Owed money

[Captain 'Jake' Sparrow]

Although I am fortunate not to have come across this yet in this industry it was a big problem in my last industry.

If he has any meaningful assets then you can use a specialist debt recovery solicitors to not only retrieve your money but also claim a fixed amount per invoice which is approx £30 plus interest for every month the bill is late. It is fast and much more cost effective than most people realise and the best company we found were Lovetts PLC Solicitors.

The down side with that option is that you won’t get any more work from the guy but then would you really want to go there again anyway?

If he hasn’t got any assets (vans, premises etc) then it’s the other option of gentle persuasion, getting less gentle as time goes on...

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by modelman093

That is correct. When I ran a garden machinery repair business we were advised to obtain payment before releasing the repaired machine. Once unloaded and on the customer's premises or put in the back of their car we had no right to retrieve/reload it or remove parts that we had fitted.

Quite correct - known as a "Repairers Lien" and often used in the motor trade. Works well, simple as.

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by Traxcavator.

There'll be no shortage of takers for the planings .....

I don't think I'd hang about to scoop the planings up, just go up through the surfacing in one rip and make a right mess.

Perhaps put a sign up "Free planings here today only" and wait for all the farmers for miles to turn up with dump trailers all morning

[pond digger]

Just been reading this thread. A very frustrating situation.

I would point out to your client that your cotract is with him, NOT with the insurance company. Be firm but diplomatic. Tell him that you really don't want to fall out with him but that you need the money, and if you don't have it by ....... then regrettably you will have to start proceedings to recover it. I would allso put it in writing so he knows you are serious.

If you have no joy, then I would consider setting on a debt recovery firm. Otherwise, I would be going back and start digging up the drains on the pretext that you were not happy with some aspect of your work and needed to check it out. I'm sure he would get the message!

Good look

PD

[Mintsauce]

Well put PD. Some firms use a debt management company to invoice all their customers. I have come across Bibby Financial a few times.

[glinton]

If it helps we have been using a legal firm based in Birmingham for debt recovery that Julian suggested to us, and they have proved reaaly good at the job and at a very low cost !
If you need details let me know and I will send in the morning, could be an easier route than filling drains ! That sounds like the last thing to do not the first, but a good plan anyway !

[RolyD8k]

the last bad payer i put the collectors on soon made contact when
he got blacklisted he could,nt function without credit,they asked me
how far i wanted to go,i said if you cant get my money then bust em,
as long as your invoice reads right it,ll cost you nothing to collect,
good luck this is whats on mine,% figure is your choice

[AtlasRob]

Originally Posted by RolyD8k

.......... soon made contact when
he got blacklisted he could,nt function without credit,

Love it, great advice Roly.

[Local Diggers]

Thanks roly, ive added that to my invoices.

Quick update, ive had no choice but to take the small claims route. Its upped his up 130 quid now which i would rather he didnt have to pay but im left with no choice.

Its laughable that he told me it would be instant payment etc.

[Local Diggers]

Originally Posted by glinton

If it helps we have been using a legal firm based in Birmingham for debt recovery that Julian suggested to us, and they have proved reaaly good at the job and at a very low cost !
If you need details let me know and I will send in the morning, could be an easier route than filling drains ! That sounds like the last thing to do not the first, but a good plan anyway !

For any reference later who is the company?
Dan