Snow plowing contract not honored?

Question

I paid a company $175.00 back in November for unlimited snow plows this winter. First snowfall: no one showed up. We got more than 6 inches so I had to get the driveway plowed and took out a contract with another company (a good one this time). The first company assured me they would refund my money but it's been a few weeks and, having received nothing, now I know they have no intentions of doing that. They are not answering my calls. What should I do? Is it worth going to Small Claims for that amount? Can the police help me recover my money without going to court?

I did sign a contract and I have a copy of the cashed check.

I also already threatened to go to Small Claims Court but it seems that they don't care.

Answer 1

I agree with the above answer. Your time would have to be worth very little to make it worthwhile to recover $175 in court. On the other hand, that's probably what the bad guys are figuring on in this case. They are likely to be long gone and on to the next scam so you are unlikely to see your $175 again no matter what comes of it.

Answer 2

Did you have a signed contract on paper?

Did you recieve a copy of the check made out to the company?

If you just paid cash, well that is going to be hard.

Sorry for your troubles.

Answer 3

Police have no power in this case; Small claims or nothing; sometimes the threat of a court will resolve it.

Answer 4

Threaten them that you are going to file a complaint with the BBB and file a lawsuit...Im betting they will not want to go to court...At that point, you will probably get your money back.

Answer 5

175.00 is such a small amount that by the time you get it into court, even if you win, your will have waisted more time and effort that the 175.00 is worth.
good luck