Tuesday, December 13, 2005

WHAT CHEESES ME OFFFFFFF ....

it had to happen... I cant not write about it any longer. The fact is Iam absolutely LIVID. Before I start this post I must say that Iam not writing about the majority, Iam in fact writing about a very small minority. This subject is a problem all over Queensland, in fact Australia Iam sure. However, this is our story.

You may be wondering what has gotten up my nose today? Hmmm. Ok, here we go (hang on for the ride ok?)

The thing that really cheeses me off about Massie Lodge are some of the owners. 2 in fact. As you must all be aware Massie Lodge is a very small business, we send out accounts on the first of the month and usually get payment within 30 days, all very good when people do the right thing and are good with their accounts. They pay us everyday to attend to their horses. Which we do, we get up every day and feed them and make sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink, attend to any wounds or scrapes, keep their feet in order, give them a wormer every 6-8 weeks etc etc. We talk to them, give them cuddles you know just generally keep an eye on them and keep them safe while they are spelling etc.

We are really lucky that we have some very good owners who like to be part of their horses lives, and more often than not, we have become good friends with them. Its an ideal business situation, not only do you have an income coming in, but you have made some nice friends through it. You cant ask for more than that can you?

However, we do have 2 delinquents who have chosen to abuse our good nature and friendship and have run up an agistment bill - one for over $4,000 and the other for just on $1,000. These people have made our life living hell with constant promises of payment and the stress of trying to chase the monies owing to us. One of these charmers sent his mare on to Willowbend to be served down there and now owes them a stack of money.... where does it end?

How can these people live themselves knowing how much stress and grief they are causing other people?

The other person has not only involved us in this web of deceit but has involved a local trainer and horse breaker - so where does it all end? And how come we have to deal with the phone calls from these people about the money that this bloke owes them as well?

As you can tell Iam not impressed (and neither are the other people involved in this) because not only does this person owe us money, but he has severly damaged our working relationship with these 2 people but doesnt seem to care about that either.

The answer to these questions are simple. If you cant pay, be upfront and tell people and discuss payment terms. DO THE RIGHT THING.

The solution to our problem is about to be taken out of our hands. Bring on the Collection Agency!

I have to wonder why people get involved with thoroughbreds when they know good and well that they cant afford to keep one (let alone race one?).

Helen.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's such a shame that the "little people" in this game get burned most often. Those with the airs and pretensions of riches are the ones who, time and time again, promise all and deliver nothing. For the future: Beware he who talks up his wealth and plans for he is the one least likely to pay!!

Anonymous said...

Helen, I run an agistment property in Melbourne and unfortunately have had the same problems as you. I have a clause in my agistment contract that allows me to take action after seven days of breech of the contract. In other words, once I have given the person a letter of intention, they have seven days to pay up or I take possession of the horse and sell it for the best price I can get. It is not a very nice thing to do but the horses are your only security. A debt collector is no guarentee that you'll get your money and can be quite drawn out. It is inevitable that this will happen and it is going to happen to you again in the future, it is the nature of the game. You offer your clients a wonderful service and you derserve to be paid. So take appropriate step to make sure you are not left out in the cold again and use the horses as your security.