Stiffed by a Worker - What Can I Do?

[OceanAnnie]

If you are considering taking any legal action you cannot file a grievance with the BBB. The BBB is really not worth the effort because of this. Someone could have 40 lawsuits filed against them and still be in good standing with the BBB.

I didn't know that! Learn something new everyday.

 

[Feralpeg]

Leave him a message saying that you are planning on taking him to small claims court if the lights aren't down by x date. Chances are, he'll take them down. People like that do what they do because most people will not follow through for a small amount of money.

Be prepared to follow through if he does not respond. Taking someone to small claims court is not difficult. Just make sure you have all documentation with you. Good luck!

 

[Art 1]

Was he a company or working on the side? I have a feeling on the side. If he was working on the side just let it go. If you see him around give him what for.

 

[Art 1]

If you are considering taking any legal action you cannot file a grievance with the BBB. The BBB is really not worth the effort because of this. Someone could have 40 lawsuits filed against them and still be in good standing with the BBB.

True enough. If the general public was aware what the BBB was all about and how they work they would be surprised. It's almost a scam.

 

[manning]

spread his name around on anything you can. Does he have a listing on the internet that you can leave feedback or a review. At the very least make sure you drop his name at any social gathering you are at and at work. Most small handyman types rely on word of mouth referrals, make sure he doesn't get any.
And as worthless as they are do call the BBB and let them know. Small claims if you can.

He is going to wish he had taken those lights down!

First you go to small claims court, win your case. You take the libel claim away from him.

 

[bonoriffic]

If you start throwing around the word lawsuit, and he ever does come around to take down the lights I guarantee you he will "fall". He will claim he got hurt on your property and use that lawsuit as insurance against your lawsuit.

Home Depot puts up Christmas lights. I'm sure they charge more than you could find otherwise, but at least they are an established company that is less likely to rip you off.

 

[IUTBAM]

If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge.

 

[DebbieB]

How much did you pay him? My teenager would take them down for $50.

If it involves climbing on the roof, I would not hire someone who is not insured. I was talking to someone a couple of weeks ago who was dealing with a homeowners claim from an uninsured worker who got hurt working on his garage.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

If you start throwing around the word lawsuit, and he ever does come around to take down the lights I guarantee you he will "fall". He will claim he got hurt on your property and use that lawsuit as insurance against your lawsuit.

That is a really really good point.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would just let it go to be honest and next time you want to hire someone to do your lights make sure you get recommendations from neighbors and that the person is bonded or licensed or something.

Also do not pay up front or until you are satisfied with the job.

I would chalk it up as a lesson learned as I would not want this man on my property again.

 

[KateOne]

I was "taken" by Tyler LaBee also. He also goes by La bee. He advertises that he is an electrician working for TJL Electronics. I did some research and he is not a licensed electrician. He lives in Bolingbrook, IL. I talked to a Naperville realtor who recommended him but since has told me he left him with alot of poor quality work. Somehow Tyler has gotten the recommendation of a School District officer in Naperville, IL. I managed to get word to this man to stop recommending this "con artist".

 

[KateOne]

He says he is an electrician with TJL Electronics in Bolingbrook, IL. Tyler LaBee (La bee) is not licensed and is a "con artist".

 

[manning]

I don't find a TJL Electronics listed on YP.com.

Does the company even exist?