Local business threatening over negative review... what should I do?

blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 19:00
Last edited 07/06/2017 - 21:25

Where do I begin?

Called an a/c repair company up based on the positive reviews for a quote on an a/c that wasn't working. This was after 2 other quotes from separate a/c repairmen who both agreed it was likely the pcb. Lo and behold, when these guys came, the a/c decided to come back on. They didn't do or have to do anything. An hour later, got an invoice for $130 in my email. For a quote… where all they did was push the power button and leave… and no callout fee was ever advertised (and still isn't, if they had, I would have said don't come).

Of course, I called these guys asking for an explanation. After nearly an hour of arguing, I kindly agreed to pay $55 for their time. All this whilst no call out fee was ever quoted nor is on their site.

I of course tell friends about this. One of them leaves a negative review on my behalf. This is where the harassment starts. The owner starts calling and texting me, harassing me, threatening me, quoting where I work. I have the texts to prove it. I told my friend to take it down, but now I don't know. Now I'm afraid he's going to come and hurt me, my home or my family. He threatens that, if I talk about his business again or he gets another negative review, he will blame me for it. What exactly does this imply? Should I be going to the police?

Our communication was as follows:

[removed the texts to maintain privacy]

I'm a bit afraid he knows where I live and has all my details as well as where I work. What do I do? Does this constitute a threat?

Edit: As a condition of him reducing the original quote to $55, he told me I couldn't post a review myself, only if it was positive. I agreed to this to just let the matter slide. Thus why a friend of mine posted it, due to the principle of it.

Edit 2: After much arguing with my mate, he finally took the review down. I think this tradie needs a lesson, but I do understand a lot of your guys' input. I hope this is behind us now. I will be buying a security camera system regardless (been meaning to anyways).

Edit 3: issue is done. I've taken the communication down to avoid identifying features.

General Discussion

closed Comments

  • Baebs on 06/06/2017 - 19:10
    +9

    Should I be going to the police?

    Yep

    It is an offence where a person, without lawful excuse:
    threatens to cause harm to another;
    intending to create a fear that the threat will be carried out, or is recklessly indifferent to whether such a fear was created.

    Maximum penalty:
    Basic offence: 5 years imprisonment.
    Aggravated offence: 7 years imprisonment.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2017 - 19:26

      And also using a carriage service to menace or harass. Don't know what law/bylaw it is but it'll be in comlaw somewhere. Totally reportable.

    • Krizy on 07/06/2017 - 16:37
      +1

      Go to the police, but do it in a matter-of-course kind of way. Take hardcopy evidence to the police. The police will probably say to let them know if there are any further incidents (i.e. if the AC repair person continues or makes good on their threats). If there aren't then the police won't do anything but you can also stop worrying and it's win-win. But in my experience the police will take you less seriously if you are dramatic about it; just go to the police station for a discussion and don't expect them to take action.

  • tomsco on 06/06/2017 - 19:17
    +1

    Care to quote the review here, removing any identifying details of the company if you prefer.

    A couple of things:

    1) It wasn't you that left the review, so I doubt he could come after you legally.

    2) If you did leave it, but it was purely factual (ie. no call out fee advertised, they argued with me for an hour (sub note - how do people argue that long)) than he'd have nothing on you legally.

    • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 19:30
      +2

      Not so worried about the legality of it. He is coming off as threatening.

  • Ughhh on 06/06/2017 - 19:25

    Install cameras if you haven't already. Keep your cars parked inside.

    How many text and calls has he sent, and over how many days?

    • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 19:32

      I just edited my original post with a transcript of events.

      I will be buying a security camera kit soon. Working full time makes this difficult.

  • captobvious on 06/06/2017 - 19:27
    +9

    Tell the ozbargain which company and we will all inundate with neg reviews

    • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 19:31
      +1

      I'm a bit afraid of what will happen if the hive mind gets ahold of this scumbag. Not sure if they might do some damage to my property or physical self.

  • supnigs super skids on 06/06/2017 - 19:34
    +3

    That's not really a threat at all. They are asking you to remove it.

    • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 19:35

      He sent me a text telling me where I worked, implying a threat.

      But then, maybe I'm not taking this into context properly?

      • supnigs super skids on 06/06/2017 - 19:37
        +1

        I still don't see it as a threat. So he says he knows where you work so what? He also knows where you live too

        • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 19:41
          +2

          Fair enough. In context, my wife and I are taking it as a threat. Like he knows so much about me and will come after me. I can see that maybe I'm being paranoid, but the following texts stating he will blame me for any further negative reviews, whilst knowing so much about me… I don't know. All taken together, we feel pretty threatened.

  • slipperyslippers on 06/06/2017 - 19:45
    +6

    Get your mate to take down the review. End of story.
    No he shouldn't be repeatedly contacting you about the negative comment but he's also in the top 3 because he does a decent job.
    Stop stiring things up and move the eff on.

    • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 19:48
      +1

      Not a decent job from my perspective. He tried to rip me off.

      I've asked my mate to take it down. Did so earlier today, his ongoing contact with me and implied threats are what worry me.

      Ah… maybe you're right. I'm just blowing this up. Dunno… just find it super creepy he found out where I work and texted me the name and then proceeded to say he would blame me for any further negativity. What that blame entails is the worry.

      • based on 06/06/2017 - 20:16
        +2

        If his work was as good as he says one bad review should get drowned out in all the positive reviews.
        By naming your employer was he suggesting he'd come after your livelihood if you 'continue' to go after his?

        • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 20:17

          This is what I assume. That or he would show up at my work. Who knows. He simply messaged me as above with the name of my work. It comes off as rather threatening, imo.

      • blergmonkeys on 07/06/2017 - 15:48

        Not sure it's a great idea to confirm the business. Don't need any further trouble with the guy. My mate took the review down.

        • blergmonkeys on 07/06/2017 - 20:59
          -1

          @dfaktz: it was google and yeah, you can remove reviews. It's not there anymore so that's all the proof you need.

        • dfaktz on 07/06/2017 - 21:04

          @blergmonkeys:
          Uh?

        • dfaktz on 07/06/2017 - 21:14

          @blergmonkeys: What? Why are you linking this..

        • blergmonkeys on 07/06/2017 - 21:16

          @dfaktz:

          At the bottom:

          On your computer, open Google Maps.
          In the top left, click the Menu Menu.
          Click Your contributions.
          Choose Reviews.
          Next to the review you want to edit or delete, click More More.
          To edit a review, click Edit review.
          To delete a review, click Delete review.

          Reviews can be deleted. Not sure why you're arguing they can't. It's right there.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2017 - 20:10
    +3

    Cannot see lazy police doing squat about that. Any threat is implied. Just keep the printouts in case something happens.

  • Axelstrife on 06/06/2017 - 20:11
    +6

    Put up a review of your own ,reviews are there a for a reason not for some piece of crap like him to try and bully people to not post/remove negative reviews.

    if he's got a problem then that's his problem not yours.

    btw yes show the cops those messages also post imgur pics of those messages in your review.
    the prick needs to know this is wrong.

  • Ridiculous Panda on 06/06/2017 - 20:28
    +15

    Of course they should charge you a call out fee. If they spend money and time going to your place to find the ac working, so no quote and no potential job, don't you think they should get compenstaed? And you said 'when these guys came' so implying two or more, getting paid around $30 to 35 an hour each and then you add travel expenses and company expenses, $130 is a very fair amount. And they reduced it all the way to $55!

    His very first messgae was actually very nice and polite but you response was to block him. So you probably missed a few other polite texts before he got rightly pissed off.

    If you were a business owner who worked very hard to build a reputation, you would have known how agitating it is to see people thinking it's a fair game to play the 'fake bad reciews' with peoples' businesses that they worked hard for. And I'm sure your mate left a nasty fake review too.

    • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 20:35
      +1

      No callout fee quoted on phone or on the website. I have had numerous tradies out for quotes without a callout fee. Seems pretty standard from what I've seen.

