Unpaid invoices-what should I do?

jimmychip

I need a bit of advice on what to do about some unpaid invoices.
I am a self-employed carpenter and in October did some work for a large building company/contractor for about 3 weeks. I worked at 2 separate sites for this company, and therefore submitted 2 separate invoices, on the 15th October and 1st November respectively. These I handed into their offices personally.
To date I haven't been paid. I have sent the invoices again by email to 3 different people within the company, including the accounts dept. I have also phoned on 3 occasions. I keep being told they will look into it.
The invoices state the agreed price for the work and what i did. However, they don't state any specific payment date.
I have done some work for this firm before and they always took 30 days or so to pay, but this is getting quite ridiculous. I definately will not do any work for them in the future.
What can I do to speed up payment? and do I have any legal rights?
Thanks for any pointers

HappyMJ

Take them to court. https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome Will cost you a bit but they can pay it if found liable. Get the claim all ready ring them and tell them you have just set up a county court claim and just about to submit it and they have 2 hours to make payment before the claim is started. The bad thing about doing that is you will lose a client.

jimmychip

Seems a bit extreme to issue a CCJ. Will have a look at the link. thanks

spyrothedragon_2

I'm self-employed too (architect) and sometimes have problems with late payment and unpaid invoices. If you're still chasing your money it might be worth spending £20-£30 and getting a debt collection agency to write to them. It's amazing how this kind of letter can suddenly help people remember where they left the chequebook, and it's much cheaper/quicker/less stressful than court.
It does tend to burn a few bridges, but just remember you're the one who's being ripped off. I felt a bit guilty the first time I did this (to date I've only had to resort to this 5 or 6 times out of 400+ clients). You'll also feel that you're cutting your own throat, as you'll never get any more work from these clients - but do you really want it if this is how they treat you?
There will be plenty collection agencies in the phone book, but I've no idea how to pick a reputable one. Some would say the same about joiners/carpenters! Good luck.
Before you resort to this, it might be worth one last call to the debtor to tell them you're about to employ a debt collector. The threat is usually enough to spark them into action.

lincroft1710

I-Credit_Enforcement wrote: »

Hi Jimmychip

Feel free to take advantage and buy our £1 debt collection letter. No commision charged on succesful recovery no other costs involved. Money paid straight to you by the debtor. Use the name of our successful collection agency on your debt collection letter.

Please follow the link

icreditenforcement.com/debt-collection-letter/

Regards

I-credit enforcement limiting your liability


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