issuing of certificates

[fredrico]

Afternoon. How does everyone get on with issuing certs to clients. I have done a couple of jobs lately, just joined a scam, and the client is being a pain over payment. Now I was thinking of not handing certs out until I have received my payment, but then the work has to be notified within 3 weeks. Been waiting nearly that for my money, and the way its going I could be waiting a while yet. Any thoughts ?

 

[telectrix]

date the certs when you get paid. the job is not complete till you have been paid. or tell the client that you can't notify till he pays you, and that the notification period is about to expire.

 

[Sharpend]

What's the reason for hold on payment?

 

[fredrico]

Because he is a knob head to be honest. Says he has not had time to sort out and all that bull. No genuine reason.

 

[Octopus]

I always provide the certificate with the invoice - unless I have doubts about the client and in such cases I tell them they will get the cert when I receive the money.

You also need to have a template letter to politely remind the client that the payment hasn't been received - and attach another copy of the invoice. Some clients simply like us to wait AND you have to factor slow payments into your business plan.

 

[thekingiam]

as said by tel ..... although i think it's a dodgy area. client is probably happy without cert as long as electrics are working.Send a few red letters asking for immediate payment.
you can't fill in certs as you forgot to note down size of in coming tails or something like that.
my certs are backing up..... i hate paperwork!

 

[Hants-Spark]

Why don't you photo-copy the certificates and send him them, attach another copy of the invoice along with a reminder letter saying the original certificates will be handed over following full payment. The Part 'P certificate is invalid without original certificates. Strangely enough people think they can do without the certificates until they come to sell their house.

 

[Sharpend]

Simply write to him advising that his install is not complete nor compliant without the certificates and that they can not be released without payment, you could mention that you are unable to provide compliance to LABC under part p and therefore this will have implications should he sell the property. Advise him that you will inform the relevant parties that the install is non-compliant as non payer and this will go onto the register as so.
explain that should fail to make payment within 7 days then administration and interest charges will applied and court action will be implemented.

 

[fredrico]

Thanks for all your replies. I could try the old fashioned way and go round with a base ball bat !!!

 

[Sharpend]

You could but don't give him the letter until afterwards

 

[applemac]

Time to draft up some contracts stating payment terms, if he won't pay go back and rip it all out.!

 

[Lou7]

I'm sure the niceic don't allow you to withhold a cert because of lack of payment. The customer could just contact them.

 

[Sharpend]

Realistically speaking you are correct Lou, none of the scams will allow you to withhold certificates, that's why we don't ask them!

 

[stuartcourt]

I'm sure the niceic don't allow you to withhold a cert because of lack of payment. The customer could just contact them.

never say you are withholding I always send invoice and say all certs and sign off when paid, if questioned I say costs about £15 and I am skint, cheque always arrives

 

[amo]

This happened to me a while ago but luckily 3 weeks later he was selling the house so he needed it asap