-problem with driving instructor :/

softmee

I payed 500 ahead for driving lessons, took 4 and he said he is going on holidays and will be back in the end of Sept! :eek:
Is that fair?
I have time now, wont have it in September! WTF???

AndyC555

You paid up-front and now he says he wont be back until September?

Demand your money back!

Mr.Mister

I would demand my money back as September is too late (we're still in July like),if he refuses then i would go to the Gardaí and then my solicitor.

softmee

AndyC555 wrote: »

You paid up-front and now he says he wont be back until September?

Demand your money back!

I did, he said i have "credit" lol :rolleyes: for more lessons when he's back. I cant belive this! What a rude .......... ! I planned to have this done in August!

skelliser

Hes goin on holidays for 2 months!!

demand your money back, name and shame as well.

softmee

Mr.Mister wrote: »

I would demand my money back as September is too late (we're still in July like),if he refuses then i would go to the Gardaí and then my solicitor.

I can "demand" as much as i want, i didnt even signed anything with him (just have his text messages and email) and he said (his words) "i wont get anything back -just lessons"!
u n b e l i v a b l e -huh ?

Mr.Mister

softmee wrote: »

I can "demand" as much as i want, i didnt even signed anything with him (just have his text messages and email) and he said (his words) "i wont get anything back -just lessons"!
u n b e l i v a b l e -huh ?

Keep your texts and emails - Contact Gardaí and Solicitor tomorrow.

softmee

I will . The worse is his attitude. He just hung up the phone and before he said he wont talk to me and i can send him letters! When i said i will send him letters from solicitor he said i am threatening him! :rolleyes:

Mr.Mister

He sounds like a cowboy.

Mrs OBumble

Too right you are threatening him. (Got any friends who are journalists?)

However isn't it a bit odd that you paid him up front, without a clear agreement of what you were paying for? Didn't you smell a rat earlier on? Is there more to this story than you're telling?

softmee

Mr.Mister wrote: »

He sounds like a cowboy.

-yeah, this kind of cowboys are especially unpleasent when it comes to money (giving back).

_Whimsical_

Hang on. Before you go to a solicitor ring the consumer association and get their advice on 1890 432 432 or (01) 402 5555, It's exactly the same advice as you'd get from a solicitor and as we are talking about a sum of less that €2000 you would have recourse to the small claims court who would have the power to get your money back and possibly compensate you. It would only cost you 15 quid as opposed to god knows how much if you go to a solicitor.

If you get advice from the consumer association that you have a case ask them to email their opinion to you and then email it onto him. I know you want your money back now so hopefully an email like that would be enough to bring him to his senses and let him give you your money back rather than ruin his reputation facing up to court in Sept which he would have to pay for.

If you have no receipt or contract you might be in trouble here. Find out for free on the phone to the consumer assoc. rather than pay for the pleasure though.

Otherwise tell him you'll name and shame him online!

Mr.Mister

JustMary wrote: »

Too right you are threatening him. (Got any friends who are journalists?)

However isn't it a bit odd that you paid him up front, without a clear agreement of what you were paying for? Didn't you smell a rat earlier on? Is there more to this story than you're telling?

I agree,can you post up the full story.

softmee

JustMary wrote: »

Too right you are threatening him. (Got any friends who are journalists?)

However isn't it a bit odd that you paid him up front, without a clear agreement of what you were paying for? Didn't you smell a rat earlier on? Is there more to this story than you're telling?

-what do you mean "what you were paying for" -he is driving instructor as i said, so i was paying for.... driving lessons? I said i want to do them in 2 weeks time twice a week two hours and he even said 2 hours is too long for beginner (I was ok after first 2 hours)! so we were kind of making appointments after each lesson. (didnt have exact plan for every hour)

softmee

chilly wrote: »

Hang on. Before you go to a solicitor ring the consumer association and get their advice on 1890 432 432 or (01) 402 5555, It's exactly the same advice as you'd get from a solicitor and as we are talking about a sum of less that €2000 you would have recourse to the small claims court who would have the power to get your money back and possibly compensate you. It would only cost you 15 quid as opposed to god knows how much if you go to a solicitor.

If you get advice from the consumer association that you have a case ask them to email their opinion to you and then email it onto him. I know you want your money back now so hopefully an email like that would be enough to bring him to his senses and let him give you your money back rather than ruin his reputation facing up to court in Sept which he would have to pay for.

