Overdue invoice

[Rach*]

I did some locum work for a dental practice back in August, they still haven't settled my invoice. I've emailed twice, called 2 weeks ago - at that time "a cheque was in the post today", still nothing, so I hand delivered a letter this week giving them until 15/10 to settle up.

I know I can apply compensation and interest to my invoice under a small business law.

But if they don't pay up by next week, what would my next step be please?

[Dave_ST220]

Moneyclaim online i think if the old interest threat doesn't work.

[Simpo Two]

One step to consider, if you can't get a response that makes sense and before you get legal, is to quietly mention to them 'General Dental Council' www.gdc-uk.org

[Wheelrepairit]

Dave_ST220 said:

Moneyclaim online i think if the old interest threat doesn't work.

Pah, I did this for a customer who owed me, court sent him a letter, I heard nothing so called court, they told me as they not heard from him then nothing they could do.

Proper waste of £25 that was then, muppets

[Rach*]

Thanks all, really hoping cheque shows up next week, I'm moving house and getting a tad stressed.


Cool pics Simpo

[C Lee Farquar]

A local business owed me some so I phoned and advised the OH would be in to collect a cheque. Sent her to sit in reception with two kids and noisy toys with instructions not leave until she had a cheque. Took about 1/2 an hour.

[I Love Lamp]

Rach,

I recall there is a debt collector on the forums who other members usually recommend in instances such as yours.

Without the search, I'm not much more use!

Edited by I Love Lamp on Friday 8th October 21:45

[Wacky Racer]

I Love Lamp said:

Rach,

I recall there is a debt collector on the forums who other members usually recommend in instances such as yours.

Without the search, I'm not much more use!

James28UK....(IIRC)

[M-J-B]

James at Gemini Debt (can't remember his PH name).

He's looked at three overdue invoices for me over the last year and all have paid.

He gets my vote.

[JustinP1]

Rach* said:

I did some locum work for a dental practice back in August, they still haven't settled my invoice. I've emailed twice, called 2 weeks ago - at that time "a cheque was in the post today", still nothing, so I hand delivered a letter this week giving them until 15/10 to settle up.

I know I can apply compensation and interest to my invoice under a small business law.

But if they don't pay up by next week, what would my next step be please?

That debt isn't too bad believe it or not.

Two tips:

If you ring, ask for the person who deals with invoices. Ask them when payment will be received. They'll give you an approximate date - they always do. Ask them for a date on which they know it will be received by. Confirm the date they have said. Ask them their name - important. Write it all down. By asking their name, they have accountability. Not only do they know they will have an embarrassing situation should you have to call again and speak to them, or failing that if they are not there, their boss will know the promise they have given and not fulfilled.


The other method is written:

1) A week before the invoice is due, send a reminder that it is due, how they can pay.

2) The day after it is due send a letter explaining that prompt payment is important and this invoice is already subject to late payment compensatory charges and interest. However, in case it has been genuinely overlooked you will give them another week.

3) A week later send a letter explaining you have given them a reminder, and you have also warned that it is overdue, this is the third time you have written, and the late payment charges are on the invoice. Explain that the only way to escalate this issue will be with a formal warning of legal action which is something mutually embarrassing which you both want to avoid.

4) Send a Final Warning of Intended Legal Action. By Special Delivery. Give seven days for full remittance or immediate legal action will start at X county court (your local) and the full cost of that will be added to the claim.


By doing that, you'll get 99% or more compliance and full payment in 8 weeks at the latest.

[Boosted LS1]

For the future put your payment terms on your invoice, ie forthwith, 7 days etc. Then after that time has elapsed you can demand payment immediately with a 7 day letter before action, ie giving them a further 7 days to pay before you commence proceedings via the county court.

[Rach*]

That's brill, thanks Justin & Boosted.

I spoke to the manager who says invoices are sent out to their accountant, but wasn't going to tell me who that is, but the action would be against the practice, so just keep sending to them?.

I'm so annoyed! Most practices have good manners and generally give me a cheque before I leave the building. I know in the grand scheme of business it could be a lot worse, but it's a big deal in my little world, it's harsh out here


< Me


Thanks for all the helpful comments, keep your fingers crossed the postie brings something nice soon

[mondeoman]

Threaten them with a Statutory Demand

[Simpo Two]

Rach* said:

I spoke to the manager who says invoices are sent out to their accountant

I haven't heard that excuse before. In how many businesses does the (outside) accountant keep the company chequebook?

[Boosted LS1]

OP, ignore the accountant stuff. Your contract is with the practice, chase them.

[Simon Brooks]

Go the surgery and wait outside until you see a group of people at the reception desk then make a fuss about not being paid, bet someone sorts it out pronto.

[Manks]

Simon Brooks said:

Go the surgery and wait outside until you see a group of people at the reception desk then make a fuss about not being paid, bet someone sorts it out pronto.

I reckon 99% of people would not have the front to do this.

Unless the sum owed is over five grand I'd make a final written request and then money claim online. Over five grand and I'd get a solicitor to issue a statutory demand and then if needs be a winding up order.

If it is over £5k and you are absolutely sure the debt is owed, PM me and I'll put you in touch with a very good solicitor that will handle it on a conditional fee basis (no win, no fee in short).

[Rach*]

Manks said:

Simon Brooks said:

Go the surgery and wait outside until you see a group of people at the reception desk then make a fuss about not being paid, bet someone sorts it out pronto.

I reckon 99% of people would not have the front to do this.

Unless the sum owed is over five grand I'd make a final written request and then money claim online. Over five grand and I'd get a solicitor to issue a statutory demand and then if needs be a winding up order.

If it is over £5k and you are absolutely sure the debt is owed, PM me and I'll put you in touch with a very good solicitor that will handle it on a conditional fee basis (no win, no fee in short).

Thank you It's under £5k, so MCoL if they don't cough up.

I have booked off 3 days to move house, I won't need that many, so I could go park myself in the waiting room

[Laner]

Have you tried thomashiggins.co.uk we have had some success with them just recently. £2.00 for a letter before action.

[Gruffy]

Laner said:

Have you tried thomashiggins.co.uk we have had some success with them just recently. £2.00 for a letter before action.

Thomas Higgins has worked for me when I've needed it too.