dispute and non payment from customer

[miketiler]

HI
Ive just completed 2 bathrooms for a customer and they have not paid me . After several messages and calls they are now ignoring me . The last message i had said they have an issue with one of the walls . However they wont answer my calls and messages to say I'm happy to take a look and rectify anything.
I've since found out they haven't paid a number of contractors and are clearly 'pulling a fast one'.
I supplied all the materials for this job at a cost of nearly £500 too which is annoying !
anyone any advice as to how i can claw back any of the money?
the law dosent appear to be in favour of the self employed sole trader.

 

[Martyn]

small claims? you can prove work/costs, they state there is an issue but refuse to let you fix it? They are probably just talking BS, do it asap, get the ball rolling.

 

[Hobnob]

I’ve used the online money claims service (I think you can find it on the gov.uk website) a couple of times. It is very easy and in both cases I was awarded the costs and my expenses, I even got a days wages for attending court 😂

 

[Kastar UK]

Hi
If a customer has issues with the work and witholds payment they must serve you with a notice of intent , giving you opportunity to rectify any defects

To win in court you must follow a procedure , Formal request for payment , reminder , final letter serving the dodger with a notice of intent informing them that you intend to begin small claims after this date
Another bit of advice because is a numbers game , work for enough people you meet idiots , get 70% of your money up front or walk away , as trademen we have nothing to prove to anyone

 

[Jcshutts]

If you can identify the other traders that haven’t been paid it indicates a deliberate action by the customer ( an act of dishonesty and therefore criminal) rather than them being able to claim a dispute over quality of work (which would be a civil matter) . If you can make a case that they
Have dishonesty employed you, with the intention of never paying, then you should report it to the police. Identity the other traders and build a case together. If that doesn’t work then small claims for a civil litigation . Good luck. Keep all the evidence of your contract with the customer. Record your conversations on your smart phone and keep your cool!