Ahh It's A Good Day Today! But A Rough Week

J-Peffer

Lets just say it’s been a rough week/end until today.
I recived a bill for my materials on the 28th. It’s a substantial bill, and I take the time to go though the invoices, figure what I make on each job, write a check and bring it in the next time I order materials.
I’ve never been late, and I have one of the largest accounts my distributor has.
I order some 20’ Monogram siding, 2 more roofs and accessories, all big jobs in the 28th (they mail on me my invoice on the 26th so it’s at my door the 28th). I go in on the 29th and they ask me for money. I was a little offended as I’m never late and I have until September 10th to pay the balance for my August materials. Furthermore, they want me to pay for the materials I have not even used yet (the monogram and 2 roofs). I’ve not even received my receipts in the mail to ensure everything is properly priced. Trying to maintain my relationship with my distributor, I pay the extra 16k for materials I’ve not seen or used.
I get a call from my local waste hauler. My customer wanted a dumpster removed, and the customer had called when we finished the job. Generally, I order a 20yrd dumpster for $440. I meet the driver on site and show him where I want it, give him a check on site. They don’t have a merchant account, so I can’t pay over the phone. I was unable to meet him at this site, as I was working over an hour away. They mail me a bill on the 20th of August Net. 30 days. On the 27th, I get a call from them, stating “Mrs. *** had called and wanted the 20yrd dumpster removed. We have not received payment for the dumpster yet so if you could get a hold of us as soon as possible”. I was really upset, they have not even finished the service of removing the dumpster, their job is incomplete and they expect payment early? I would normally not take offense, but it’s like they are threatening not to take it. I can get dumpsters cheaper though Allied waste, but I use the local company to keep the money local and deal with real people, not a corporation.
On forth! Something good happened. I bought a cargo trailer off craigstlist. I quit advertising on it in the spring because there was a company every day posting “WE BEAT ALL CONTRACTOR ESTIMATES GARANTEED!” and “CHEAPEST QUALITY ROOFING IN TOWN, WHY PAY MORE!?!” I don’t’ need it, they can take that work. Well I found a 16’ enclosed trailer on craigslist, I don’t need one but hell it was $700 it’s a real steal. I feel bad paying so little to be honest. I call the guy, have him email me his address to check it out. Turns out it’s “Mr. WE BEAT ALL CONTRACTORS ESTIMATES” that is selling it. He’s hard up for cash and has to move.

OCRS

Good story... (the last part)

dougger222

I just switched from Waste Management to Allied for personal garbage removal. For 2.5 years if I left the container by the house Monday morning it would be in the same spot Monday night when I came home from work. Now with Allied when I forget to bring to the curb Monday morning when I come home from work there it is were I forgot to put it! The other day I was able to catch the driver at the curb and gave him an ice cold soda. Also thanked him for running up to the house to take the container to the curb. Next time I see him gonna toss him $10.

Had a smaller dumpster company back when I threw money away drop off a 20 yard when there was road restriction. On the way to get it they got pulled over and said they couldn't retrieve it. Got a $120 bill in the mail from the dumpster company for a storage charge. The home owner a multi-millionair called and told the company if they don't come in the next 24 hours to remove the dumpster plan to pick it up in the ditch across from his drive. I sent them a bill for $120 for dropping off a dumpster in front of a three car garage for a month.

Nice score on the cargo trailer!!!

Last Winter picked up a 14ft Haulmark twin axle enclosed trailer with Knack box for $1,250. Framer contractor needed to pay off as much of his $800K debt as soon as possible. Sold half a dozen lifts, trailers, and eqiumpent for 36 framers. Picked up two brand new Hitachi sheathing staplers for $300. Poor guy went from framing 200+ homes a year to 25.

J-Peffer

Allied is not so bad as long as they employ the right people. I have paid more for my dumpsters for the past few years thinking I was getting better service when it was really costing me time and money. I had to leave other jobs, drive over to meet the smaller companies to give them a check on site because they did not have a merchant account to accept credit cards or debit cards.

So not only was it costing me more, it's pulling me off of other jobs to meet them at the job for their convience of accepting my check on site. I'm a small company too, but I'll take payment over the phone and pull my own teeth out to accept payment from my customer. I could not imagine asking a customer to pay in full before I finish the ridge cap, so in turn they should not expect me to pay in full prior to the billing due date or until they finish their serivice.

j_builder

Glad to see you had your day!

I used W/M,Valley Vista and Allied also and I just talked to the companies sales rep and pay all my accounts on line or over the phone...40 yard dumpsters I pay around $360.00 a month. Waste Management is one of the highest priced in my area. I could have save about $2000.00 on my last rebuilding project but I didn't shop around, that won't happen again.

http://www.disposal.com/

http://www.wm.com/wm/ezpay/welcome.asp

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