Do I have a Claim??

Back in October of 2007, I had a company in to clean my blinds. When they returned them there was this dark wrinkle all through them. I called them back to take a look and they agreed they looked bad. Took one of the blinds to reclean to see if they could get the dark wrinkle out. They could not. Assured me that they were insured and this would be taken care of. Then the owner went on vacation. Jan 07 i called to find out what they were going to do. I was told they didn't have the right insurance and this is not covered. But the owner would come out of her own pocket to cover replacement. Feb, came with samples for me to choose from, I told her I just want whats there. She took the numbers off the blind and was on her way(would take 6-8 wks to get them in) end of March, I call, I am told that she doesn't think she really is responsible for this but it will be taken care of she just needs to come up with the money. I call her monthly everytime I am told she is going to take care of this she just doesn't have the money yet. Should I believe her or should I take her to small claims???

Not sure how much you are financially invested in this but I would imagine not much. Might be best to cut your losses and take it as a lesson learned. Remember, in small claims you have to file all of your paperwork yourself. Hundreds of dollars in costs.

"Remember, in small claims you have to file all of your paperwork yourself. Hundreds of dollars in costs."

What?! Where did you hear that?

Filing in small claims is an easy and painless experience. Actually it costs between $30 and $50 (depending on the amount claimed) and the paperwork takes less than an hour. Plus, you can add all filing costs to the claim. In college I once had to take a landlord to small claims court for not returning our security deposit. We added on the filing fees to the claim and when we won the full amount plus court fees was awarded to us. He then failed to pay in the set time so we had to file for wage garnishment which cost more money that again dimit landlord was forced to pay. We ended up completely whole and our time in court was brief and once we presented the facts to the judge we just sat there and listened to judge rip the landlord a new one. It was actually kind of fun. That one time was my ONLY time ever in a courtroom and it was way less of an ordeal than I expected. I say take the cleaner to the cleaners, well not really but get back what they owe you.

One more thing, "The Truth", I have to laugh and I'm guessing you're a man. No, please don't take the wrong way - I just mean since you don't think blinds cost that much than you can't be a woman. Woman obsess over window treatments and once the decision is finally made the bill can easily be in the thousands. And the cleaning costs aren't cheap either! So yes, I'll bet "Need help" has plenty invested in this. Also, I'm curious what is lesson she should have learned here? Why should she take this one on the chin because a business doesn't stand behind their work and take responsibility for their actions? I don't see any lesson for the victim in this case, the one who needs a lesson is the deadbeat business.

The Truth wrote:

Not sure how much you are financially invested in this but I would imagine not much. Might be best to cut your losses and take it as a lesson learned. Remember, in small claims you have to file all of your paperwork yourself. Hundreds of dollars in costs.

We have all of our windows treated with blinds at both houses. We have the white "faux wood" blinds. They give you the look of wood and the durability of PVC.

We bought them at Walmart, so as to get the best deal we could get.

$26.20 per window.

We have 60 windows.

Even though we installed them ourselves, we still have over $1660.00 in window blinds.

I would be HOT and would have already filed a claim a long time ago.

I'd like to know who this company is, so that I never call them.

The Truth wrote:

Not sure how much you are financially invested in this but I would imagine not much. Might be best to cut your losses and take it as a lesson learned. Remember, in small claims you have to file all of your paperwork yourself. Hundreds of dollars in costs.

I forgot to address the cost of filing.

For claims up to $3000.00 the filing cost is $65 plus serving fees, if any. You don't have to hire a process server.

You can have a friend serve notice of the suit as long as they will swear and affadavit attesting to such, that you need to file with the court. If you know a cop, have them do it.

Here is a helpful site regarding Michigan small claims court procedures. Good luck.
http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/selfhelp/smal...

I, also, say take them to small claims court. I would have by now, if it were me.

Oh yeah, I think you stand a good chance of winning.

The Truth wrote:

Not sure how much you are financially invested in this but I would imagine not much. Might be best to cut your losses and take it as a lesson learned. Remember, in small claims you have to file all of your paperwork yourself. Hundreds of dollars in costs.

I have alot invested in them they are Hunter Douglas fabric pleated shades. I have called a couple of places to get replacement cost $3000.00 the full amount to small claims

Need Help wrote:

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I have alot invested in them they are Hunter Douglas fabric pleated shades. I have called a couple of places to get replacement cost $3000.00 the full amount to small claims

SUE! SUE! SUE!