If you have no receipt or contract you might be in trouble here. Find out for free on the phone to the consumer assoc. rather than pay for the pleasure though.

Otherwise tell him you'll name and shame him online!

Thank you

martyboy48

Sound fairly dodgey alright.. But I thought people pay lesson by lesson, not a whooping 500 up front??? If what you said are the full facts, name and shame.....

softmee

Mr.Mister wrote: »

I agree,can you post up the full story.

-there is no "full story", he got paid and after 3 lessons told me (text me) he is going on holidays! :mad:

softmee

martyboy48 wrote: »

Sound fairly dodgey alright.. But I thought people pay lesson by lesson, not a whooping 500 up front??? If what you said are the full facts, name and shame.....

Its cheaper if you pay i front

clarke1991

JustMary wrote: »

Too right you are threatening him. (Got any friends who are journalists?)

i'v just finished a journalism course in college:p!

boards.ie exclusive!

softmee

clarke1991 wrote: »

JustMary wrote: »

Too right you are threatening him. (Got any friends who are journalists?)

i'v just finished a journalism course in college:p!

boards.ie exclusive!

I will talk to you then if i wont see him tomorrow with my money.. :rolleyes:

Vodkat

Where did you get the number for this guy? Is he approved by the RSA? Did he give you a receipt? Did he tell you at the time of booking that he was intending on taking a holiday? Make sure, if he or you, phones again record the conversation and keep your cool. If your writing a letter keep a photocopy and clearly state what the verbal contract between the both of you was. Tell him that there was a breech of contract and you would like you money back. If he refuses tell him you are taking it further. If everything you have said is 100% true than you are entitled to a refund.
Also it wouldn't be defamation of his character if you state his name or the business name as you aren't making false accusations against him.

shanemc1

Name and Shame. You have to have morals i your in business, the only way these people will treat you right is by telling other's. If this is seen by an other instructor they will think twice about doing the same.

clarke1991

Vodkat wrote: »

Also it wouldn't be defamation of his character if you state his name or the business name as you aren't making false accusations against him.

thats true

tommy21

Vodkat wrote: »

Where did you get the number for this guy? Is he approved by the RSA? Did he give you a receipt? Did he tell you at the time of booking that he was intending on taking a holiday? Make sure, if he or you, phones again record the conversation and keep your cool. If your writing a letter keep a photocopy and clearly state what the verbal contract between the both of you was. Tell him that there was a breech of contract and you would like you money back. If he refuses tell him you are taking it further. If everything you have said is 100% true than you are entitled to a refund.
Also it wouldn't be defamation of his character if you state his name or the business name as you aren't making false accusations against him.

Recordings like this can't be used unless person acknowledges and allows it to go ahead. Can't be done secretly by lay person. I would reason with him and when he (most likely) refused to pay up, wait until he is gone on holiday. Then apply to small claims court and win thanks to this clause from http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/justice/courts-system/small_claims_court:

"The respondent has 15 calendar days to reply to the claim. Where there is no reply by the respondent, he/she is then held to have admitted the claim. The procedure is the same as if he/she had consented to judgement. The claimant swears an Affidavit of Debt and makes a request for Judgement and Decree. The Registrar will assist the claimant in this procedure. The Registrar will notify the respondent of the Judgement. The Respondent has 28 calendar days to comply with the judgement."

:cool:

biko

Galway -> Consumer Issues

MagicMarker

Handing €500 to some random driving instructor is absolute madness! What was wrong with pay per lesson?

charlemont

Mr.Mister wrote: »

I would demand my money back as September is too late (we're still in July like),if he refuses then i would go to the Gardaí and then my solicitor.

please explain how going to the Gardai will solve the problem...........
they would only laugh..........

tommy21

MagicMarker wrote: »

Handing €500 to some random driving instructor is absolute madness! What was wrong with pay per lesson?

Have to agree with this. I've heard of maybe buy 4/5 lessons and get one free, which is about 150 upfront. But €500?! Anyway you don't need us making you feel worse, just try to get it back!

sesna

Patience is a virtue OP.

Perhaps this master instructor felt you needed some time to grow mentally before you could progress further in your training. Use the two months wisely to reflect on all you have learned to date. You can't go from zero to hero when it comes to being an excellent driver.

softmee

Vodkat wrote: »

Where did you get the number for this guy? Is he approved by the RSA? Did he give you a receipt? Did he tell you at the time of booking that he was intending on taking a holiday? Make sure, if he or you, phones again record the conversation and keep your cool. If your writing a letter keep a photocopy and clearly state what the verbal contract between the both of you was. Tell him that there was a breech of contract and you would like you money back. If he refuses tell him you are taking it further. If everything you have said is 100% true than you are entitled to a refund.
Also it wouldn't be defamation of his character if you state his name or the business name as you aren't making false accusations against him.

-yes he is approved by the RSA,
-I've got his number from his web site and i found it i think even on the boards..
-he didnt give me any receipt
-he didnt say a word about going on holidays (and i told him i want all my lessons in August)

softmee

sesna wrote: »

Patience is a virtue OP.

Perhaps this master instructor felt you needed some time to grow mentally before you could progress further in your training. Use the two months wisely to reflect on all you have learned to date. You can't go from zero to hero when it comes to being an excellent driver.

-and what kind of nonsens is that? you are just beeing sarcastic i hope. dont feel like laughing at the moment.

softmee

MagicMarker wrote: »

Handing €500 to some random driving instructor is absolute madness! What was wrong with pay per lesson?

-lets say if i would pay per lesson, i would have to spend 5eu more on each one.

sesna

softmee wrote: »

-and what kind of nonsens is that? you are just beeing sarcastic i hope. dont feel like laughing at the moment.

I thought this was afterhours. My apologies.

sesna

softmee wrote: »

-lets say if i would pay per lesson, i would have to spend 5eu more on each one.

5 euro is a terrible saving on such a large amount of money being handed over. I would be looking for at least a 20-25 per cent discount.

softmee

sesna wrote: »

5 euro is a terrible saving on such a large amount of money being handed over. I would be looking for at least a 20-25 per cent discount.

-jesus, 5 of each lesson, lets say i would pay 50 for every single one and i paid 45 per lesson for 11 booked in advance.
-thats 50 - not 5 saving

sesna

softmee wrote: »

-jesus, 5 of each lesson, lets say i would pay 50 for every single one and i paid 45 per lesson for 11 booked in advance.
-thats 50 - not 5 saving

Jesus, yes 5 per lesson. Thats terrible. Not to mention giving it over to a cowboy instructor with no receipt or contract. Basically one lesson free after 10. Sure you could get your dad to drive around an industrial estate with you and hey presto, theres your one free lesson.

softmee

sesna wrote: »

Jesus, yes 5 per lesson. Thats terrible. Not to mention giving it over to a cowboy instructor with no receipt or contract. Basically one lesson free after 10. Sure you could get your dad to drive around an industrial estate with you and hey presto, theres your one free lesson.

My dad is unfortunately not alive any more. Whats your problem?

mikemac

softmee wrote: »

-jesus, 5 of each lesson, lets say i would pay 50 for every single one and i paid 45 per lesson for 11 booked in advance.
-thats 50 - not 5 saving

OP, after paying 500 euro up front you are only get 5 euro off each lesson?

Definitely demand the rest of your money back
Small claims court if necessary.
Don't waste money on a solicitor, gardaí will do nothing here

Then when you get a new instructor at least try to haggle.
Did you haggle for 5 euro off each lesson
The instructor is probably laughing at you and thinks you're a soft touch, hence why they are treating you badly.
Get yourself a proper deal next time.
For 500 euro upfront I'd expect an amazing deal from an amazing instructor, the best in the county!

softmee

feelingstressed wrote: »

OP, after paying 500 euro up front you are only get 5 euro off each lesson?

-there is nowhere more then 5 off

For 500 euro upfront I'd expect an amazing deal from an amazing instructor, the best in the county!

-from his website :


" <snip>"

mikemac

I've no doubt this instructor is qualified and competent.
But they fecked off for two months and left your request ignored.
So get your money back

If you cannot haggle then bring somebody with you who can

gaeilgegrinds1

Alarm bells here, firstly, no receipt? Secondly, how do you know he will come back? Have you any proof you paid the money? I've never heard of being asked for 500 euro upfront, screams of a conartist to me. Have you a good solicitor? A stern letter should see you right but I'm still worried about the lack of a receipt, will be interesting to see how this pans out!

softmee

gaeilgegrinds1 wrote: »

Alarm bells here, firstly, no receipt? Secondly, how do you know he will come back? Have you any proof you paid the money? I've never heard of being asked for 500 euro upfront, screams of a conartist to me. Have you a good solicitor? A stern letter should see you right but I'm still worried about the lack of a receipt, will be interesting to see how this pans out!

