Owed money from equipment rental

lyl00

I rented out a large expensive equipment last year to an individual. The person had stopped paying after a few months and I tried to chase for payments, I used all means of communication except going at the residence in person. In every attempt there is no response. I have hired 2 debt collectors so far and I am now thinking of taking this to the small court claim as there is still no result.

I have no idea if the person has moved now, and I think I know her workplace but not sure if she is still employed there. Due to this is it just pointless sending this case to the small court claim?

bris

It depends. What do you know of this individual, are they solvent, have a house etc. A bit homework to see if they have anything to lose would be my first priority.


What do the debt collectors say, have they spoke to her to get an idea of her circumstances.


It all comes down to what you are chasing, is it hundreds or thousands, the bigger the number the more I would want to go to court. They sheriffs officers have more power than bailiffs but it all costs you initially so you need to weigh up the risk v reward.

hollydays

Did they sign a contract with you?
How sure are you that their identity was correct?
Can't you do a bit of asking around yourself, call at their place of work and ask?

lyl00

I don't know much apart from name, address and phone no. plus email. I made the mistake of not copying the passport detail and bank statements when doing the ID check.

Not much communication from the 1st debt collector when I asked for progress so I asked them to close the case. They only said the person never responded to any of their letters.

I have yet to contact the 2nd debt collector for progress. If they only try to contact via letters, they have most likely been ignored as well.

The amount due so far is under a thousand and the equipment itself costed about £1100. Deposit was taken and a contract was signed.

lyl00

hollydays wrote: »

Can't you do a bit of asking around yourself, call at their place of work and ask?

I thought about it but that is harassing right? That is why I did not go to her residence in person.

hollydays

lyl00 wrote: »

I thought about it but that is harassing right? That is why I did not go to her residence in person.

As I see it, you are not a debt collector, and from what you've now said your not even sure of the correct identity and location of this person. I don't see why making enquiries is harassing but I stand to be corrected if that's not the case .
In my experience debt collectors don't do much for their money, you'd be better doing it yourself , unless that's not practical

hollydays

lyl00 wrote: »

I don't know much apart from name, address and phone no. plus email. I made the mistake of not copying the passport detail and bank statements when doing the ID check.

Not much communication from the 1st debt collector when I asked for progress so I asked them to close the case. They only said the person never responded to any of their letters.

I have yet to contact the 2nd debt collector for progress. If they only try to contact via letters, they have most likely been ignored as well.

The amount due so far is under a thousand and the equipment itself costed about £1100. Deposit was taken and a contract was signed.

You've been lax there, companies would be doing there credit checking etc before not after hiring. You've learnt a hard lesson.

lyl00

Yes I know I got myself to blame on this part. Learning from experience.
Does it look hopeless then to take the case to the small court?

hollydays

haych wrote: »

If you have proof of the transaction and proof it hasn't been paid, take it to Small Claims.

But doesn't it make sense to make some enquiries as to whether the person lives at that address first, at the very least?
Do you have a contract op?

lyl00

Not sure how it can be proved no payments were made. I can show all my bank accounts for that. The person set up a standing order and just cancelled it then 'disappeared' forever.
Yes I got a contract but true I need to know if the person still lives there. I will check with the debt collector on the latest progress if any.

hollydays

Did you have a contract stating the person would pay x amount per months for x months