      Fair enough re the last few points you made. Thus, why I did ask my mate to take it down.

      His response, though? Is that not a little alarming?

      • Ridiculous Panda on 06/06/2017 - 20:43
        +13

        businesses provide free quotes and make a loss in each hoping to make up for them when they are asked to do the job. If they found no problem with you AC, that means no potentail job and it is reasonable that you'd be expected to pay for their trouble. If I were you, I would have been so happy paying only $55 that I would have left them a 5 star review!

        If you get your mate to take it down, then there is no need to be alarmed. He's probably saying all that out of frustration after you ignored his polite texts by blocking him.

        • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 20:45
          +4

          Didn't think about it like that. You make a valid point.

    • ronnknee on 06/06/2017 - 21:03

      Nice try, A/C repairman.

  • whooah1979 on 06/06/2017 - 20:31
    +4

    why did your mate post a review of a transaction when they weren't present? if a review were to be posted then it should be by someone that were there at the time.

      • AdosHouse on 06/06/2017 - 21:23
        +14

        But its not your mates right to do it. You made an agreement with the tradie, to him it now looks like you are being a giant prick and getting around the agreement by getting your mates to put up negative reviews. Try and look at it from his perspective.

        And I think its pretty fair to charge a call-out fee, but that's between you and him, and you did come to an agreement.

        I think his initial messages were pretty polite, who knows how many other ones you missed while you had him blocked? Just tell your mate to remove the negative review and it will all go away.

  • holdenmg on 06/06/2017 - 20:43
    +1

    Bikies?

  • mbck on 06/06/2017 - 21:14
    +2

    The business is at fault. Customer is always right (coming from a business owner here). He should have just given the call out free (as he never mentioned it). Then simply update his website. ENd of story. But this guy seems to be challenging for every dollar.

    I'd also tell your friend off. It's your issue, not theirs. This reminds me of that story where a guy was wrongfully charged with rape, after the 'victim's friend reported him to the police. Guy was found not guilty in the end. Victim killed herself during the investigation, and the friend apparently had a mental health issue….

    • blergmonkeys on 06/06/2017 - 21:18
      +1

      Well that escalated quickly…

      But yeah, I would have thought that's the usual response. But then threatening me with naming my workplace and implying blame will be made should he have any further negative reviews…

      • mbck on 06/06/2017 - 21:36
        +1

        hahah, yeah but the point was having a friend do something on your behalf…

        Well if the customer had kept up with his end of the bargain….($55 and positive review or none)….but then the customer didn't…I'd be pissed too. But as a business owner, that's still his fault. If he had made that call out fee more identifiable, or not threatening in the first place…things would be ok.

        But reviews are super important to businesses. 1 bad feedback can kill a business (especially if it's new). So use that power wisely!

        Sorry to hear you went through a tough time. I'm sure he won't do anything stupid.

  • spackbace on 06/06/2017 - 21:36
    +5

    Your mate shouldn't have gotten involved, especially considering its someone who came to your house, not your mates house. He's put you in a really shit position.

    Imo you could've/should've asked if there's a call-out fee. It's such a common charge for tradies it can almost be expected.

    He's going over the top, your mate was over the top. Get him to drop the review, pay the guy the $55 and try to brush it off with him as a mix up in communication.

    • dfaktz on 07/06/2017 - 20:59

      This give me a business startup idea involving my friends, their beloved local tradesmen and crisp golden fifty dollar notes.

  • El Grande on 06/06/2017 - 21:44
    +1

    Do tradies mention call out fees? I always ask if there is a call out?

    Got burnt by Shinners Plumbing in Dandenong some years ago. We had a burst pipe at work and the Strata manager called them because they didn't know if the burst was at my end (in the wall) or underground (Strata cost). All they did was come and TRIED to replace the mains gate valve (as it was faulty) and sent us 770+GST for a failed job that should have taken 10 minutes. He came and then was on the phone with his boss for about 40 mins because he couldn't fit the valve. Decided to put a cap instead leaving us with no water. Kept my water meter because apparently it was illegal to give it to me because I might tamper with it (which is bullshit later confirmed with South East Water). Absolute Crooks.

