Getting blood out of a stone!

[larlee]

I have a client that owes me $2400. I did these 2 job in sept/oct last year. I have been on him for payment since nov and still nothing, I have given deadlines for payment witch have come and gone. I have also offered part payments etc. He still keeps contact with me as long as I initiate it first. He is probably my largest client and don't really want to lose his business but I need my money yesterday! He knows I will not do any work for him until these invoices are paid and I have now informed him 50% payment of quote will be required in future before I start any new jobs.

What should I do? I don't what to get too demanding (debt collection etc) but is this what I should be doing??

Any advice would be much appreciated! TIA

[TripleTime]

I'd start demanding payment & charging admin fees & interest.

[Hokey Pokey]

That is alot of money to be sitting around waiting for! I hope you get it ASAP!

[larlee]

Thanks! How would I go about charging admin fees and interest? How much?

[TripleTime]

Talk to a debt collector, they will charge you a commission. It's been a long time since I've been at work.

[Hokey Pokey]

I am not too sure how to go about sorry but good luck xx

[larlee]

Thanks heaps. I might send a letter of demand first with one last deadline warning him this will be the last chance before I take it to debt collector! I just hope he pays. Grrrrrrr!

[BB85]

My dad who was a self employed builder had these issues.. you can either write it off as essentially a bad debt or you can see a debt collector who will probably have more success and get some money at least.. depends on whether you think the client will genuinely come back after owing money.

Not sure if you can threaten him with a notice on his credit file without actually going to a debt collector??

Good luck :highfive:

[Pussyfoot]

What should I do? I don't what to get too demanding (debt collection etc) but is this what I should be doing??

Make an application for recovery in the Small Claims Court.

You can then contact Baycorp and lodge this action with them so that his credit file is affected. He will then have to prove payment to you or that action has been waived in order for his file to be corrected.

An application at Court will cost you around $45 and will require your time re attendance but legal action usually has a subtle "***** you, pay up now" effect which prompts the majority of wowsers to pay up. You can attend your local court and ask them what their procedure is. The court clerks are usually very helpful and can assist you in this (some States have different small claims procedures).

If he doesn't, he is required to attend and the matter must be sorted. Failure to do so may result in a warrant or judgment against him which gets him in further hot water. I'm talking possession of property, forfeiture of goods...all the good stuff that comes to those who think that they can steal from small businesses.

Should you carry out this action, do not enter into a verbal agreement for payment should he decide to mend the error of his ways. Get it in writing and have it signed and witnessed as a deed or agreement. Depending on which State you are in you can usually obtain advice as to how to do this from your local community legal centre or small business hub.

:gl:

[mygirlindi]

Hey I hope you have had some success in getting some money from thus client. I just wanted to point out that although you are concerned about losing him as a client, is he really someone you want as a client if he is going to be difficult with payment?
We always charge 50% deposit up front with our clients so I don't think it is unfair for you to do so with your clients. It shows that they are serious.


Make an application for recovery in the Small Claims Court.

You can then contact Baycorp and lodge this action with them so that his credit file is affected. He will then have to prove payment to you or that action has been waived in order for his file to be corrected.

An application at Court will cost you around $45 and will require your time re attendance but legal action usually has a subtle "***** you, pay up now" effect which prompts the majority of wowsers to pay up. You can attend your local court and ask them what their procedure is. The court clerks are usually very helpful and can assist you in this (some States have different small claims procedures).

If he doesn't, he is required to attend and the matter must be sorted. Failure to do so may result in a warrant or judgment against him which gets him in further hot water. I'm talking possession of property, forfeiture of goods...all the good stuff that comes to those who think that they can steal from small businesses.

Should you carry out this action, do not enter into a verbal agreement for payment should he decide to mend the error of his ways. Get it in writing and have it signed and witnessed as a deed or agreement. Depending on which State you are in you can usually obtain advice as to how to do this from your local community legal centre or small business hub.

:gl: