Best way to go after designer who I prepayed $200 thru paypal and won't finish work?
 

This part-time designer, someone who likes to take part in these design contests on GFY, was in a jam and was looking for some immediate work. Me being the nice guy I (used to be) I offered to prepay him so that he could make his payment on his credit card.

So he did a little bit of the work but didn't complete it, and now I'm just being ignored. Yes he still comes onto ICQ semi-regularly.

What's the best way to go about getting this resolved when he won't respond to me? When I do something nice for somebody and they turn around and fuck me, it pisses me off. So needless to say this is not about the money, but rather about resolving the issue to my satisfaction.

I think you found the best way.

I'm not sure about that...

Revealing him on GFY may make him look like an ass, but it's not going to directly impact his bank account, his credit, his record, or anything of that nature.

Legal action may be neccessary, just deciding which route to go is what I'm unsure of.

I was thinking the same thing. Especially if he frequents the board.

how about a chargeback? i did it once i bought some traffic that didnt show up, was no problem, didnt take long either

What legal measures can you really take for 200 bucks? Your best bet is to just hope he doesn't want his name smeared and contacts you. Give him some time to see the thread and try to make it right before you say any names.

sorry to hear about the problems...

Unfortunately this is more than just a couple months ago, there must be a statue of limitations on charging it back. Plus it was a direct transfer from my bank account via paypal.

If he reads GFY, he probably trying to finish your work or borrow 200 bucks as we speak.

These dudes around here have long memories and dont forget nothing.

Report him to paypal. They will investigate and will probably suspend his paypal account. Happened when i bought content from someone a few years ago. If he has funds in his account, you might get it back. If not, then you won't. But really, for only $200, if you can't get the money back through paypal, there's bugger all that's worth doing. The best thing to do is just drag his name through the mud. The satisfaction of revenge is easily worth $200!

- Post his name, contact, sites,etc...
- Chargeback

Goodluck m8

Edit: Just saw we are talking "only" about $200...I think the best is to say his name and such

Alright, thanks for the replies.
I suppose I'll give him warning that I'm about to expose it all over GFY if he doesn't make good. I've been very patient.

That's fucked up.... Here's a bump for you bro...

Dude, its $200. Legal action isn't worth it. Its not like you'll stick him in jail. It would end up being a civil suit, you would win, he would be ordered to pay you the $200 and still never pay it. Plus, you then would have a pile of your own legal bills to pay and any other expenses.

"Out" him. Its really the only thing you can do and WILL impact his bottom line if he ever expects to get work again. Odds are he won't even care, just consider it a lesson learned. Never pre-pay somebody you don't know "looking for cash".

ow man.. that sucks!

i only accept upfront payment also with all of the projects that i handle but i had never got into a situation like that..

hope you resolve this prob man. :)

goodluck

It simply amazes when people say "it's only 200 bucks", so if it was 2000 bucks it wouldn't be okay to rip somebody off then!!!!!!!!! Some of you guys just don't understand principle do you :mad:

If "principal" means spending 100 hours and several hundred additional dollars to possibly make back an original $200 owed... no, I don't understand "principal".

Maybe you don't understand the value of wasted time?

Tell 'em who it was so they dont' think it's me..

http://gfysigwhore.com/images/juicyjuice.gif

And you didnt drop his name because?
WHY?

Threating to out someone on GFY works better than anything I've ever tried.

He's being contacted again through the emails and his ICQ.
If I'm not met with a response to my satisfaction I'll spread the news.

This is the last chance to make good.

If this is the case, then your chances are even better. Contact Paypal immediately.

Who said he should just drop it? It's just not feasible to think about legal action for 200 bucks. Get a grip. Call a lawyer and tell him you sent 200 to a designer through paypal and see what he says.

GFY is the best judge and jury for this type of case :winkwink:

This is like saying oranges are orange. Don't speak the obvious when everyone already knows it.

I'm pretty sure what he meant by principle is that it doesn't matter how much you spend, when you get someone to do work for you and pay him, you expect the work to be done. It shouldn't matter what the cost, if you go to a store and buy a can of milk you expect the milk don't you, you don't give the store money just because!

I've been ripped off by a designer off this board before and most everybody jumped on the fact that it wasn't a big lot of money! It really shouldn't matter how much you get ripped off for... the fact still is you pay someone for a job, you should get what you pay for. Its the principle of doing business, you want more work you do the work paid for!

Smurfette

I agree with that, it's not about the money per se, but the trust and respect you gave each other being betrayed.
When someone does you wrong you tend to have a different attitude towards people after that, coz you don't want to commit the same mistake again. So even if you meet someone who's really trustworthy and honest, you tend to be suspicious most of the time...too bad that for a "mere" $200, the distrust and respect went a very long way... :2 cents:

What an asshole. These guys aren't only hurting their own reputations but they are hurting the reputations of every designer on here.

I take money upfront simply because when I haven't I end up putting several hours into a project and then the customer will flake out.

Give him 48 hours to deliver the work, or send you a refund. If he does not comply, out him on GFY. He'll wind up losing work over this. For $200, it's about all of your time you can afford to devote to this situation.

PayPal won't do shit for virtual services, so don't count on that.

Expose him would be my advise :2 cents:

I'd just say who it is.
Damage to his rep is about all you can do right now.
Give him a chance to make it right, and then pull the rip cord.

Good luck. Hope you get your work or your money out of him.