Non-paying client

[Eagle]

I have a 'client' that is using one of my draft concept logos on their site but haven't paid for the privilege. I've tried contacting them and also their web hosts but to no avail. I've sent an invoice via email and via post too.

I know my position legally, but what would you suggest my next step is? Small claims court?

 

[Jayne]

PM Jonathan (Handsongroup) or Philip (Crossguards), either will be able to help. Sometimes a scary letter will do the trick.

Jayne

 

[Recover]

Feel free to PM us too, we would be happy to help, and yes, a letter before action would be the best bet.

Would be happy to do this for free in this case

 

[Rob Holmes]

I would personally send another letter recorded post so they sign for it and you know they've received it.

Send th eenvelope 'unbranded' so they won't see it's from you and reject it.

This will raise the profile of the invoice and they will 'wonder' for a few seconds why it's sent recorded and then they will realise you are serious.

I'd also include that if the money is not received by <insert date> that you will blah blah without any further warnings.

Either that or why not call Nichola from Admiral Collections - word has it she can get a debt paid in a single phone call / letter.

Rob

 

[DuaneJackson]

Send a very formal letter by recorded delivery to the ISP quoting the relevant act, also Fax it, I thik that'll get a fast result of you want the site pulled.

 

[DuaneJackson]

I think it's the DMCA - I've posted and faxed to american ISP's using this before and the matter was resolved within 24 hours. Let me know if you'd like the template.

 

[creacom]

We had the same problem in January Eagle. Strong letter sent by recorded delivery did the trick.

Good luck with it.

Jacqui

 

[Eagle]

Cheers, all!

I'll try the letter first - how much time should I allow them to pay up?

Mark

 

[The Resolver]

If you have not already done so I suggest your terms of business make clear that title/licence to use your work does not pass until payment. Without this you have, in issuing the invoice, likely transferred to them the right to use the logo and your only recourse is to sue for the debt (if low amount, becomes uneconimic and if too large they may not be able to pay). If however you include such a term then you could also press his ISP to close down the site on the basis of a breach of the standard ISP terms by uploading items to whish they have no title. Much more effective for obtaining payment than by just threatening to sue.