Judges are not always right in the decisions they make in favor of the business owner. Also, there are times the business owner goes beyond every degree of fairness yet gets punished in favor of the homeowner. Fortunately, we didn't do anything wrong and went out of our way trying to make the customer happy to no avail with a severe "kick in the pants".
Thankfully, most small business firms, even large ones, don't encounter the "cusstomer from Hell" like we did. A $500K house in a great neighborhood so we're not talking about small chumps in poorsville. If YOU're a small business owner it's something worth knowing before one day you get kicked in the back-side like we did with this customer from Hell. I've advocated for many years - ALWAYS invest in GOOD legal counsel; a qualified Accountant [CPA]; and Insurance Agent.
The 3 most important advisors to your business success. A little research in our town opened my eyes BIG and WIDE to how a small business owner can suddenly find himself/herself in deep water without a paddle or pot to go. Just a few of my recent discoveries -- Did you know.
Don't be surprised when all your money is gone from the bank compliments of the town sheriff? Got a friend in town working for the Sheriff's Dept? Ask him/her, they'll tell you how it happens and you may want to ask about their bonus, too. It doesn't make any difference WHO YOU OWE or if checks will start bouncing - it's part of our LEGAL justice system - allows the "hand-of-the-law" to take your stuff and leave you screwed. A "writ of execution" is very disturbing to the small businessowner when you've been sued by a disgruntled client. when they come to sell ALL your property - equipment - and maybe leave you bankrupt as well as the good vendors you own money to. Our court system expects you to have legal counsel, just how the courts work every day. Guilty and you know it means give it up without wasting anymore time and effort, a "no options" decision.
probably your town too. What you may not know - your legal counsel is NOT required to have malpractice insurance protection when he/she screws up the process on your behalf. Most attorneys have it. the problem with small business owners is they look for the CHEAPEST not the BEST legal advice. Courts in our town DO NOT send notices by Registered mail either which means they have NO proof of delivery, but WHO cares? YOU will.
Only your legal counsel supposedly gets the notices from the Courts and it's his/her responsibility to advise you or it's tough break for you when no one told you "courts in session" - and YOU'RE absent. 'Treble' damages is a tough financial burden to most small businessowners? It's amazing how this can kick you into oblivion without a trace. Just know that it does happen to the finest of small business owners. Did you feel it? The smasher coming when you thought everything was peachy-le-creme - maybe your best year ever? If YOU don't have your 3 Key Advisors yet, hire them soon.
It may just SAVE your CASH as well as your business future.
Don Monteith is not a newcomer to the world of business.. For 32 years, he owned a staffing service as well as several franchise businesses. Semi-retired today, Don shares his business expertise with friends and publsihers by way of articles on various challenges faced by most business owenrs. http://www.HowtoGetYourDreamJob.com