Get what's coming to YOU! YOU! YOU!

I think I will Patty. Thanks

Need Help wrote:

I think I will Patty. Thanks

Good luck to you.

You can also claim interest on any money you pay out.

Well there you have it. Just like anywhere else in this country, the truth is the minority.

Thank you--I thought the same thing. The blinds I just had installed in our great room were over $3400 per window(large windows).'The Truth' has no idea there are blinds that cost more than $9.99 and don't come from Target!

Ruckus_rider wrote:

One more thing, "The Truth", I have to laugh and I'm guessing you're a man. No, please don't take the wrong way - I just mean since you don't think blinds cost that much than you can't be a woman. Woman obsess over window treatments and once the decision is finally made the bill can easily be in the thousands. And the cleaning costs aren't cheap either! So yes, I'll bet "Need help" has plenty invested in this. Also, I'm curious what is lesson she should have learned here? Why should she take this one on the chin because a business doesn't stand behind their work and take responsibility for their actions? I don't see any lesson for the victim in this case, the one who needs a lesson is the deadbeat business.

Amy wrote:

Thank you--I thought the same thing. The blinds I just had installed in our great room were over $3400 per window(large windows).'The Truth' has no idea there are blinds that cost more than $9.99 and don't come from Target!
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Yes I am a man. And my God, I had no idea blinds were that much. I did think the filing fee was more. I remember my uncle telling me he spent hundreds to file. Maybe it depends on the amount?

Anyways, if blinds are that much sue on principal. and while you are at it sue the blind maker for ripping off society. sweet jesus thats overpricing..

Wary Consumer wrote:

<quoted text>
We have all of our windows treated with blinds at both houses. We have the white "faux wood" blinds. They give you the look of wood and the durability of PVC.
We bought them at Walmart, so as to get the best deal we could get.
$26.20 per window.
We have 60 windows.
Even though we installed them ourselves, we still have over $1660.00 in window blinds.
I would be HOT and would have already filed a claim a long time ago.
I'd like to know who this company is, so that I never call them.

WOW! 60 windows in your house.
Our home is almost 4000 sq feet and we also have an indoor pool. Far from 60 windows.
We do have 15 rooms that are on the outside walls. Even with the ceiling windows we are still far from 60.
Happy cleaning.

They aren't all that much--just if you have large or odd windows and choose the more expensive fabrics, controls, etc. I think the blinds in my bathroom were less than $500 total. My hubby is an attorney(yeah, I know, I know...)and he tells me that the max in Michigan is $65 to file for a claim between $1750 and $3000(the max you can sue for in Small Claims Court). Not a bad deal, plus no attorney fees. I suspect the lady with the wronged blind would win--when you hire professionals to provide a service you have the right to expect your property not to be ruined. It seems they should have liability insurance(in this case I doubt she does).

The Truth wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes I am a man. And my God, I had no idea blinds were that much. I did think the filing fee was more. I remember my uncle telling me he spent hundreds to file. Maybe it depends on the amount?
Anyways, if blinds are that much sue on principal. and while you are at it sue the blind maker for ripping off society. sweet jesus thats overpricing..

Julie wrote:

<quoted text>
WOW! 60 windows in your house.
Our home is almost 4000 sq feet and we also have an indoor pool. Far from 60 windows.
We do have 15 rooms that are on the outside walls. Even with the ceiling windows we are still far from 60.
Happy cleaning.

Yes concerned citizen, Julie.

ONE of our homes is a lake house which is pretty much all windows.

Our porches alone account for 22 of them.

Thank you for your concern. I'll call you if I ever need to hire a window washer.

Wary Consumer wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes concerned citizen, Julie.
ONE of our homes is a lake house which is pretty much all windows.
Our porches alone account for 22 of them.
Thank you for your concern. I'll call you if I ever need to hire a window washer.

OH, SNAP!

(I rarely do that)

The Truth wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes I am a man.

HA!
That explains sooooooo much.

Do you think having oversight over people's most valued treasure (their children) is reeeeeeally the best job for you?

I don't think I would trust you with my windows. Why do you think one should trust you with their children?

You famous last words
"Trust me when I tell you"

HAHAHA

No. I don't think I will!