I wrote a check to a gardener to complete some work by a specified time. This was for materials.

He did not show up on the day that he was supposed to. I did not hear from him. I had given him a check for $275. On the face of the check it specified for materials. I received a call and the person from the check cashing store asked me if the work had been completed. I told her no. On the day that the gardener was supposed to show up, he didn't. I became alarmed and stop payment on the check. His telephone had been disconnected too. Now the check cashing store is trying to collect from. I contend that the check cashing store was forewarned. On the face of the check it stated it was for materials. When the person from the check cashing place called before they cashed the check, she was told that the stipulation had not been met.