Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

I need in the trenches advice. I have been in the business for 11 years and have dealt with my fair share of people who want you to work for free etc... I value my work and do not give out my drawings until a deposit/contract is signed. I do not live in an area where a retainer is possible. As standard procedure, when the customer provides me with measurements I do a drawing/design, then meet with a customer to review, price the design, and then in order for a final measure, I expect a deposit/commitment from the customer. If additional services are requested I charge $65.00 per hour and charge $350.00 for drawings

Unfortunately, a friend approached me (during business hours) and asked if I could help him with the layout etc.. I worked nearly two days designing revising, consulting with his electrician and final figured out the design. He literally grabbed the drawings from my hand and said I will be in tomorrow to get this ordered.

You guessed it went behind my back and ordered from a competitor. I sent him a bill for all of the jobsite consulting, drive time, additional revisions of which equaled about 9 hours and drawings $350.00. He contacted an attorney. He says He didn't sign anything any that I didn't perform the services I said. I keep very good records and feel my drawings can tell a pretty clear story. What should I do??? PLEASE HELP!


Asked on 1/12/12, 10:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Laverty David Laverty

You may be able to pursue a claim, though there may be some lack of clarity over what your friend expected you to handle and what you ultimately sunk into the project. Is this worth going to battle over with a person you describe as a friend? Sounds like an opportunity to work out something reasonable, call it a misunderstanding and move ahead to bigger and better projects. You might benefit from a third party who can give you some objective input on how to put together a reasonable compromise without taking this to court, small claims or otherwise.

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Answered on 1/12/12, 10:25 am


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