Replies

“Sounds like you jump to assumptions and run your business very poorly. Those are typically classified as whiners who blame others for their problems.”

I think your definition of poorly is much different then mine. We are the size we want to be, our employees are happy, and the owners are happy. We have a very high retention rate of customers, are rated A+ by the BBB, are rated A with our Chamber, and I would reckon 70% of our work is done through referral. We have not laid off any workers during this recession, we keep our guys working year round, though it is sometimes odd jobs, they always get a 40 hour paycheck. We are acknowledged donors to our local hospital, provide 3 scholarships a year, support 2 youth teams, and we house a boyscout troop.

Those are how I judge my business. You may judge it however you want, you may judge me poorly because I sell off my debt. Guess what, I’m a capitalist, I’m not a liberal, and I’m not in business to provide free services, get over it.

“AC contractors in Florida typically are not honest. The one who installed the AC in my house screwed up 32 houses who now have mold problems. “

I have to question your own intelligence at this point. Who would hire a contractor who screwed up 32 houses? Now, Florida from what I understand is a shamble state like LA when it comes to licensing. Our licensing here is very strictly regulated, we are all A Card Electricians, Licensed Plumbers, and Licensed and regulated for Heating and Air. We also have 2 licensed boiler repairmen, 1 has several certifications for his welding field, and is also a part time instructor for welding. Our tin-shop department has competed in numerous competitions, and usually scores in the top 5 (a very competitive field). We are all NATE certified, our apprentice is ICE certified, we are members of RSES and ASHRAE, and have to provide continuing college credits every single semester to retain those licenses. It sounds as if your state has licensing problems.

I say this, because it is best to research any contractor you are going to do business with. The main thing, is to look at years in business at a particular location. Also, look for the names on your little league or hockey league jerseys, those will often indicate a business that has been around awhile, and intends to stay around. Just some advice there on avoiding getting scammed by any contractor.

“Quit your whining and figure out how to fix your problem or find another line of business.”

If whining is wanting to get paid and not provide services for free to deadbeats, I guess I qualify. Color me guilty. You and Barak can build a utopia where all give according to their ability, and some take according to their need. Not me, I’m in business to make $$$$. Deal with it. You are corresponding with a capitalist.

“Selling a debt is not the same as selling a hammer. Good luck with that practice though.”

Again, I’m not sure what your beef is with me wanting to get paid for services and equipment rendered. Once again, I am baffled that you are inferring I should just eat my losses to “be a good sport” or whatever you are getting at. I’m sorry, but you and Pelosi will have to force me to give up my profits by law. As it stands, selling debt is legal, it is a common practice, and it is one of the most efficient ways to recoup SOME of your expenses.

Those who buy my debt, cannot put a lien on the wrong property, they cannot remove the wrong refrigeration equipment from a mistaken restaurant, they cannot sue a motel to recoup the cost of their heating equipment, unless a judge OK’s it. There are no mistaken identities, though many try and game the system, especially by filing chapter 11 or chapter 13. Either way, those collectors will get their money in ways that I cannot. For some reason, you don’t like this practice.

“Originally we were discussing collection companies which violate the law. You supported their illegal activities.”

No, we were discussing methods of collection that some find offensive. Not illegal, and my earlier posts pointed directly at deadbeats who purposely game the system. You find that unfair, and you think its OK for folks to ‘screw’ business. Why? I’m not sure, but maybe you belong at a hippy rally protesting against the business man who is ‘raping America’ or a union rally, because you truly are not a capitalist, your comments are socialist, and you are siding over and over again with those who fail to pay their debts, and you think their obligation ends, while the business owner should just “suck it up”.

Its no wonder our nation is in the shape its in. Everyone is entitled to their pie right? Except business, we are supposed to work for free, and make money out of rainbow juice and unicorn sprinkles...

Give me a break.

You stated you are in business, I see that is consulting, good thing, because you have no idea what financing equipment costs, you probably work for yourself, so you have no idea how to run a payroll, how to provide insurance and 401 for a group of people, how to insure vehicles, how to cope with increasing liability every year, licensing, advertising, dealing with the public, the list goes on and on. Whining? Not at all, I love my work, I just hate dead-beat socialists who think the mom and pop businesses of this country are evil, and its OK to screw them over.

In addition to lawyers, I am thinking I will have to add ‘consultant’ to my list of folks to ask for cash upfront from if you are any indication of your profession.