When the customer does not pay

[chippermonkey]

Just had to chase up payment from a customer for a significant sum of money. Quote, payment terms, approval to proceed etc all in order and fortunately, in writing. Would ultimately have followed up via the courts to get payment, but managed to avoid this just.

This got me thinking. Having taken multiple loads of chip and brash back to our yard. If he had not paid, then the chip etc still belongs to him and so should be returned until he has paid for its removal with additional costs for reload and collection.

Does anyone have ACTUAL knowledge of the legal implications in doing this? I am sure the courts would take a dim view on this behaviour, however I was tempted to suggest to him that I was planning to do this.

[DanClimbsTrees]

Just had to chase up payment from a customer for a significant sum of money. Quote, payment terms, approval to proceed etc all in order and fortunately, in writing. Would ultimately have followed up via the courts to get payment, but managed to avoid this just.

This got me thinking. Having taken multiple loads of chip and brash back to our yard. If he had not paid, then the chip etc still belongs to him and so should be returned until he has paid for its removal with additional costs for reload and collection.

Does anyone have ACTUAL knowledge of the legal implications in doing this? I am sure the courts would take a dim view on this behaviour, however I was tempted to suggest to him that I was planning to do this.

 

So he's paid up?

 

As angry as you are (and rightly so) don't do it. Never having dealt with your situation before I would suggest the small claims court route, best to keep your nose/reputation clean.

 

Cheers,

Dan

[chippermonkey]

Yes he's paid up, he was a property developer trying to keep his costs down and profit up at my expense. I was just thinking of a few ideas for encouraging him to see the error of his ways.

[aspen]

I think you decrease your chances of getting paid if you start dumping chips etc at someones door or site. Very tempting tho.

[TIMON]

We've just been through the same thing although our customer is still avoiding us. I think we will take him go the small claims court.

The other options weren't really sensible. Reputation is so important.

[White Noise]

The longer you spend in this game the easier it gets to spot a nightmare customer . Glad you got you money . Many have not this is a sad fact .

[codlasher]

I quote for jobs most of the time except for doing the odd 'day-rate'.

 

My rules are, and without exception; 50% up front. Work starts when those funds are cleared. I ask for the payment in a cheque a week ahead to cover the 5 day clearance rule or BACS payment which is usually within two hours.

 

In doing business this way I'm covered for any expenses, can immediately pay my staff if I have priced for extra help and shows a commitment from both parties, my client and myself.

codlasher.

[Mountain man]

I quote for jobs most of the time except for doing the odd 'day-rate'.

 

My rules are, and without exception; 50% up front. Work starts when those funds are cleared. I ask for the payment in a cheque a week ahead to cover the 5 day clearance rule or BACS payment which is usually within two hours.

 

In doing business this way I'm covered for any expenses, can immediately pay my staff if I have priced for extra help and shows a commitment from both parties, my client and myself.

codlasher.

 

For domestic clients as well?

[codlasher]

Any client.

To be honest as I no longer operate in the commercial world so I suppose all my jobs are now classed as domestic.

codlasher

[felixthelogchopper]

Your T & Cs need to encourage prompt payment and punish late. Simple wording in your quote ( not your invoice,which is after the agreement of the contract and so unenforceable) stating that payment is due within x days after which the total is subject to a late payment of y% should have the desired effect if somebody is trying to maximise their profit at your expense.