Need advice about dealing with home contractor

[LoveBWVVBR]

We ordered 2 "bahama" style hurricane shutters last June from a supposedly reputable company. The BBB recommended them. Anyways, the delivery interval was supposed to be 24 weeks at the latest. They have exceeded that already, and twice now they've "promised" us our shutters to no avail. In Dec. they told my DH that we were "definitely" on the schedule for Jan., and lo and behold when I called today we're "definitely" on the schedule for Feb. They had the holidays, and then people quit, blah blah blah. The rep. promised me a status report in 2 weeks, but I'm not buying it.

We've paid more than $1000 for a deposit on these shutters, and frankly I'm incredibly nervous that we're going to be out that money. I told the rep. that I was worried because so many shutter companies seem to be going under, and she said "we're hanging in there right now". That didn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy. What should we do? DH is game to wait the 2 weeks, but I really think that we should start the ball rolling to take this company to court to get our deposit back. What is my first step here? Certified letter? Thank you for any help. I've never had anything like this happen before.

 

[mickeyboat]

That is a tough one. I think I might wait the two weeks, and then take action. In the mean time, get all your ducks in a row. Was there a contract? Do you have a copy of your cancelled check? Make notes on every conversation you have had with the company, who you talked to, when, what was said.

If you do not get satisfactory results in two weeks - ie a time committment you are satisfied with, then I would ask for my money back. If they refuse, then by all means get a claim moving, probably in small claims court, so you can get preferential treatment when it comes to settling a possible bankruptcy claim.

Good luck.

Denae

 

[Hercules10]

I've learned when dealing with a contractor who has my money it's best to keep my yap shut until the work is finished. When it's done, then blast them into the next century by either reporting them to the BBB or spreading the word that they're unreliable, useless crooks etc. As long as they have your money, they got'cha by the shorties.

 

[daisyduck123]

I don't know what procedure you should take except that I agree with you...act now, not 2 weeks from now.

When I was pregnant with DD12, I ordered all of her nursery furniture from a local baby shop (this was before we had any Babies R Us anywhere). It totaled a few thousand dollars.

All of the furniture came in on time except for the matching lamp.
I kept waiting & they kept saying it was "on its way".

A few months later, right before DD was born, I was in the store just to browse. Something didn't feel right about my whole "lamp situation" & I told the girl at the counter to cancel my order immediately & just give me cash for the lamp.

Thank goodness I did! The next week I read in the paper that the DAY AFTER I'd been in the store, they put up a closed sign, left town, & left without refunding or completing anyone's orders!!

I would get your money back now!
Here's some pixie dust............

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

I don't know what procedure you should take except that I agree with you...act now, not 2 weeks from now.

When I was pregnant with DD12, I ordered all of her nursery furniture from a local baby shop (this was before we had any Babies R Us anywhere). It totaled a few thousand dollars.

All of the furniture came in on time except for the matching lamp.
I kept waiting & they kept saying it was "on its way".

A few months later, right before DD was born, I was in the store just to browse. Something didn't feel right about my whole "lamp situation" & I told the girl at the counter to cancel my order immediately & just give me cash for the lamp.

Thank goodness I did! The next week I read in the paper that the DAY AFTER I'd been in the store, they put up a closed sign, left town, & left without refunding or completing anyone's orders!!

I would get your money back now!
Here's some pixie dust............

That is totally what I am afraid of having happen with the shutter company. Something just didn't feel right when the rep. told me that they were "hanging in there" or whatever

Yes, I have a copy of the contract. We paid the deposit by credit card, but the window to do a chargeback has long since closed. I told DH that the reason we need to get the ball rolling about small claims' court is so we can be in line as a creditor if they do go under. I've kept my yap shut this long hoping to get our shutters, but common sense is starting to get the better of me now.