None Paying Customer - What advice?

[Joe Clinton]

So then guys, completed a tiled floor for a private customer based on an accepted written quotation of £1400. Customer very happy with the work, have texts from them to say how happy they are with the floor. Finished the job on the friday and they said they would bank transfer by monday. Long and short of it is that 7 weeks later and still no payment. Apparently they've had a family problem which is the excuse for not having the funds to pay. They have paid £200 as i encouraged them to pay weekly at no interest if they were struggling as little and often is better than none at all. They made one payment then stopped.
So as it stands i am owed £1200.

First time ive had this situation, what do you recommend?

 

[Flintstone]

Have you called round for a chat or is it all via text? Sometimes a face to face meeting might help.

 

[Qwerty]

Put outstanding invoice in writing, sent recorded signed for delivery and send via email with read receipt. Clearly state final payment terms and what action that will be taken if payment not made by specified date. Legal action costs, but small claims court would be your best bet as a last resort.

Do you have any T&C's for new business?

 

[Dumbo]

I know a guy who runs a painting and decorating business who will turn up on their door at 2 o clock in the morning and ask for payment . He said it's surprising how people react to that .

 

[Blunt Tool]

Send leftie and rightie round, they always get payment in full!!

 

[Andy Allen]

Burn his house down....

Seriously Geoff (plantec) has said all you need to do.
I have a copy of the kind of letter you need to send.... I'll dig it out later and post it on here.

 

[hmtiling]

Small claims court route for me . Most will pay when it goes to mediation before it goes to court. Very easy to do online.

 

[Andy Allen]

Small claims court route for me . Most will pay when it goes to mediation before it goes to court. Very easy to do online.

Sounds like you speak from experience Harry ?

 

[hmtiling]

Sounds like you speak from experience Harry ?

Only once Andy but just about to send a recorded invoice to a horrible little island builder . I've witnessed in a clients case against another builder who doesn't use me anymore

 

[Chalker]

First one is obvious.
Give them a call

 

[Joe Clinton]

I’ve been in contact over phone and text but not in person yet (jobs a little way out and don’t want to be investing more wasted time to it) the guy seems genuine enough, just rubbish with money I think. I didn’t worry when taking the job on as they offered payment (how much I don’t know) before I started but I don’t like doing that unless I’ve forked out on materials so I said full payment on completion. Kind of regretting that now.
After giving them a 7 day deadline to pay I’ve now passed this on to these guys at www.thomashiggins.com see if that makes any difference when they get solicitors letters through.

The other part of me thinks £800 and I’d sell the debt and let someone else try

 

[Dave Mitchell]

Turn up with your kids on the doorstep and say this is the guy who is stopping us having Xmas this year ! May work ? I offered to drive mine from west wales to north east England to a large holiday park owners offices because I was struggling to get a cheque sent I told the girl I'd feed all 4 smarties and coke all the way and then leave em run around her office when we got there ! Payment in full 2 days later ! Not many slip through ! And those who do ...... I have a good memory !

 

[Tile Marble Granite]

Small Claim Court would be the best option. I am in Court proceedings with two clients as we speak, it will take forever to get you a court hearing but you will get most of your money back. Once they agreed on a written estimate they are pretty much screwed.
Been there done that!

 

[Dumbo]

Bathroom company that I deal with fills out the forms for small claims court with the date he going to submit it on then photo copies it and post them a copy . He says it works most times .