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So, Your Client Won’t Pay? Here is What You Need to Do Next

BY Rebecca | 10 January, 2015 | no comments

A client that doesn’t pay can be an exasperating time. But, you don’t need to send letters with menaces. The key is to make sure that you remain the epitome of professional, even if you don’t want to. It’s vital that you make sure that you don’t send a myriad of emails that can be conceived as threatening. Yes, you want your money. But, you need to make sure that you are following due processes. As frustrating as this time may be, you need to make sure that you are following protocols.

Here is what you need to do if your client doesn’t pay up:

Keep Calm and Don’t Pester

Having a personal process is vital when it comes to tackling the non-payer. Whether you are a one man band or a large company, having a slick process in place is vital. Send emails, letters and phone calls. But, have a process in place that ensures that you are not pestering the client. Leave a reasonable time frame in between communication. Always date and time stamp your correspondence. This way, if you do need to take legal action, you have an audit in place.

Talk to Your Client

When you are communicating with the client, you need to make sure that you are professional in your approach. Okay, so the payment is late, and you may be having cash flow problems. But, this is not the time to get emotional. Ask if they are having cash flow problems themselves. Is there any way that you can be more flexible? While you don’t want to put the ‘heavy’ on them, you need to get a solid date for payment. This is something that should be workable for all parties. This should be done via telephone calls or face to face.

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Simon Cunningham

Mediation, Small Claims and Debt Recovery: It’s Time to Take Action

Should the client be ignoring your communication efforts, now is the time to take further steps. You cannot hit the customer with a debt recovery order straight away. There is a process. The first step is mediation. Usually, the threat of this is enough to make them pay. Mediation can ensure that you talk about the payment and come to an arrangement regarding payment plans, the amount owed and the agreed date. Of course, if this is not successful, you will need to file a small claims pursuit. This can be done online and is easy to pursue. If this is not successful and the client owes you a substantial amount of cash, it may be wise to seek out Poole solicitors and start the debt recovery process. This can be costly and time consuming. So, do make sure that you have explored all avenues before you go down this route.

What Not to Do…

The thought of not being paid for your services is a frustrating time. But you need to make sure that you are not angry, threatening or bad-mouthing them on social media. This is business suicide and will never result in a positive outcome. Remain calm, keep a clear head and follow the legal process.

 

 

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