The Clean Edge Painting

First, let me say I deeply regret that this has happened. I have a long list of satisfied clients from this website, other websites and clients I received through referrals. I have been on the phone with Thumbtack customer service, who advised me to strongly word my response so as to protect my reputation. This review is complete Hokum, and a stain on my otherwise outstanding record. I was hired by this client at 11:30 this morning, and arrived at approximately 2:55. While I was en route, I was notified that a traffic accident had blocked my main route. Being in New England, we all know "you can't get they'ah from heah!" The shortest alternate route I could find took me 45 minutes out of the way. Regardless of this, I informed the client I would be late and that it was beyond my control. However, I continued on and reached my destination within the hour I had scheduled. However, this client had been berating me through the messaging feature and told me I had been fired. I could not reply because it is illegal to use a cell phone in the state of Maine, where my detour had taken me. I attempted to contact Mary to offer her fifty percent off the price I had quoted, but she would not reply. I contacted Thumbtack support to try and see if they could reach her as I could not. No sooner had I gotten off the phone then I realized I was being approached by Portsmouth Police Department. Apparently Mary felt that because I had been late because of a car accident I had no control over, and even though I was attempting to not only apologize, but offer my services at a rate that I would earn essentially nothing after paying my expenses, that I was deserving of arrest by the police. Thankfully, the police did not agree with this ludicrous belief, and allowed me to leave within a minute, as I had clearly done nothing wrong. This is the worst experience I have ever had as a business owner, and I am appalled that Mary called the police and wasted precious resources that could have been used protecting people in earnest. Typically, when a contractor is hired and within three hours, is at your project, has already purchased materials and is ready to work and complete the job within hours, they are rewarded with a well deserved positive review. I believe my response clearly shows who was truly responsible for this situation. So, for anyone who views this, please take it with a HEAP of salt. Thumbtack has screened me and my company, and have found no fraud, and I have an unblemished background check. I have a long list of happy customers, and beautiful homes that I have improved. Any one of which I will gladly provide as references, so you can have confidence in my abilities, my work, and my character and personal integrity. Best Regards, Gregory Smith Owner The Clean Edge Painting.