EDIT: ITS WORSE!!! Major problem- need advice- WARNING: LONG

[junior varsity]

Seriously, run that by your lawyer first. Do yourself a favor, and let them do the paperwork for you. You'll spend up front, but may end up saving a fortune.

[paradisecity]

All, please review and comment on the attached before I send it over.  Thanks


John,

After our discussion on Monday night where you told me to get an estimate from another mechanic, I asked and paid for Stuart at Flightcycles to provide an estimate of the work needed to be done from the beginning since the estimate you gave me was from the beginning.  I am providing this estimate to you here.  As I stated before, Stuart is an award winning Ducati builder and mechanic whose reputation is excellent.  I went from memory and provided a long list and put it in a word document.  After you sent me your itemized invoice via fax, I passed that along as well in case I had forgotten anything that needed to be done so that he would not be leaving anything out.  Stuart told me (and I’m sure would relay to you if you asked) that he tried to shoot a little on the high side because he has only seen pictures and does not have the bike in front of him, but feels confident in this estimate.  He charges a labor rate of 10 dollars per hour more than your shop, and 20 dollars more per hour for parts that he purchased through his shop.

Please call me once you have had a chance to look this over.  Since you are threatening to place a lien on my bike in the near future despite having provided me with the bill two days ago (a bike which I have not been told has been finished yet) I would ask that you please make this a priority and contact me back as soon as possible.

Thank you




Tom Paradis

ATO- I dont actually HAVE a lawyer.  I have consulted with one quickly, called two more and given their secretaries the details, and not heard back.

[junior varsity]

I really think you oughta try back before talking with the guy again, cover your bases. Take detailed notes of any conversations you with him as well.

Note the following:
Date
Time
Reason for call
Details of call
Length of phone call

You can use all of these documents, written by your own damn self as leverage during arguments. They are not 'super-duper official', like a written contract, but they go far in your favor if things are going badly.

Oh, and I'm of the opinion that a person should have a lawyer at all times, in case you do something stupid. Everybody does at some point.

[NAKID]

What was Stu's estimate?

[paradisecity]

I'm not sure if he wants me to share the details (Stuart if you see this and its ok let me know and I will post it up) but it is just over one half of the total bill before credits, and it is at a labor rate 10 dollars higher for parts sent in and 20 dollars higher for parts bought in shop.

[Duck-Stew]

I'm not sure if he wants me to share the details (Stuart if you see this and its ok let me know and I will post it up) but it is just over one half of the total bill before credits, and it is at a labor rate 10 dollars higher for parts sent in and 20 dollars higher for parts bought in shop.

I'm ok with it with the following caveat (sp?):  I have never seen the bike, and erred on the high-side a touch.  The bike is in Vermont....I'm in SoCal.

Edit: fixed spelling...

[Ducatiloo]

I'm ok with it with the following  caviot   caveat:  I have never seen the bike, and erred on the high-side a touch.  The bike is in Vermont....I'm in SoCal.

Fixed it, I think.

With this "mechanic" I would still be worrying how the bike performs.  I'm not talking about lowering you lap time.  I'm talking about being able to ride your bike, and not having to worrying about it handling the same all the time.  Are you will to put your life in this guys hands?

Just my 2 cents

[paradisecity]

http://www.sendspace.com/file/0mh25d


Ducatiloo-
I'll spend the 200 bucks to have someone check it over real quick

[derby]

I'm not sure if he wants me to share the details (Stuart if you see this and its ok let me know and I will post it up) but it is just over one half of the total bill before credits, and it is at a labor rate 10 dollars higher for parts sent in and 20 dollars higher for parts bought in shop.

it doesn't really matter what stu's labor rate is. it's the number of hours that you're arguing.

[Ducatiloo]

http://www.sendspace.com/file/0mh25d


Ducatiloo-
I'll spend the 200 bucks to have someone check it over real quick

Ok cool, better to be safe.... 

[paradisecity]

it doesn't really matter what stu's labor rate is. it's the number of hours that you're arguing.

It does matter.  It means Stuart's estimate is vastly lower despite charging more.

I'm not harping on what he charges, I'm saying he's quoting me 3k less with a higher rate.  Honestly, I am willing to pay Stuart's rate if it gets my bike back safe.  That would be 1700 and change of the 4515 bill, with me getting my old front fork, set of wheels, and brake systems back

[derby]

It does matter.  It means Stuart's estimate is vastly lower despite charging more.

I'm not harping on what he charges, I'm saying he's quoting me 3k less with a higher rate.  Honestly, I am willing to pay Stuart's rate if it gets my bike back safe.  That would be 1700 and change of the 4515 bill, with me getting my old front fork, set of wheels, and brake systems back

you can compare the totals to re-enforce your point, but your main argument is that he's padding the hours on his bill.

[Count Desmo]

you can compare the totals to re-enforce your point, but your main argument is that he's padding the hours on his bill.

Agreed, this is your winning argument.

[paradisecity]

Right- we are saying the same thing Derby.

(I grew up in a town called Derby)

[paradisecity]

They are now arguing at Stew is too far away and also would get charged different for "parts" because of that and apparently even though I emailed Leslie at BCM and never heard back, John has sent Miles a list of things that needed to be done to the bike and they are writing up an estimate.