Exterminator contracts?

[OakLeaf]

We've had issues with an extremely aggressive exterminator as well. Not to your extent, though.

Ours was a regional company that was okay when we signed with them, but then they were bought out by a company that started out as a PR firm, and after that it was nonstop phone calls, treatments we didn't want, ....

Now we better hurry up and find someone new before the mortgage company gets on us about the termite certification.

[JennK13]

That is the craziest thing I've ever heard! My husband is an exterminator - he previously worked for two big, corporate companies, but now works for a small mom-n-pop place. I can't comment on how corporate called or treated customers when the technician wasn't there, but he left because of the way the companies were run.

He, and the company he now works for, would never force a customer into a contract - and by the way, 5 treatments at $200 a pop sounds ridiculous.

I agree with Roadtrip - ask to hear the recording. Tell them you're willing to keep your side of any contract, but that you don't recall authorizing any future work as you specifically didn't sign the contract. Check with your state, too, on the validity of recorded conversations - they aren't admissable in many circumstances.

[limewave]

Talked to our lawyer and feel much better. He says they have no grounds at all for what they are doing. He is going to write them a letter and that *should* be the end of it. Here's hoping.

[tulip]

What a bummer you have to deal with this Limewave! I hope you are flea-free from now on. Letters from lawyers can be wonderous things.

[OakLeaf]

And just like you, although our contract with the old exterminator expired two weeks ago, they showed up at our house this morning unannounced saying they were here to do the treatment. Luckily our gates are locked and of course we didn't let them inside. We'll see if we get a bill anyhow.

I wonder if it's the same company...

[limewave]

Update: Our lawyer sent them a letter refuting their claim of contract as there is, obviously, no contract with them. Our lawyer also instructed them that any further contact should be made directly to our lawyer and not to us.

So, what do I get in the mail today? A bill from the exterminator! For $300 and it says its the balance of our contract.

Will this NEVER END?

[crazycanuck]

Me thinks someone @ X company needs a good thwack! Hmm..perhaps a Jimmy Hoffa moment wouldn't go amiss at a time like this

Seriously though..Limewave, I hope it's dealt with soon. Obviously lawyers mean nothing to X company & they just do what they want...