Ever had a non paying company?

[Rickthepick]

Im really getting p'd off with a company i did work for 3 months ago and still messing me about despite all the usual threats of debt recovery and court action.

I fear they may be going bust as they are moving premises and the cheque i received was from a closed account.

I want to use a solicitor but dont want a big fat bill... anyone ever had to use this route?

[Phatphish]

If the debt is less than £5000 then you can use the small claims procedure. This link may help http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/ex301_e.pdf

I have asked for advice from a local solicitor many times and usually the advice is given free, they only charge for work done, if required. The Citizens Advice Bureau can be usefull if you don't mind waiting in a queue, they can also give advice over the phone avoiding the queues.

Either way the result will depend mainly on your terms and conditions printed on your invoices. I can't stress how important T&C's are for a small businesses. I had my accountant give me some very good advice about wording T&C's when I set my business up, maybe you could do the same?

[Rickthepick]

I dont have any terms and conditions of such iv always gone by the assumed 30 day period you give a company to pay and they nearly always have with the odd exception but a stern letter usually sorts it.

[Phatphish]

Adding T&C's to your invoice is a must, for dealing with companies. Word them to cover every eventuallity and your payment requirements. Also put clearly, on the front of the invoice, that any work carried out is an acceptance of your terms and conditions.
Here is another link directly regarding UK law for invoices and T&C's http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/ac ... 1075103051

If you have a local business link near you, visit them, they can be very helpfull with setting out how your business should operate smoothly within the law. As you have associates in the business why not ask to see what T&C's they operate?
Next time you buy from suppliers, check the invoice for T&C's to give you an idea of what sort of info you should include in your own.


Hope some of this helps.

[Northwest1]

ppl ive spoken to regarding the small claims court say it is a total waste of time.....getting judgement is one thing...getting ya money is another !!!!

[Harrison]

l had a shop do that to me, so l went in there 10 mins before closing took the lock out the door and went to see the manager told him l have come for my property and showed him the lock, he payed me cash out the till l left the lock on his desk, he asked are you going to refit the lock, l charged him £25 to refit the lock and he paid up front, courts are a waste of time unless you can take a person not a company to court then you can only make them promise, but everybody wants to lock that door take that away

Paul H

[totalsec]

If the account is over 90 days you really need to see a debt collection company, we have used a liverpool based company for a while now and they now factor all our invoices.

Or you could see if your local bank offers factoring.

[thelockpickkid]

l had a shop do that to me, so l went in there 10 mins before closing took the lock out the door and went to see the manager told him l have come for my property and showed him the lock, he payed me cash out the till l left the lock on his desk, he asked are you going to refit the lock, l charged him £25 to refit the lock and he paid up front, courts are a waste of time unless you can take a person not a company to court then you can only make them promise, but everybody wants to lock that door take that away

Paul H

This worked for you, but it is illegal. Once you install a lock on a door it becomes there property regardless of if you were paid or not. Be careful doing this sort of thing. I would do the same as you though, but I would think twice before doing it, you could be charged with theft, among other things I am sure.

[NewSBowner]

Most companies hate judgments or debt collection claims so I'm shocked that they wouldn't pay up after threats. However, I love the plan of taking the lock out and telling him he better pay up. However, if this was the wrong person you could have probably had some legal problems. I have problems collecting payments from my customers at times, but my services aren't rendered until I receive payment up front.

[Varjeal]

I would highly recommend a face to face meeting. Don't show up angry though. Be there right as they open, follow them in and in non-threatening voice and tone, (make sure you have invoice in hand with appropriate finance charges) explain the situation fully and to as many people necessary and follow the chain of command.

Every time someone says "that's not my responsibility" don't get angry, just ask for whoever their superior is and follow it up. It's frustrating but you'll get there. Just make sure to let each person you speak with know you fully intend on collecting.

If you get to the "top" and still don't get payment, then you have no recourse but to bring in legal authorities. Make sure you document the steps you took.