Legal Issues

[Modernelectric]

I am having a problem with a certain customer who owes me money.

I fixed a fault and updated a socket circuit to the 17th edition in a local club/pub to the value of about £200 but over a month after completion he is fobbing me off over payment.

He has not signed any paperwork or anything and i am wondering what you other small companys/sole traders do to prepare for this situation.

I am considering seeking legal action, but a bit concerned with it only being for such a small amount of money.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Notsosmart]

I havn't done it for a few years but small claims used to be a mechanism for 'persueding' reluctant payers, having said that I would try to appeal to his better nature ~ times are hard, you need to pay wholesalers etc, if this is inefective then issue a reminder invoice with a time limit for payment then a final demand.. unfortunately if the guy is intent on renaging on the deal you may have to get 'heavy' & seek that legal advice ~ Try citizens advice first as they can go through your options for free.

Best of luck nobody needs this type of hassle or clients in the current climate our esteemed leaders have got us into!

 

[dkent5]

The £200 is not a huge amount to make a fuss about as your client may think. Try the small claims court where he will be given a period to state his case. If you've done everything right and he doesn't pay, then follow the system to its bitter end where he ends up with a bill from the bailiffs three times the size of the original bill and just remember, you don't need clients like this.

 

[jimmyjazz]

I've had a couple od baduns, one for £600, usual big company & tight purse. No response after an invoice or reminder I write asking for settlement within set time or I will be selling the debt to a debt collecting agency. Cheque soon arrives.

 

[MrSkipsey]

f he owns a pub/club and chasing him through the courts is too much hassle then put a few bricks through his windows. Id personally do alot more than damage than what was owed!

On a more serious note, although I do think thats a perfectly good solution, sell the debt to a collection agency. Not sure how it works but then he has baliffs to contend with and will either stump up more than what he owed or run the risk of loosing goods.

 

[Spudnik]

Bricks through windows are NOT recommended.

 

[Mac]

Send the boys round to sort him out

 

[Modernelectric]

so let me get this right , send a final reminder wrapped around a brick through his window...!

ive sent 2 invoices already so il try the final reminder (through the post), thanks for the advice!