Advice needed for non-paying customer

[sparky3366]

That could be legally classed as harrassment and/or slander or libel (depending on which of those means you put it in writing)

thats one of the reasons you dont see peoples names in shop windows anymore...

 

[trev]

In a similar situation I once went to see someone who I thought was trying to stiff me with a couple of lads I played rugby with they didn't have to say anything they just looked menacing. I got paid but the legallities of this approach are a little dubious

 

[Cyberprog]

You're not entitled to go in with a pair of side cutters, as in a situation such as this the stuff you have installed has become part of the property. I'd also avoid violence, as it's too easy to get nicked for it.
Just pay some heavies to jump him one night 6 months down the line, much more satisfying
If I were you, I'd try and see if you can get enough evidence to suggest that this was a B2B transaction, not a B2C, with him being a sole trader. Your use of trade rates here may well help in that situation. This allows you to use the Late Payment Legislation, and put late fees and interest onto the debt.

 

[pete1]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I would like to try to behave as reasonably as possible so I have today written to the customer with an explanation of the additional costs for the extra work that he had asked for and a revised estimate to complete the job. I have also enclosed my invoice for the work so far and have requested payment within 14 days. I have stated that I would be happy to go back and complete the job but will require the full balance in advance. If I don't hear anything back then I'm afraid I will have to think about a final demand and then possible court action. All this business has made me think hard about the best way to ensure payment on completion of work in the future and as suggested by Dave the 40% 1st, 40% 2nd and 20% EIC looks like a good way forward. The trouble is consumers are often advised by the media not to part with money until the works completed, but what about the trades who are often left unpaid?

 

[trev]

On a more serious note than my last post I've got a mate who is an accountant and he tells me that if the bill is more than £750 (which I'd bet it is) there are ways you can have him declared bankrupt. It would really pee on his fireworks if you could do that but me mate says you'll probably need a solicitorto guide you through the process and it'll cost you a few quid.

Best of luck to you mate

 

[La Poste]

Please keep us informed of future developments.

I am just getting my head around the small claims court procedure myself at the moment.

Ok it's for a clamping company that charged me £450 to release my car but it's still relevant.

This sort of thing, builders ripping Sparkies off, is happening too much these days.

Apologies if I have offended any honest builders.

 

[Cyberprog]

Please keep us informed of future developments.

I am just getting my head around the small claims court procedure myself at the moment.

Ok it's for a clamping company that charged me £450 to release my car but it's still relevant.

This sort of thing, builders ripping Sparkies off, is happening too much these days.

Apologies if I have offended any honest builders.

Caution - Do not only Sue the Clamping Company - Sue the Land Owner or Agent who employed them at the same time, on the same action. That way, when they lose (which they inevitably will) you can get the money from a company that actually has assets, and will therefore pay, instead of ignore you and eventually pheonix. Plus you can then take a charge on the land too if all else fails.

And in future, don't be so bloody stupid and pay. Cut the bloody thing off. What clamp? is the only thing you need say if someone comes round, just make sure you dispose of the evidence, scrap metal is at an all time high.

 

[Octopus]

Please keep us informed of future developments.

I am just getting my head around the small claims court procedure myself at the moment.

Ok it's for a clamping company that charged me £450 to release my car but it's still relevant.

This sort of thing, builders ripping Sparkies off, is happening too much these days.

Apologies if I have offended any honest builders.

£450.00 to release a clamp - cripes where were you? Chelsea or Westminster??

 

[La Poste]

£450.00 to release a clamp - cripes where were you? Chelsea or Westminster??

Can you believe it Southall of all places, I only went for a quick curry.

There is an Iceland store and it has a car park that is not lit at all.
The clampers wait in the shadows and clamp you even when you are sitting in your car, it's a complete racket.

I joined a motoring forum and found out this car park is notorious.
I learned on the forum the procedure for getting my money back but like all things it's finding the bloody time to do it.

 

[alarm man]

Can you believe it Southall of all places, I only went for a quick curry.

There is an Iceland store and it has a car park that is not lit at all.
The clampers wait in the shadows and clamp you even when you are sitting in your car, it's a complete racket.

I joined a motoring forum and found out this car park is notorious.
I learned on the forum the procedure for getting my money back but like all things it's finding the bloody time to do it.

ive never been clamped before(ive said it now) but if i did the basser things getting the barrel drilled out and left with a £10 note to cover the cost of the replacement,you think traffic wardens are bad,id rather share a drink with a junkie than a clamper..scum of the earth..

 

[La Poste]

I agree but in this instance my car had been clamped and towed away, I had no choice but to pay as my car was in a compound ten miles away.

I went to the car park and took some video and photos and watched as a single guy was clamped whilst sitting in his car, there were two heavy mob clampers who basically demanded money with menace from him.

Maybe I should start a thread in chit chat because I don't want to stray off topic from the OP's non payment problems which seem far more important than my £400.

My thread is here is anyone is interested:
Another clamp at Quality foods in Southall thread - FightBack Forums

 

[s100cky]

Hi.
Ive read this whole thread, and i am very interested in the outcome. I am in a simialar situation at the minute, and would love to know what happened.

Many thanks,

hope it all worked out ok.

(Side cutters are the way forward.)

 

[beaver74]

There's always the courts

that realy is a waste of time

 

[pete1]

Hi,
Apologies for the very late reply. After writing to the guy with invoice I was phoned by his wife asking if I would mind meeting them on site one evening. I turned up coffee in hand on arrival, both were very sorry about the situation and asked how they could sort things out. I said that I would require 1st fix labour now and once received I would come back to do 2nd fix. He wanted to get his own 2nd fix materials which I was happy about, and asked what he needed to get,. I also said when finished I would need 2nd fix labour before EIC and Part 'P'. Finished now and paid up to date, except need to go back to wire heating when they're ready for me.

 

[Dave 85]

Hi,
Apologies for the very late reply. After writing to the guy with invoice I was phoned by his wife asking if I would mind meeting them on site one evening. I turned up coffee in hand on arrival, both were very sorry about the situation and asked how they could sort things out. I said that I would require 1st fix labour now and once received I would come back to do 2nd fix. He wanted to get his own 2nd fix materials which I was happy about, and asked what he needed to get,. I also said when finished I would need 2nd fix labour before EIC and Part 'P'. Finished now and paid up to date, except need to go back to wire heating when they're ready for me.

Thats good news
I'd happily go around and kneecap non payers if the law would only allow me (which it ruddy well should) although to be honest its not happened to me in years. Builders are definetly the ones to watch out for which is why I barely work for any.

On the subject of car clamping.....
Well parking tickets really....I hope all you guys realise that if you are issued a parking fine by a private company then you dont need to pay it. Round my area they mostly just put 'charge notices' on yer windscreen instead of clamping on the basis that people have more money than sense. I have stacks of letters, final demands, letters from 'soliciters' and 'bailiffs' and 'notices of intended litigation' that Ive collected since discovering this little gem.

The notice of intended litigation is always the last you'll hear from them...they know full well if it goes to court they'll lose.