tazwegion Posted November 13, 2003 Posted November 13, 2003 First of all, an oral agreement IS a legal binding contract, despite what you all think. The problem is proving it. Without witnesses, or a recorded conversation your chances of prooving it is slim. If he paid you for the parts with a credit card or personal check, it would be slightly easier, but still, without anything mentioning labor, it'd be hard. I have to agree with ClayMeow, a verbal contract is a binding one... surely you must receipts for the components, or did he let you use his CC (that would explain your having his details) It would be obvious to the average joe that you built this system for him, otherwise he'd have done it himself. Small claims is the path for you... no lawyers etc. but is it really worth it for $50? your only out-of-pocket, for your own skill/time... put it down to an expensive learning experience... and never deal with the scumbag again, especially when he wants a service/upgrade. Power to ya' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FxXP Posted November 13, 2003 Posted November 13, 2003 The only way to really prove that something is to fraudulent in an oral agreement is with a lie detector test. Always get something in writing. The lawyers here in Canada won't do anything unless there is something in writing. I know this after dealing with a $15K identity fraud claim. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClayMeow Posted November 14, 2003 Posted November 14, 2003 The only way to really prove that something is to fraudulent in an oral agreement is with a lie detector test. That's not true. First off, lie detectors (polygraphs) aren't completely accurate. And for small claims, it's not a viable option. To be done "accurately", a polygraph takes around 4 hours to complete. I'm not going to go into the steps, but it's not just what you see in the movies. There's prepping and stuff beforehand. (And no, i've never had one done on me, i'm no criminal ). There's also plenty of ways to "beat" a polygraph, and thus, that adds to the time, because the testers must be aware of this and watch for anything suspicious. (For example, if done properly, socks and shoes should be removed). So for such a small matter, the cost is far, far too much Anyways, it's not the only way to prove an oral agreement. Like i said, with witnesses, or a tape recording, those work too. How do you think the fbi and cops to sting operations. They don't have their undercover cops demand a written contract for an illegal transaction. Nobody is that stupid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sly_C Posted November 15, 2003 Posted November 15, 2003 agian send him gay porno, keep the computer, and charge him for you work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy54354 Posted November 16, 2003 Posted November 16, 2003 (edited) I have 2 witnesses... as well as his credit card info which he obviously gave me, and a documented list of parts he ordered in Newegg's records. Let's say i used his card to buy something like iuhno.. a mx700... (roughly 50$) He couldn't do squat because i'd have enough proof to indicate that i purchased and built the computer correct? Edited November 16, 2003 by Ziggy54354 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AxcesDenyed Posted November 16, 2003 Posted November 16, 2003 i wouldnt do it. it looks bad on you if he decided to sue you for it. true, he owes you, but its still credit card fraud. if youre not going to sue him, then like someone said before, then take it as a learning experience. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Transattic Posted November 16, 2003 Posted November 16, 2003 ziggy, i hope you have been reading all the posts here... you didnt answer a few questions which would help us help you. Such as: did you already give that man the computer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy54354 Posted November 16, 2003 Posted November 16, 2003 (edited) oh yea i did, the reason for this, he is/was a friend of my cousin so i gave him the benifit of the doubt and trusted him btw HIS credit card information is under MY newegg account, that probably clears up some stuff as well. Edited November 16, 2003 by Ziggy54354 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Transattic Posted November 16, 2003 Posted November 16, 2003 whats that gonna do for you? not like you will really charge his card. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sly_C Posted November 16, 2003 Posted November 16, 2003 i would charge his card for this wonderful mouse made my logitech lol. serious and if he ever says anything tell him why and that u have proof he owes u money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigred Posted November 16, 2003 Posted November 16, 2003 without a written contract, there's not much you can do.... always, always, always get it in writing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccokeman Posted November 16, 2003 Posted November 16, 2003 without a written contract, there's not much you can do.... always, always, always get it in writing. I'm with red on this one. The days of having a handshake deal are long gone. New slogan for coins "In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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