ten more bucks then she expected. Nothing serious.)

She got all ****ed off and told me to "go **** myself because my husband is going to buy her a new computer from Fingerhut and I should stick the computer up my ***."

Wow. A little harsh. I was nothing but nice to this woman.

It's really not a bad computer. Hewlett Packard Pentium 4, DVD burner, XP with ant virus software I put on there for her free of charge. The thing is now fast after the whole clean.

I guess I have a new computer tower sitting here.


Anybody want a computer tower?

Jesus. Sometimes people like this make me not want to even do my job.

It would be like you going into a baker and having them bake you a cake and then deciding you didn't like the cake because it cost to much after they made a cake for you.

[toys2cool]

oh well,maybe you can get more then the $110 for it.People are jerks man

[Cosmicman]

oh well,maybe you can get more then the $110 for it.People are jerks man

I am pretty sure I can get at least 140.00 for it.

The thing runs like a charm!!!!!

[Mikey]

If she acts like that, I wouldn't trust her motives.

I would not keep it or resell it.

She sounds unstable and may say you stole it in the future.

I know you would be taking a loss because your bill was never paid, but I still wouldn't trust her.

[Mikey]

Perhaps do something to it that she can't detect, then return it.

This way, it's no good for her to use or resell.

Before you resell, at least check your states abandonment laws

[toys2cool]

If she acts like that, I wouldn't trust her motives.

I would not keep it or resell it.

She sounds unstable and may say you stole it in the future.

I know you would be taking a loss because your bill was never paid, but I still wouldn't trust her.

Good point,but he does have to make his money back somehow

[Cosmicman]

Perhaps do something to it that she can't detect, then return it.

This way, it's no good for her to use or resell.

Before you resell, at least check your states abandonment laws

Yes, you have a point. Unstable people like that are not to be trusted. I am going to look into it.

[SUP-Ronin]

I see no reason that you would have to give it back, if she has refused to pay. That is pretty standard for transactions of this type. Like if they work on your car, you don't get it back without settling up some how or other. Maybe hang on to it for like 30 days or something, then tough crap. Like others said, it depends on your states laws, or on your contract with her for the service.

[Mawni]

I'll bet she'll be back kissing your *** to get it back.

[Neutron X]

I've been on Ebay selling for t0o many years so I know what you mean. There are too many whack jobs out there who get obsessive and won't go away. I would ask myself is it it worth the $110 to have this person come back and play insano trash theater in your home?

The tough part is not letting someone like this effect your day to day work. This type of thing makes it hard to stay positive when working from home. As the economy gets worse we work harder and we seem to have more difficult people to deal with. I say move forward, forget it and move on.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

With my graphic arts, I've learned a long time ago to give my estimates in writing and that includes wording on what happens if alterations need to be made after artwork has been finalized and proofed by the customer. The customer gets a copy and I keep one, too. If you do something like that and have the customer's signature, that might be a good idea.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

creepy

[Bizarro Amy]

I would send a copy of the bill by registered mail or something, so you have proof that you tried to finish the transaction. Go by the abandonment laws in your state. I mean, obviously she can't get the computer back without paying, after all that work you did. If possible, document all conversations you have with her or record them if it's legal where you live, or at least have witnesses. And get a No Smoking sign for you door, with some kind of container.