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Post by mangetout on Jul 5, 2024 20:50:54 GMT 1
Don't know why I'm telling you this, but just feel I need to tell someone as I'm on my own.
Had an expat Brit quote me a price for working for a day in the garden. He arrived at 0945, worked on and off until 1230 when he stopped for lunch. Started again at 1330 and then left for the dechetterie with hedge cuttings, back at 1430 despite it being just 5 minutes up the road. From then on he sat in his van, said he was too knackered to continue. I finally accepted he wasn't going to do any more work and asked him what I owed. He demanded I pay him for an 8 hr day. I contested his price and he exploded, ranting and thumping his steering wheel. I quickly paid him what he wanted and he revved up his van, spraying gravel everywhere including all over me. He's well and truly frightened me after I was just starting to feel a bit more confident after my husband's death.
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Post by lapourtaider on Jul 5, 2024 21:42:29 GMT 1
Shocking disgraceful behaviour. Unfortunately not a lot you can do about it, except maybe ensure he never gets any work from anyone you know again.
I hope this one person's behaviour doesn't set you back too much and the rant has helped as well.
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Post by norfolk on Jul 5, 2024 21:54:11 GMT 1
Was it on the black or legal ? Did you get a facture etc ?
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Post by cernunnos on Jul 5, 2024 21:56:38 GMT 1
I am sorry to hear that you are upset about his behaviour. Why didn't you get a French company to do the work for you? Best is to get a quote for the "job" and not per hour/day. I do the same , after bad experiences with hourly rates.
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mysty
Member
Posts: 1,728
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Post by mysty on Jul 5, 2024 22:10:11 GMT 1
Well I guess you will not be using him again.
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Post by gigi on Jul 5, 2024 22:14:26 GMT 1
What a nasty piece of work! If you feel you can, I think you should try to tell as many people you know about it - this snake should know that people all around him know what a bad lot he is and that he won’t get offers of work from them.
I also think it might be a good idea to see a local doctor or a notaire and tell them about what happened - somebody in a position of authority and experience, who would give advice and also try to reassure you.
That awful experience must have really shaken your confidence, but you’ve done really well to get where you are, so try not to let this bloke undermine you in getting on with everything you’re managing to do following your husband’s death. Sending you a big hug.
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Post by norfolk on Jul 6, 2024 6:19:12 GMT 1
I think if he’s ‘on the black’ he should be reported to the authorities or at least , hhreatened with action unless he modifies his terms. If he is legal then contact the local consumer association or even police if he is a rip off merchant.
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Post by jardiniere on Jul 6, 2024 9:33:32 GMT 1
What a nasty, lazy beast! So sorry this happened to you. I know what it's like being on your own and trying to get things done without paying an arm and a leg. I use the local Agence Intermédiaire. run by the commune. I pay 21€ an hour for gardening but then get half back the following year from les impôts, like cheque emploi. I think you should try to tell as many people you know about it - this snake should know that people all around him know what a bad lot he is and that he won’t get offers of work from them. Yes.
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suein56
Member
Southern Morbihan 56 Brittany
Posts: 7,963
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Post by suein56 on Jul 6, 2024 9:54:47 GMT 1
I think if he’s ‘on the black’ he should be reported to the authorities or at least , threatened with action unless he modifies his terms. If he is legal then contact the local consumer association or even police if he is a rip off merchant. He sounds a very nasty person .. it is possible he had a liquid lunch followed by a liquid dessert following his visit to the déchetterie. Such drinking can make some people very belligerent. Whilst I agree wholeheartedly with norfolk and ideally that's what should happen it's scary to do that if you live on your own. Gigi's idea of contacting those around you is good .. and definitely doable. Are you on friendly terms with your neighbours ? It can be very reassuring to have someone to contact to back you up in such a situation.
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Post by woolybanana on Jul 6, 2024 11:39:02 GMT 1
DO NOT report him for working on the black as you will also be guilty as you paid him.
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Post by omegal on Jul 6, 2024 11:53:40 GMT 1
Sadly or not,woolybanana is totally correct
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Post by mangetout on Jul 6, 2024 14:41:10 GMT 1
Thank you to everyone who listened to me. Despite wanting to 'pay him back' for his behaviour by spreading the word, my intuition tells me he could turn nasty and I'm not in a position to protect myself. So I'll learn the lesson and not go near him again.
It's not easy to find gardeners round my way, and even when I do find a French company getting them to respond is a nightmare. I was given details of an enterprise in February, and my French neighbours use them and said they were good. Emailed them on 8 March, they replied saying yes they could help when they have the time. Since then I've emailed twice, phoned twice, and even got a French friend to call because I thought perhaps I had missed something in translation. Still no date. I'll just keep battling on.
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suein56
Member
Southern Morbihan 56 Brittany
Posts: 7,963
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Post by suein56 on Jul 6, 2024 16:28:40 GMT 1
There are services available for help at home, which can include gardens, with a tax credit towards the cost. I see you are in Maine et Loire .. have you tried contacting this company www.domidom.fr/jardinage-et-entretien-des-exterieurs/There will be others if you search in your locality.
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JohnnyD
Member
Mayenne (53) When Covid allows..........Which isn't very often these days........
Posts: 2,091
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Post by JohnnyD on Jul 7, 2024 12:20:09 GMT 1
Appalling behaviour from him mangetout, don't let him upset/affect you, there will always be people like him, but best to ignore them as much as possible, there will be plenty of decent gardeners in your area, you just need to dig them out, good luck.
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Post by iolar on Jul 11, 2024 9:33:01 GMT 1
What a nasty, lazy beast! So sorry this happened to you. I know what it's like being on your own and trying to get things done without paying an arm and a leg. I use the local Agence Intermédiaire. run by the commune. I pay 21€ an hour for gardening but then get half back the following year from les impôts, like cheque emploi. I think you should try to tell as many people you know about it - this snake should know that people all around him know what a bad lot he is and that he won’t get offers of work from them. Yes. Excellent info and yes spread the word.
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