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2:02 pm
September 10, 2012
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20s Finances
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Hey all,
Having an issue with my dentist and it is getting ridiculous. I could explain it all, but that would take WAY too long. Basically, they are charging me for a faulty product (mouth guard) that wasn't what my wife ordered. I refuse to pay the bill and am even considering devoting hours of my free time to creating a niche site giving them a negative review. I will be going in tomorrow morning to show them proof that it wasn't what I ordered, but in case it doesn't work out (which from the phone calls, it doesn't seem like it), I want to know what the consequences of not paying the bill is.
Anyways, back to my point, if I refuse to pay the bill, I assume that this will go to collections? Is this correct? If so, how hard is it to fight? Or is it even possible to fight it once it reaches this point? Anyone else know if there is some sort of agency that I can report this to? Thanks for your advice
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2:46 pm
September 10, 2012
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Jake@iHeartBudgets.net
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Definitely report the dentist to the http://www.bbb.org. As far as collections, you can get away with paying pennies on the dollar if you negotiate with them, but if you are under some sort of contractual obligation with the dentist, then you might be stuck. I would recommend right it at the business level, because if you win, you can have the dentist remove the collection. That is my understanding, others may have personal experience to help out.
Good luck!
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4:34 am
September 11, 2012
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Edward Antrobus
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If it does go to collections, you have 30 days from the date of the first collection notice to dispute the charge. In your case, you would be disputing it on the basis that you didn't order that product. If nothing else, disputing a debt in collection will buy you a few more weeks to get it sorted out with the dentist.
Have you thought about pursuing them in small claims court? You may have to actually pay up first for that though; I don't have any experience with courts besides traffic court.
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4:41 am
September 11, 2012
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MoneyBeagle
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Post edited 4:42 am – September 11, 2012 by MoneyBeagle
My advice would be:
- Document everything – Regardless if they agree or disagree to work with you, make sure you have it in writing. Follow up any conversations with e-mails or certified letters. Along with that, do you have documentation that proves that you didn't receive what you ordered
- Insurance – If any part of this was covered by insurance, get them involved if the dentist won't budge
- Put yourself in their shoes – I doubt they are saying no just for the sake of being a pain. In their minds, they likely have a reason that seems legit to them about why they don't want this. Would it set a precedent? Could it set them up for some sort of liability if they were to 'admit fault' by agreeing to what you're asking for? Have you had numerous issues with them in the past? Try to get in their heads and figure out where they are coming from, and this could help you get a better angle.
- Remember the 'Fonz' – If you go in guns blazing, the conversation will likely be over before it starts. Even if you have a rock solid case, they won't budge if you are in attack mode. Remember the three C's: Calm, cool, and collected. Just like Arthur Fonzerelli.
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5:42 am
September 11, 2012
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Sustainable PF
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Before you head into their office do a bit of research on conflict resolution and active listening. MB is dead on with the 'put yourself in their shoes' advice. If you can demonstrate that you truly understand where they are coming from while providing a response that presents your side of the conflict logically and calmly you have a much greater chance to successfully resolve the dispute.
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6:10 am
September 11, 2012
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MoneyIsTheRoot
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I feel for ya…I had a recent issue with my travel agent for my honeymoon… I was this close to starting a niche site against him myself…or at post a long thorough negative review on my site and making sure it went above his site in the search rankings…in the end i disputed a portion of the charge on my card (fyi they booked the wrong hotel room, put me in a cheaper one than i paid for). Im still pissed…but because of the dispute they are refunding me an amount greater than the difference, so im happy!
Good luck…and if you do decide to start a niche site against him let me know and ill help you promote it! im getting tired of shitty customer service and these companies thinking they can do whatever they want without repercussion.
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6:25 am
September 11, 2012
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20s Finances
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*I thought I just replied, but it doesn't appear to have gone through – so sorry if you are seeing two replies.**
Thanks for the advice everyone. Moneybeagle and Simon, you're definitely right about the 3 c's. I went in to the office and finally got to talk to one of the dentists. This time I remained calm. Sometimes it's hard to do when they are not expressing their willingness to understand.
@Jake, thanks for the link to the BBB. I'll definitely file a claim if they don't work with me at all.
It's definitely a frustrating/scary position to feel like you are left with 2 options: 1. pay the bill because that is easiest (even though you disagree with it) or 2. pay a bunch of money/time in doing the collections or small claims court. It has given me more content and I will be writing about this more regardless of what happens because it is annoying that you are left with so few options.
@Justin, thanks for the support. I'll keep you updated.
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6:35 am
September 11, 2012
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The Frugal Toad
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Corey,
Did you pay with a credit card? If so, they will be able to help you dispute the charge if you are unable to convince the dentist to resolve the issue. Good luck!
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