09/03/2026
I honestly hate having to make a post like this, because we have always tried to handle our customers and our business with honesty, respect, and professionalism. But tonight, I’m extremely frustrated and disappointed, and I feel like our side needs to be heard.
We took on a large job for a customer that involved clearing a significant amount of brush from the property and cutting down trees. This was a couple-thousand-dollar job, and the customer paid half as a deposit, as agreed.
During the job, there were trees that the customer wanted cut down that were not included in the original quote. We chose to cut those trees down anyway, at no additional charge, simply because we wanted to help them out.
Tonight, we went back to finish up the remaining work. There was a branch that needed to be cut down, and we had been told that the area would be cleared so we could safely access it. When we arrived, the necessary things had not been moved, so we could not safely complete that particular part of the job.
We even offered to take the branch off the bill entirely. We weren't asking to be paid for work we couldn't safely complete. We simply asked to be paid for the substantial amount of work that we had already completed and were owed.
Unfortunately, they have refused to pay us for the rest of the work.
And honestly, this one hurts.
We dedicated essentially our entire week to this job. That means turning down other work and opportunities to make money because we committed our time, equipment, fuel, and labor to this customer. We went above and beyond what was originally quoted because we wanted to help them.
Now we're being left with a substantial unpaid balance, and we're having to take the matter through the proper legal process.
I know some people don't like paying deposits or paying anything upfront when hiring a small business. I completely understand why people feel that way. But situations like this are exactly why deposits and clear payment agreements are sometimes necessary. Small businesses don't have unlimited resources. When we spend an entire week providing labor, fuel, equipment, and time, and then don't get paid for the work we've completed, it can seriously hurt a small business.
We are not a huge company. We're a small, hardworking business that takes pride in what we do. We love helping people, we love the work we do, and we work extremely hard for every customer.
Anyone who has worked with us knows that we stand behind our work and that we try our best to treat people fairly. Our reviews and the relationships we've built with our customers speak for themselves.
We aren't looking for sympathy, and we're not trying to start a Facebook war. We're simply extremely disappointed that after putting so much time and effort into helping someone, this is how we're being treated.
We'll let the proper process handle the rest.
To all of our customers who have supported us, paid us fairly, recommended us, and trusted our small business — thank you. You are the reason we continue doing what we do. ❤️
And to other small-business owners: protect yourselves. Put everything in writing, have clear payment terms, and don't be afraid to require a deposit. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to protect your business the hard way.
