So, without naming names or boats, I'm in a situation now that is a first for me.
Back in March, I completed a pretty significant buildup for a customer and let him know that it would be ready to ship within a few days. My policy is typically 50% down and 50% when complete. In this case I strayed and only took a $500 down payment. I figured I would be okay as he was supplying the actual kit. He let me know that he'd need a week to 10 days to get the cash together. Not a big deal. I wasn't worried.
Then he disappeared... until June.
When I finally managed to get a hold of him, he let me know that he was in deep doo doo with the IRS and got hammered with a massive tax bill. I let him know that I'd be willing to work with him. I offered to sell the boat, take my labor from the proceeds and then forward the remainder. He didn't want to do that as the boat is pretty unique (and turned out pretty awesome, if I do say so myself). He said he needed to make payments. I was okay (not happy, but okay) with that.
Then he disappeared... again.
No response to email or phone calls for the last 4 months. For all I know he's in jail for tax evasion. Does anyone have any idea what I should do? I'd hate to have to turn it over to collections, but I'm getting close to needing to. I still have the boat, so selling it is an option, but I'm not sure about the legalities of that as he supplied the hull. Would that be considered his property, or do I have the right to liquidate to recoup my expenses?
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! I'm interested in hearing what you think.
Bob
Back in March, I completed a pretty significant buildup for a customer and let him know that it would be ready to ship within a few days. My policy is typically 50% down and 50% when complete. In this case I strayed and only took a $500 down payment. I figured I would be okay as he was supplying the actual kit. He let me know that he'd need a week to 10 days to get the cash together. Not a big deal. I wasn't worried.
Then he disappeared... until June.
When I finally managed to get a hold of him, he let me know that he was in deep doo doo with the IRS and got hammered with a massive tax bill. I let him know that I'd be willing to work with him. I offered to sell the boat, take my labor from the proceeds and then forward the remainder. He didn't want to do that as the boat is pretty unique (and turned out pretty awesome, if I do say so myself). He said he needed to make payments. I was okay (not happy, but okay) with that.
Then he disappeared... again.
No response to email or phone calls for the last 4 months. For all I know he's in jail for tax evasion. Does anyone have any idea what I should do? I'd hate to have to turn it over to collections, but I'm getting close to needing to. I still have the boat, so selling it is an option, but I'm not sure about the legalities of that as he supplied the hull. Would that be considered his property, or do I have the right to liquidate to recoup my expenses?
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! I'm interested in hearing what you think.
Bob
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