    I asked them why the bill was so high they said the plumber came from a job in some country town and it took him 3 hours to come and 3 to go back. 1 hour on the job so at $110 an hour we owed him 770+GST. The thing is they are based in Dandenong (where we are) so why they expect me to pay for the 3 hour drive? After a lot of dispute and debt collectors getting involved. Them stealing my water meter and holding it as ransome. I never left them a negative review because they knew where my business was. They knew where I lived (strata manager passed on my details so they could collect the debt). Which car I drove etc.

    Moral of the story. Don't mess with the tradies. They might come and rob you or hurt you in other ways. I would remove the feedback. PS I can mention them now because I am sure they have done this to a bunch of people between then and now.

    • Well Wasted on 07/06/2017 - 15:07
      +2

      i call bulls..t… i'm not being paid to be nice and polite. the tradie is paid to be nice and polite… by ME. just get the job done and cut out the drama you f….n queen. if they are not nice and polite… or do a inadequate job…bad reveiw.

    • Mrgreenz on 07/06/2017 - 20:46

      What set of dogs. Did they mention the 3 hour travel fee when organising the call out?

      I didn't think you could be charged for that kind of thing unless its agreed before hand, or part of a contract.

      • El Grande on 07/06/2017 - 21:48

        Don't know if they did because I didn't call them. The Strata manager did. Its not like its a one man show they have 11 plumbers and they sent the least qualified one because he couldn't even pick the right gate valve. The Strata manager said if the leak was at my end I would pay and if at their end they would pay but they needed their guy to check it first. So I couldn't have called my plumber anyways. Looking back the Strata manager was on their side somehow making me think he was getting kickbacks from them.

  • chumlee on 06/06/2017 - 21:47
    +3

    Of course all this is your side of the story.

    Your mate wouldn't have put a negative review without you knowing about it and feeding him the information you wanted in the review.

    You agreed to $55 so take down the review and put it down as a learning experience

  • Randxyz123 on 06/06/2017 - 22:45
    +3

    Your "mate" is a (profanity) idiot. It's not his issue, the owner can sue your mate for defamation. He didn't engage the business so therefore it's a fake review.

    There is always a call out fee. Fair enough too. Otherwise they'd spend petrol money etc driving to your address for a $200 job and spend 5 minutes there.

    Tell him to delete the review as you have been threatened by his lawyers and he knows where you live etc.

  • boccos on 07/06/2017 - 10:13

    I did a negative review on Google reviews and received several phone calls from the business pleading for a retraction yet failing to either apologise or acknowledging some of the issues. My best offer was to retract the review after a full airing and 3 months had passed. And never visited that business again.

  • furys12 on 07/06/2017 - 11:04
    +2

    Regardless of who is at fault for the initial issue of "fee for an assumed free callout" and even the fact that a friend put up the review rather then op themselves, the business owner harassing the person they assume is responsible for a negative review is far from the correct way to handle said review.

    If the business thinks the review is 'wrong' in the legal sense then they should enact the correct legal processes not start a barrage of messages and calls with 'hidden' threats.

  • SirFlibbled on 07/06/2017 - 14:42

    I'd get the mate to update the review that the owner is now harassing you to remove the review.

  • blergmonkeys on 07/06/2017 - 15:51

    I've updated with an edit. Basically, I argued with my mate to remove the review and he finally did. I understand both points of view, from the tradie and from my mate, although I agree he shouldn't have gotten involved.

    I wish there was a way I could teach this tradie a lesson because his response is shady as (profanity), but I value my safety too much.

    • tomsco on 07/06/2017 - 16:42

      Maybe 12 months down the track leave a bunch of bad reviews.

      PS. This is a joke. Bad form on behalf of the tradie, but my joke is pretty immature when it's someone's livelihood.

