Advice needed for non-paying customer

[sparky3366]

That could be legally classed as harrassment and/or slander or libel (depending on which of those means you put it in writing)

thats one of the reasons you dont see peoples names in shop windows anymore...

 

[trev]

In a similar situation I once went to see someone who I thought was trying to stiff me with a couple of lads I played rugby with they didn't have to say anything they just looked menacing. I got paid but the legallities of this approach are a little dubious

 

[Cyberprog]

You're not entitled to go in with a pair of side cutters, as in a situation such as this the stuff you have installed has become part of the property. I'd also avoid violence, as it's too easy to get nicked for it.
Just pay some heavies to jump him one night 6 months down the line, much more satisfying
If I were you, I'd try and see if you can get enough evidence to suggest that this was a B2B transaction, not a B2C, with him being a sole trader. Your use of trade rates here may well help in that situation. This allows you to use the Late Payment Legislation, and put late fees and interest onto the debt.

 

[pete1]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I would like to try to behave as reasonably as possible so I have today written to the customer with an explanation of the additional costs for the extra work that he had asked for and a revised estimate to complete the job. I have also enclosed my invoice for the work so far and have requested payment within 14 days. I have stated that I would be happy to go back and complete the job but will require the full balance in advance. If I don't hear anything back then I'm afraid I will have to think about a final demand and then possible court action. All this business has made me think hard about the best way to ensure payment on completion of work in the future and as suggested by Dave the 40% 1st, 40% 2nd and 20% EIC looks like a good way forward. The trouble is consumers are often advised by the media not to part with money until the works completed, but what about the trades who are often left unpaid?

 

[trev]

On a more serious note than my last post I've got a mate who is an accountant and he tells me that if the bill is more than £750 (which I'd bet it is) there are ways you can have him declared bankrupt. It would really pee on his fireworks if you could do that but me mate says you'll probably need a solicitorto guide you through the process and it'll cost you a few quid.

Best of luck to you mate

 

[La Poste]

Please keep us informed of future developments.

I am just getting my head around the small claims court procedure myself at the moment.

Ok it's for a clamping company that charged me £450 to release my car but it's still relevant.

This sort of thing, builders ripping Sparkies off, is happening too much these days.

Apologies if I have offended any honest builders.

 

[Cyberprog]

Please keep us informed of future developments.

I am just getting my head around the small claims court procedure myself at the moment.

Ok it's for a clamping company that charged me £450 to release my car but it's still relevant.

This sort of thing, builders ripping Sparkies off, is happening too much these days.

Apologies if I have offended any honest builders.

Caution - Do not only Sue the Clamping Company - Sue the Land Owner or Agent who employed them at the same time, on the same action. That way, when they lose (which they inevitably will) you can get the money from a company that actually has assets, and will therefore pay, instead of ignore you and eventually pheonix. Plus you can then take a charge on the land too if all else fails.

And in future, don't be so bloody stupid and pay. Cut the bloody thing off. What clamp? is the only thing you need say if someone comes round, just make sure you dispose of the evidence, scrap metal is at an all time high.

 

[Octopus]

Please keep us informed of future developments.

I am just getting my head around the small claims court procedure myself at the moment.

Ok it's for a clamping company that charged me £450 to release my car but it's still relevant.

This sort of thing, builders ripping Sparkies off, is happening too much these days.

Apologies if I have offended any honest builders.

£450.00 to release a clamp - cripes where were you? Chelsea or Westminster??

 

[La Poste]

£450.00 to release a clamp - cripes where were you? Chelsea or Westminster??

Can you believe it Southall of all places, I only went for a quick curry.

There is an Iceland store and it has a car park that is not lit at all.
The clampers wait in the shadows and clamp you even when you are sitting in your car, it's a complete racket.

I joined a motoring forum and found out this car park is notorious.
I learned on the forum the procedure for getting my money back but like all things it's finding the bloody time to do it.

 

[alarm man]

Can you believe it Southall of all places, I only went for a quick curry.

There is an Iceland store and it has a car park that is not lit at all.
The clampers wait in the shadows and clamp you even when you are sitting in your car, it's a complete racket.

I joined a motoring forum and found out this car park is notorious.
I learned on the forum the procedure for getting my money back but like all things it's finding the bloody time to do it.

ive never been clamped before(ive said it now) but if i did the basser things getting the barrel drilled out and left with a £10 note to cover the cost of the replacement,you think traffic wardens are bad,id rather share a drink with a junkie than a clamper..scum of the earth..