what if the system controls lighting and security and you messing with it caused bodily harm?  that isn't the same as going 60 in a 55.  i'm just saying it would be fun to mess with someone like this, but CYA.

I think we can all agree that it's awesome that he got the client to pay his bill by doing this. But we also have to all agree that it's basically hacking something thats in his home.

Right and wrong both have a dog in the fight. He should pay his bills etc etc. but him owing money doesn't give us the right to essentially go into his home and alter/remove/destroy whats there.


Plenty of people get tickets for it also. I got a ticket for doing 26 in a 25.


He would only need to find another firm who would look at the time stamp on the file loaded on the processor.

The quote below is why it matters. This isn't the same as getting a $50-1000 ticket. We aren't always just talking about home theaters. Our clients wouldn't be able to control their lighting system without it's keypads/touch panels because there are no switches.

A past dealer I know did this to a customer.....

Because of the safety factor and legality...... the lights were turned on in all hallways stairways and point of entry/exit.... and left on.

Not that this was correct but it was a nicer way of doing this to customer x.

And Kevin smartly didn't mess with the lighting. Screwing with the TV was the perfect solution.

Got the check!
I emailed the husband last Tuesday and said I haven't heard back I just wanted to open the lines on communication.

I called today and left a nice voice mail . I get a text message 10 mins later saying the check was sent yesterday and I lost them as a client and any recommendations because I would not compromise and I was not there for 5 hours.

You got the check or you got a message that it's in the mail? Big difference in these situations. If you got it, great and don't lose sleep over the lost repeat business or referrals...they would never occur anyway.

Lost referrals...?
He is a D-Bag, and like Tweeterguy said was never going to refer you anyway....

After your check clears, send him a letter thanking him for a lesson learned and how you will be changing your deposit and payment policy, to avoid dealing with trash like him.

Overall it sounds like you were trying to help out and get things done for him on the short notice. Maybe / maybe not the image size was on you but you gave them options. Everything after that is on him.

Everyone makes mistakes, as long as you stand behind it and offer a resolution it should never had come to this.

Hopefully he meets Mr. Karma

You mean Mrs Karma. She is a bitch.

He saved you the trouble of firing him.

don't turn off their security funtions and lighting. No tv, they will pay their bill. Put it in writing the system lose some functionality until payment is received in full. Problem solved, even legal.

BRUCEWAYNE, please update us when the check actually clears the bank.

Wouldn't compromise, jeeeezus H you know what!

Bust your balls to help a D-Bag and you get a T-Bag!

Hope he get MRS. Karma on her monthly!

The small claims court suggestion is a good idea. They will probably pay up before it happens.

Make a copy of the check.
Take the check to HIS bank and cash it.
His bank will be able to confirm availability of funds and give you cash/M.O. on the spot.
If the check can't clear, that's a form of check/payment fraud and serious federal business. Without any delays take his ass to court.

I got the check at 3 on saturday . My bank was open till 4 . I already had other checks to deposit ( it was a good week ). So if they cancel or it bounces . I will love to make them look bad in court.

oh my, can you imagine all the business you are going to lose in referrals from this clown! hahahaha. Always cracks me up when pion idiot customers think they hold the key to your success as a business, well he taught you! LOL. Yup, he's an azz.