-i trust people (used to) and he has registered driving school in Galway so it wouldnt cross my mind he could disappear with my money. (and i dont think he did, he just doesnt see anythink unfair in telling me we will finish lessons after his holidays!)

keithclancy

Call around to his house/premises, tell him thats no good for you and you should have been informed of this up front.

Say your going to Australia for a year in October and his schedule doesn't suit, hence he cannot provide the service you paid for.

Demand your money back.

i.e. He can't say you going away isn't his problem if his going away isn't your problem.

Yawns

I am a wallet inspector. I am the best in Longford and throughout Ireland. I charge 50 euro per inspection but if you pay for 10 inspections I will give you 1 free.

Sorry I seem to have left my reciept book at home, I'll post it out to you later is that ok? Shall we start now?

softmee

Yawns wrote: »

I am a wallet inspector. I am the best in Longford and throughout Ireland. I charge 50 euro per inspection but if you pay for 10 inspections I will give you 1 free.

Sorry I seem to have left my reciept book at home, I'll post it out to you later is that ok? Shall we start now?

I dont get why people are attacking me here. I asked for advice - not criticism. :rolleyes: I didnt give money to any anonymous person on the street! As i said, this guy has popular driving school, 2 or more cars only for this purpose. He was recommended even on the boards and somewhere else too! Yeah, i should ask for receipt, but i didnt -so leave this alone ok? It happened and i just wanted to know what to do now and what people think about it.

Head The Wall

softmee wrote: »

-from his website :


" <Snip>"

His English is crap as is his geography and his website has a lot of long winded waffle on it as well.

<snip>

This chancer entered into a verbal agreement with you to give you 2 lessons a week every week. Normal contractual obligations would allow for 2-3 weeks as normal holidays, over 2 months is not normal and is a breach of the contract. Tell him he won't have a leg to stand on if you contest it.

Tell him you will be going to the small claims court for non provision of service that has been paid for. As another poster said let him know that you will be going to the Small claims court while he is away and if he doesn't respond within 15 days he will be deemed guilty. Also state that you will be claiming for costs because you were hoping to get your lessons completed in August and if it runs later you will end up having to take time off work etc.

Basically you need to scare him into giving you your money back right now with the threat of the small claims court. Then find someone better to give you lessons

Dutchess

I paid for my lessons upfront too (paid twice for sets of 10 lessons), glad I never had any problems (so far).
I think it's absolutely disgraceful what this instructor did. If he is really going away for 2 months on holiday, he would have known this a good while back and should have told you as much when you paid him. The fact that he won't give you your money back sounds like he already pumped it into his trip. So do what everyone's written above to get your money back and my all means spread the word so people will know not to choose him for an instructor. Oh, and I learn with www.marksmotoringschool.ie . Nice guy, good instructor and a good bit cheaper than yours...

Head The Wall

softmee wrote: »

I dont get why people are attacking me here. I asked for advice - not criticism. :rolleyes: I didnt give money to any anonymous person on the street! As i said, this guy has popular driving school, 2 or more cars only for this purpose. He was recommended even on the boards and somewhere else too! Yeah, i should ask for receipt, but i didnt -so leave this alone ok? It happened and i just wanted to know what to do now and what people think about it.

I think the posters just don't like people like yourself getting taken advantage off by these chancers. It's a type of tough love to harden you up so you will hopefully learn from it and it won't happen again.

You need to talk tough and tell him September or later doesn't suit you so he can't provide the service he sold you.

I'll leave it up to you to name him here if you wish, alternatively people can just google the quote from his website that you posted. He definetely needs to be Named and Shamed though as I believe he knows exactly what he is doing. You're money is his spending money while on holidays and maybe other peoples as well

spurious

Phone call from friend to him

Friend - Are you the company they are all talking about on boards.ie? The one that takes money and then bazzes off?

Him - Er...

Friend - have a look - Boards.ie It might even be in the papers tomorrow

Head The Wall

spurious wrote: »

Phone call from friend to him

Friend - Are you the company they are all talking about on boards.ie? The one that takes money and then bazzes off?

Him - Er...

Friend - have a look - Boards.ie It might even be in the papers tomorrow

Good, hopefully he will do the right thing now. Let us know how this works out Softmee

panorton

Report him to The RSA. They are enforcing the approved instructors bit and would surely take some kind of action against him.