When Referrals Go Bad

Posted by Affordable Search Engine Optimisation Gal

December 28, 2008

In all the time I’ve live in the mountain area of Big Bear Lake, California, I’ve managed to do pretty well with referrals.

Until this week.

New residents often get the advice to never pay contractors up front and I normally never do–but I had a brain fart for some reason.

You see my computer needed some clean up.

Now I am pretty savvy on the Internet and about average when it comes to my operating system but not when it comes to computer optimization.

I’ve used a couple of computer guys from the area and haven’t been too impressed.

Finding quality professionals in the Big Bear Valley can be a challenge.

So when my neighbor ranted an raved about his new computer tech and gave me his number–I called.

The guy’s quote was competitive and we chatted about how he would optimize the system, keep my programs, and upgrade a couple after backing up all my data.

When he came over we all chatted. Before he left he asked for payment up front–normally I don’t pay anyone until completion of service, or perhaps I give a deposit–but this time I just handed over the entire amount.

Later, I had a bad feeling about the decision–one which has revealed itself to be my intuitive self telling me that I made a mistake.

Boy did I make a mistake.

However, at least I got the computer back which was my worst fear.

During our discussion and initial look at my laptop, the guy boasted that he would get my machine back to me within 24 hours.

In my dreams…

First, I called to check on things and he informed me that my computer was a mess and that it was taking him a lot longer than anticipated.

I thought, “Okay, that sounds reasonable for the delay.”

Then we got hit with another ice and snow storm and my thoughts went something like this, “Okay, I can understand the delay but he said he would call…I have three calls in and no computer or call backs”

The result?

I got my computer back after three days.

But that isn’t the problem…

My friend picked it up for me and when he asked the tech guy if I owed anything more, the guy said yes and so got additional money above the full payment he was paid up front–no receipt.

Now, this might not have pissed me off if he had told me he spent more time and so needed more money for his work–but he didn’t and I had just talked to the tech earlier that day.

When I got onto the computer late last night my worst fears were confirmed. This guy:

Wiped out all my programs (which I told him I used and to keep).
Did not upload the programs we talked about specifically.
Downgraded my OS.
Did not save all my documents.
Did not include upgrades he discussed.
Did not set up the automatic backup and other optimizations he promised.
Charged an additional 30%.

Let me take a few deep breaths…

Ahhhhhhh!

Okay…

Now I could have wiped out everything myself and started over instead–and saved myself the money.

The bigger problem is that he only did part of what he promised and now has created a ton of work for me–and I hope I can recover.

Lucky that I have recovery disks and I am going to see if I can restore the programs which did not come with disks but were loaded on the computer when I bought it.

The big pain is that I will not be able to recover all the research in some of the files he “forgot” to save AND will not be able to retrieve all the media fax numbers programed into one of the programs or all the copies of those faxes I have sent.

Yes, I back up most things but some things were not…figures.

There are a lot of stories I could tell you about poor business practices in the valley or on the mountain but since I seldom have a problem this one was fresh on my mind to share.

I wonder what similar type of local experiences you have gotten into. Leave a comment below and let us know!

Big Bear Business