It isn't about posters not knowing how big companies work, we all know that. It is about the smaller companies going under and being taking advantage of just because it is the 'cheaper' option. This is what smaller companies are getting sick of, and why they are attempting to make a stand.
Very hard when half the small owners are saying 'well that is the way it is, why change? I enjoy propping up the big firms at my expense- it makes me feel all warm inside'
Are these big firms going to feed your families and pay your mortgage? No way! They cannot even pay your bills - if you want to feel warm inside, and never get paid, go and do some work for someone that clearly cannot afford you - at least they will appreciate it, and offer you a room when you get evicted!
The 30/40 day payment is fine if they stick to it - but they don't when the time is up, they start giving excuses, demanding extra invoices as they lost the last ones etc, and then go for another 40 day cycle. All this costs your business money.
They pay the big fish, because it hasd a bigger bite - about time smaller business take a lesson from some pirahnas, and start to be small but with a vicious bite, so they don't get walked over!
They only breach the small guys contract because he won't prosecute, and the big one will. Damage limitation. For every small business contract signed, there are probably hundreds of ex-business owners brought down due to them.
Let them walk over you, they will, happily and willingly. walk over you at a cost, and they won't do it again - who cares if they don't renew the contract? Rather work twice as hard and get paid, than waste days of work chasing payment from losers!