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View Full Version : unpaid invoice, client ignoring me - advice please


megfenn
19-04-2006, 05:35 PM
Existing web client (previously paid on time etc.) now owes me for a print project. Deadline was supposed to be beginning of December last year for a 50 page brochure. I worked crazy hard to get the brochure finished by the deadline for the printers and then clients failed to get final content for me. So, they missed their deadline for the printers. They gave me no explanation nor did they let me know when they would be supplying me with the final content. Printers kept hassling me as well because they were unable to get in touch with the client.

Mid January, after being ignored for 2 weeks, the man (husband/wife duo) told me they had split up and the lady was going to take over the company. So, I contacted her asking when she wanted to continue the brochure and also if I could invoice her for work completed so far. This way I would stay happy and interested in the project and also ensure that she would finish the project. She said she still wants to do the brochure and agreed to this and said 'send the invoice and I'll pop a check in the post'. 3 weeks went by with no payment so I emailed her a follow up email. She ignored it. I phoned her and left a message. No call back. I phoned the husband who said he had nothing to do with it anymore and said keep calling her. I have left several phone messages plus another follow up email. Nothing.

At first I thought this was fine because eventually I would finish the brochure for her and get paid the whole thing upon completion. Now, I think she has scrapped the project totally (the printer has dropped them) and has no intention of paying me for the work. The brochure is 90% done and I spent 3 weeks including weekends of hard work in November doing this job. Even if she hasn't decided to scrap the project, she's ignoring me totally. She has also changed all the ftp passwords to her website which I designed and maintain for her. So she has blocked me out of her website for some strange reason.

Is the next step a legal letter? I don't have a solicitor. Or should I just keep on trying to get in touch with her. Any suggestions, please.

Sarah
19-04-2006, 05:40 PM
You can go to the small claims court and issue her with a writ for the money, you don't need a solicitor to do that. Or you could go to the free solicitor at the citizens advice bearau.

Daffs
19-04-2006, 05:57 PM
OMG, what a nightmare! I have just had similar and a nice letter written formally using the words 'solicitor' and 'recovery procedure' did the trick. I would be firing off a letter to her asap.

Things like this wind me up no end and I really really feel for you!

BTW I replied to your email about a question yonks ago, I hope you got it and don't think that I ignored it!! :laugh:

:crossfing for getting your money!

Sarah
19-04-2006, 06:07 PM
Glad you got yours hun, was thinking about that when I was reading this thread.

Ravenfire
19-04-2006, 06:16 PM
I would definitely recommend a letter to start with. Sometimes that is enough, especially if you threaten legal action, to get the ball rolling. Will PM you.

feistygal
19-04-2006, 06:40 PM
Would also recommend a letter saying they have 7 days to send you a cheque for full payment or you will commence a claim, and then if no reply in 7 days just file a claim online. It's really easy to do on the small claim court website. You'll just have to pay an issue fee which you'll get back in your claim.

No point in wasting more time just writing letters, telephoning and e-mailing etc For legal purposes you've already waited long enough and tried enough to contact the client.

Some people will just continue to take the pee if you don't take action.

megfenn
19-04-2006, 06:48 PM
Hmm. I suppose it's time to get tough then and stop letting her walk all over me. I will try the letter thing with legal jargon. Thanks for all your replies. Been very helpful!

Daffs, i never got your email. But a while ago I was having probs with my account. Might be lost in cyberspace. I've forgotten what I asked you anyway! Nevermind, eh. Hope all is going well with you and business etc.

Bunny
20-04-2006, 07:27 AM
a polite letter threatening legal action if payement is not recieved should make her wake up

Bunny
20-04-2006, 07:27 AM
arrrrgggggghhhhhhhh gremlims have duplicated my post many times