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?

[Rach*]

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


Cool pics Simpo

[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

[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

[Rach*]

Gruffy said:

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.

Looks good, stored for future reference

[Rach*]

Nothing arrived today

[Rach*]

Thanks mate, I've been pretty chilled until now, but I'm moving house at the weekend and need lots of new housey things

They have until Friday before next step letter, grrr.

[Rach*]

Manks said:

Rach* said:

Thanks mate, I've been pretty chilled until now, but I'm moving house at the weekend and need lots of new housey things

They have until Friday before next step letter, grrr.

Well let's face it, if it arrives tomorrow you'll still be pushing it for clearance before Friday unless you special clear it.

How much are we talking about here by the way?

Just under £1k, but at least I'll have it in my grubby little mitt

[Rach*]

You know me too well No wine in the fridge, I'm trying to be good

[Rach*]

Soovy said:

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?

You don't need a gun, Marigold. You need me.



You have my email.

Thanks hun, keep your fingers crossed for me, but I'll give you a shout to bring out the big guns

[Rach*]

It's a small chain of practices, do you think it's possible to find out who the MD is?

[Rach*]

matthewg said:

Rach* said:

It's a small chain of practices, do you think it's possible to find out who the MD is?

Very easy. Do companies house search...

Oooh, thanks....
Found 2 possible, one is xxxxxx company LLP, other is xxxxxx co ltd. Different addresses, no named person

[Rach*]

singlecoil said:

singlecoil said:

Do they actually have any money? I know nothing about dental practices, do they ever become insolvent?

That wasn't a rhetorical question, it's one you need to be fairly sure of having the answer to before deciding how much time and effort to put into getting your money. Quite often when people won't pay their bills it's because they can't.

AFAIK they're ok, I'll go do some digging on the dentists forum

[Rach*]

Antimus said:

AdamBomb said:

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.

I got paid with a rubber cheque once - I went to the guys restaurant, stood in the middle of the main dining room and proceeded to ask him why he gave me a rubber cheque in a very loud voice in front of all his customers - he gave me a good cheque in about 2mins flat.

(P.S. I wouldn't do this if you want to deal with the person again, in my case the bloke was a tosser and I didn't want any more of his business).

That was the one and only time I have had to do that in 10 years trading.

However - I currently have a customer owing me ~£4K and pleading lack of funds - funny how they are still trading and paying other suppliers, turning over a good £100k per month - 2 more weeks and I will be collecting my property (just so happens to be the main server in the business)... lets see them trade without that!

PLEEASE keep us up to date with this, I'd love to see how it pans out

Ditto! People are just so rude

[Rach*]

Just got home, still nothing


Do you think it's worth a phone call reminding them if I don't have it by Friday I'll start legal proceedings?

[Rach*]

Can you feel my stress? Wish I'd bought some wine on the way home

[Rach*]

This nightmare company is now in trouble with the agency for not paying fees when they booked me, telling me they would let the agency know I was working but then keeping quiet to avoid fees.

[Rach*]

Manks said:

Rach* said:

This nightmare company is now in trouble with the agency for not paying fees when they booked me, telling me they would let the agency know I was working but then keeping quiet to avoid fees.

How does that work then? Surely if an agency is involved the practice pays the agency, the agency pays you?

Or is there some sort of direct billing arrangement? If so what is the process for the agency gettig its cut?

Bizarre isn't it, the agency and myself bill the co. seperately.


Popping home soon to see if the posties been

[Rach*]

I have a confirmation from the agency for 1 of the days, but nothing for the others.

No response on the dentists forum, asked if anyone had any experience or a contact at management level



eta, nothing from postie except phone bill

Edited by Rach* on Wednesday 13th October 12:44

[Rach*]

Manks said:

Rach* said:

I have a confirmation from the agency for 1 of the days, but nothing for the others.

No response on the dentists forum, asked if anyone had any experience or a contact at management level



eta, nothing from postie except phone bill

Edited by Rach* on Wednesday 13th October 12:44

Can you prove that you worked there for the days in question? Have you any written correspondence from the practice regarding your claim that refers to the hours worked?

Nothing unfortunately