gettting money owed

[Buddie]

My partner Mike runs an electrical Contractors and employees 3 guys, himself and me doing the books. We did alot of work for a kitchen company. the work was finished about 2 months ago and they have had the invoices about 6 weeks. They keep stalling on paying us although al their customers were very happy with our work which was done to a high standard and we provided all the relevant certificates for the work done. The company owe us about �6500. We have compromised on some jobs which worked out more than estimated, so some money has already been knocjked off. They just keep making excuses. Now there manging director has suggested a meeting with me. Originally he suggested meeting my partner, but Mike is hopeless at confrontations and would rather walk away than go and see this guy. I have never had to do this kind of thing and I'm worried they'll be very persuasive at getting out of paying They are salesmen after all!How do I deal with their Managing director.? any help appreciated. bearing in mind their Managing director drives around in a porsche!

[Davethedog]

Tell him you don't want a meeting.

He either pays your bill or you will lodge a legal claim.

If you cannot press this yourself, make enquiries of a debt collection agency to do it for you.

Meetings won't do anything he is obviously trying to get out of paying.

[R1Geezer]

just file a legal claim, usually that works. Don't meet the to55ers.

[lajohn]

Don't meet with them. Get a debt collecting agency after them.

[Buddie]

Thanks you guys I think I'l take your advice

[raysparx1]

Write to them asking if there is a valid reason for non payment, and give them 7 days to respond, if they do not respond write to them again giving them 14 days to pay in full and inform them that if full payment is not recieved within the 14 days you will be issuing a summons in the small claims court. make sure you send it recorded delivery.
if you do not want to do that get your solicitor to write to them demanding immediate payment and never work for the twonks again,

I would also make sure every other sparky your partner knows will know what a load of cowboys this company is, word spreads quick at the wholesalers. good luck, Ray

[Mrs_Pegasus]

I dont think a small claims court will pursue a debt of this value.

I agree a letter asking for payment in full within 7 days and then a further letter to say they have a further 7 days and then you will seek legal advice which you will use to pursue the debt and all costs associated with claiming the debt.

[terambulan]

Give them notice to settle full amount within 7days after which the bill will be subject to 33.3% APR (interest rates).

Look into Debt Collectors...you can sell them the debt.

p.s. Your local council are excellent at this practise when u dont settle your rate bill! And they don't warn u! Find out who their DC are?

Dont talk to the debtors MD as he only wants to reduce the bill.

[speedbird747]

Easy and this has worked for me in the past - think the shock of receiving a court claim frightens them to pay up!

Anyway try HMCS Her Majesty's Courts Service Money Claim Online at :

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/onlineservi ces/mcol/index.htm

Costs only 30 GBP !

[Twenty20]

Do as raysparx1 says but use the Money Claim Online link which speedbird747 gave you. The amount is too large for the Small Claims Procedure. The online method is very easy.

I wouldn't be bothered about going to any meetings but ask them to put any dispute in writing to you.

[Buddie]

I looked a money caims online and that seems an excellent way forward. I'm aware that I,ve got to do something quick cos I get the impression that these guys will very quickly file for bankrupcy to aviod paying and then set up another company under which you can't touch them. I think our bankrupcy laws are **ap when it comes to recovering money