Country Sugar Events

As a small business owner I have worked really hard to establish a successful business, a great reputation in the industry, and great customer service.  I have never had a complaint like this nor a client like this who thinks that my time, expertise, recommendations, and advice are free. ...

The situation is very simple; she called me, I went through all the standard information I give all potential clients where I explain our services and practice.  [redacted] was very interested  and pleased with what I had to offer.  She requested three different contracts to get exactly what she wanted.  She communicated to me that she planned on using my services and wanted to get started.  With that verbal agreement, I actied in good faith and set up the meeting.  This meeting was not a free consultation, it was a meeting [redacted] requested to expedite the process since her wedding was two months away.  I met with her and answered all questions she had regarding the following items in the invoice.  I have all of my notes from the meeting and would never lie about providing services.  I even canceled a trip to New York because she told me she was hiring me.   Country Sugar Events is founded on a very straight forward policy and we practice that with all our clients.  One of the things we say in every new client consultation is... " We never bill our clients for services they don't need or won't end up using so we will customize everything to you."  We have had huge success with our approach and I have never had an issues with how we bill our clients.  This is a unique situation because [redacted] thought she could use my services for free, turn around and hire a cheaper planner and then slander my name and my company name.   I think it is clear from her complaint that she did receive good customer service, I did provide a substantial amount of information that she did research and use.  The services I did provide can be included in the contact but we also offer them a la carte as she received them.  I made all of this very clear in our initial meeting, in all the package and pricing information I sent, in all three contracts I sent, and in all of our correspondence. If a client requests the information we provide it.  Whether they choose to use it is up to them.  A contract is not necessary just like in many other businesses similar to mine, we invoice for the services provided.  It is clear that I provided services and it is clear that she owes the money.   In hopes of clearing this up, I am open to going to arbitration within the next 10 days to resolve this or waiving her late fee but the charges do stand. This is a legitimate charge and we will be taking action to collect payment and prevent [redacted] from slandering my name any further.