Discussion
Anyone got experience of dealing with people who refuse to pay?
I've got a case of someone who when chased for payment is claiming that he cancelled his contract with us six months ago and won't pay what's due (we never received any cancellation notice).
I've had a couple of similar cases of this recently and whilst I'm insisting on payment up front from some customers now, I still need to know who to deal firmly with those that try it on.
Any suggestions, recommendations for solicitors etc?
:banghead:
I've got a case of someone who when chased for payment is claiming that he cancelled his contract with us six months ago and won't pay what's due (we never received any cancellation notice).
I've had a couple of similar cases of this recently and whilst I'm insisting on payment up front from some customers now, I still need to know who to deal firmly with those that try it on.
Any suggestions, recommendations for solicitors etc?
:banghead:
I've found that starting action in the small claims court is sometimes enough to get the bastards to pay, though they might still mess you around a bit first.
Getting the hearing moved to their local court is favourite trick. Not turning up for said hearing or paying up just days before it's due is another. Had both of those, but still got my money.
If they do say they'll contest your small claims action you can always seek legal advice then. Also remember to keep receipts for all expense incurred in taking out the action and claim that back from them too.
Good luck with it Ted.
Getting the hearing moved to their local court is favourite trick. Not turning up for said hearing or paying up just days before it's due is another. Had both of those, but still got my money.
If they do say they'll contest your small claims action you can always seek legal advice then. Also remember to keep receipts for all expense incurred in taking out the action and claim that back from them too.
Good luck with it Ted.
In my experience Ted a short, sharp letter confirming that you expect payment in 14 days or you will enter into litigation meaning further costs will be involved, often does the trick. Send one copy through the normal post and one by recorded delivery. Ensure that on your letter you confirm that "No further correspondence will be entered into", this way he knows you're serious. Without a doubt you should issue if he ignores you, and unless he enters a defence within 21 days you'll get judgment in default. I shouldn't imagine he's got much of a defence if at all.
If it helps I know some scrupulous debt recovery agents.
Good luck.
>> Edited by anniesdad on Wednesday 8th June 15:24
If it helps I know some scrupulous debt recovery agents.
Good luck.
>> Edited by anniesdad on Wednesday 8th June 15:24
PetrolTed said:
I've written off a number of debts recently for that reason. This one is the largest I've had yet so I'm reluctant to just roll over and get shafted.
Same
I have a top london laywer client who refuses to pay for no reason. Tells me to shut it every time I call, asks for letters in writing, refuses to reply. I can either take him and his dozens of laywer friends (and a charity) to court, or let it lie.
Its not quite a thousand pounds, but its still money. He is still out of order telling me to "Shut it" and that he "has nothing to reply to" but I really dont want to even attempt to take him to court.
How can people get away with the "Im a lawyer, you cant take me to court, and I wont pay you nor will I give you a reason nor reply to you" atitude?
Part of me wants to reveal the fact that this charity is refusing to pay me, or speak to me. Part of me fears to speak, lest they find a way to come down on me like a tonne of bricks. No advice needed fellow PHers, but Ted... I know what its like. Not always easy mate, dont be afraid of taking people to court!
Chasing money can be very very Very frustrating
at times!! >> Edited by UKBob on Wednesday 8th June 15:52
UKBob said:
I've written off a number of debts recently for that reason. This one is the largest I've had yet so I'm reluctant to just roll over and get shafted.
Same
Tells me to shut it every time I call, asks for letters in writing, refuses to reply. I can either take him and his dozens of laywer friends (and a charity) to court, or let it lie.
Its not quite a thousand pounds, but its still money. He is still out of order telling me to "Shut it" and that he "has nothing to reply to" but I really dont want to even attempt to take him to court.
How can people get away with the "Im a lawyer, you cant take me to court, and I wont pay you nor will I give you a reason nor reply to you" atitude?
Part of me wants to reveal the fact that this charity is refusing to pay me, or speak to me. Part of me fears to speak, lest they find a way to come down on me like a tonne of bricks. No advice needed fellow PHers, but Ted... I know what its like. Not always easy mate, dont be afraid of taking people to court!
Chasing money can be very very Very frustrating
>> Edited by UKBob on Wednesday 8th June 15:52
I know you asked for no advice but I do know a Solicitor that may be able help you if you wish to speak to him for an informal chat. He sues Solicitors every day, in fact it's his main vocation in life.
PM me if you like.
anniesdad said:Ahh, go on then. YHM
PetrolTed said:
I've written off a number of debts recently for that reason. This one is the largest I've had yet so I'm reluctant to just roll over and get shafted.
Same
Tells me to shut it every time I call, asks for letters in writing, refuses to reply. I can either take him and his dozens of laywer friends (and a charity) to court, or let it lie.
Its not quite a thousand pounds, but its still money. He is still out of order telling me to "Shut it" and that he "has nothing to reply to" but I really dont want to even attempt to take him to court.
How can people get away with the "Im a lawyer, you cant take me to court, and I wont pay you nor will I give you a reason nor reply to you" atitude?
Part of me wants to reveal the fact that this charity is refusing to pay me, or speak to me. Part of me fears to speak, lest they find a way to come down on me like a tonne of bricks. No advice needed fellow PHers, but Ted... I know what its like. Not always easy mate, dont be afraid of taking people to court!
Chasing money can be very very Very frustrating
>> Edited by UKBob on Wednesday 8th June 15:52
I know you asked for no advice but I do know a Solicitor that may be able help you if you wish to speak to him for an informal chat. He sues Solicitors every day, in fact it's his main vocation in life.
PM me if you like.
I just figured sueing a solicitor would be a very dangerous thing. Why play with fire when the time could be spent generating new business. I only need a few hours to drum up enough new business out of thin air to recoup the cost... but like ted, have been taken for a ride enough times to feel ive reached the point of "no more!"
I havnt checked it, but mailed you back 
Sorry but if someone owes you money (no matter how much) surely in you get rolled over once you'd get a rep. for it - I don't care how much clients owe me I ALWAYS go after the debt (its just sickening to have to write it off) it may cost you money in the long run but what ever happened to having some balls and stsnding up for what is rightfully yours!!
PetrolTed said:Have you asked him for his copy of the cancellation notice?
I've got a case of someone who when chased for payment is claiming that he cancelled his contract with us six months ago and won't pay what's due (we never received any cancellation notice).
You might combine this with a threat to take legal action to recover the debt if no payment (or a copy of the cancellation notice) isn't received within 7 days or so.
And yes, I sympathise. You wouldn't believe how difficult, frustrating, soul destroying and time-wasting it is trying to get even the largest corporations to pay up....
Ted, a small claims instigation can be done from the comfort of your own chair in Pie Towers -
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp
I recently used this for a claim on an ex-employer. After two years of an ongoing slanging match, within six days of him having the summonds, I had the money.
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp
I recently used this for a claim on an ex-employer. After two years of an ongoing slanging match, within six days of him having the summonds, I had the money.
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