  • gimme on 07/06/2017 - 17:13
    +1

    Mental note - DO not leave a bad review for anyone who knows where you live.

  • plasmoske on 07/06/2017 - 17:49
    +3

    If it were me, I would've left a 5 star review.

    These guys are great. Came on time and was professional. Was charged a $130 call out fee (which I was never told about prior) but they
    still lowered it down to $55 anyhow after I bought it up with them. Highly recommended.

    If your A/C broke down again in the future, yeah no worries. You can call them to come again and no dramas.

    Now that your mate left them a bad review, you no longer can call them again.

    See? There's a think positive side and a think negative side to it.

    P.S There's always a call out fee for tradies unless it says NO CALL OUT FEE.

  • Hirolol on 07/06/2017 - 18:00
    +2

    lucky you didn't say what company it was otherwise he would have had a stroke from the negative review bombardment.
    should have just not paid and left a bad review for them sending you an invoice.

    i know that if it was one of the tradesman that i use they probably would have just said don't worry about it. then i would happily refer them to friends if they are ever in need.

    what would be the difference if they go out to quote a job?
    if they offer quotes for free then i don't understand why they should invoice you for something like this.

    if you ever feel threatened or in danger from a tradesman then there is something seriously wrong here.
    damn it actually is getting me mad that he is making you feel this way as well.

    this guy claims he worked hard to build a good reputation for his business? that is such a load of BS when he is speaking to you like that i wonder how many other people he speaks to that way.

    you need to make a stand to this guy.
    dont pay the $55 if you havent already and leave a bad review.
    then block him from all contact which u have.
    if he contacts you again then call the police and tell them you have been threatened and you feel you are in danger.
    pretty sure they have to do something about it if you are fearing for your life.

  • outlander on 07/06/2017 - 18:05
    +1

    I generally try and side with the OP on these things, but from the sounds of it you might be getting ahead of yourself. He said he knows where you live, not that he was going to break your legs. Its the equivalent of sending a letter of demand. Tell me, has the aggravation of all this been worth the $70 you saved?

    I wouldn't worry about it too much. Before I got cameras, I would put some clear window tint on the front windows, as he seems like the kind of coward who would throw a brick through your window in the middle of the night to intimidate you. The clear tint holds the glass together and stops it from flying everywhere. Cheap too

    • blergmonkeys on 07/06/2017 - 19:10
      +1

      He said he knows where I work. This is clearly different than just where I live and a fairly strong implied threat. At least it is in my books.

  • ssyl9 on 07/06/2017 - 19:06

    I think this tradie needs a lesson

    I think you also need a lesson:

    All this whilst no call out fee was ever quoted nor is on their site.

    things like no call out fees or any discounts will be there on the website if they don't charge call outs.

    General rule of thumb:

    If there is a fee that is normally paid and nothing was said on the website, that fee exists.

    If there is a discount that is normally applied and nothing was said on the website, that discount doesn't exist.

    Why will they not write it in their website "No call out fees" if they don't charge call out fees?

    • blergmonkeys on 07/06/2017 - 19:09

      I have had numerous tradies come out for quotes ranging from electrical work to fence building/landscaping and have never had to pay a call out fee. I don't see this as a general rule of thumb or even the norm necessarily.

  • GangGang on 07/06/2017 - 19:31
    +1

    I was expecting a full blown argument in the text with profanity. I may have missed a line but i couldn't see any serious threats & harassment. Though i do understand when you say he knows where you work but he also knows where you live which is worse. Why didn't you leave the review yourself? he seemed pretty calm with his replies but i would be upset if a friend of a client posted negative reviews on my business.

    • blergmonkeys on 07/06/2017 - 20:00

      What I find amazing is how much this topic seems to be split in opinion.

  • msmhw on 07/06/2017 - 20:14

    what is the point of the reviews if the business controls them?

    if I were you, I will write another one for what happened (including their threats) and if they care they should improve their service!

  • Moderatorneil on 07/06/2017 - 21:55

    OK, this thread has been solved. Comments closed.

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