US-based client not paying, what actions can I take?

[samdesigns]

I have a client in the US who was happy and asked for a final invoice back in August 2019. He then stopped contacting me. Month by month we talked and he said there were PayPal problems, bank transfer problems, all kinds of problems. He said he would pay and was happy to. Stopped talking for a while then tells me he's ready. Basically, he's just playing around.

I don't think I can take him to small claims court, but are there any actions I can take? Is there something I can email him so that he can understand the seriousness. When I mentioned lawyers, he got very worried so I think he wants to avoid anything like that.

It's for around £500 so although not a lot of money, it's something I'd really like to deal with.

 

[Koch]

You can contact with consulate of U.K.in related U.S. state. They can give you suggestion about state's procedures.

Alternatively, if your client said having problem with PayPal. You can give them your local bank account info which you will get via Payoneer.

Do your client has listed on Google Maps? This can be last resort to write a negative review but it's always better to get paid.So it is better to kindly offer alternative methods of payment first and ask directly about when they will pay.

 

[Darren_Ssc]

It's for around £500 so although not a lot of money, it's something I'd really like to deal with.

Forget it and move on.

 

[Ray272]

Stick an actor in the mix and pass the debt on to a professional BS artist to call him and claim the debt + associated charges.

 

[samdesigns]

Stick an actor in the mix and pass the debt on to a professional BS artist to call him and claim the debt + associated charges.

Could you tell me more about this?

 

[Bruniel]

It is really better to recieve upfront payment than encounter this kind of problem. I hope your client will pay you soon and stop any alibi.

 

[antropy]

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do, sounds like a real-time waster. As highlighted above the only thing you can really do is move on and maybe take a look at your sounding out period before you start working with a client. Alex

 

[antropy]

When I mentioned lawyers, he got very worried so I think he wants to avoid anything like that.

Write a very formal email stating that you will be initiating legal action if they money isn't received by a certain date (perhaps 7 days) and they you will seek to claim legal fees as part of the settlement.

Paul.

 

[Deleted member 59730]

I have a client in the US who was happy and asked for a final invoice back in August 2019. He then stopped contacting me. Month by month we talked and he said there were PayPal problems, bank transfer problems, all kinds of problems. He said he would pay and was happy to. Stopped talking for a while then tells me he's ready. Basically, he's just playing around.

Sounds standard for the USA. After a few of these I initiate a pay first before I start.
I only give 2 countries credit, Germany and Japan.

 

[antropy]

Sounds standard for the USA. After a few of these I initiate a pay first before I start.
I only give 2 countries credit, Germany and Japan.

We've had many US clients over the years and all but one have paid their bills and been very honest, so I think that's a little unfair.

Paul.

 

[kashifns]

Sounds standard for the USA. After a few of these I initiate a pay first before I start.
I only give 2 countries credit, Germany and Japan.

I suggest no credit to anyone. If you must give credit. Then take credit reports from Graydon type of services and insure your credit amount.

 

[Naughtymedia]

I regularly sell products to the US and have the occasional customer that is late in paying or forgets to pay. Some will try it on because they think you will not pursue them from the other side of the world.

The first thing I want to ask is if this is an invoice for an individual or for a registered company? It may make a difference in what options you have open to you.

If it is an individual then an email or a recorded letter (with an email notification that you have sent it and are tracking) telling them that they are late and that you will take matters further, may jolt them into action.
Clearly outline in the letter/email the agreement you had, what the payment conditions were, the actions you have taken so far to ask them to pay and how much overdue they are. State that you feel you have exhausted all options and have given them plenty of opportunities to pay, but that you will have to now involve a debt collection service to recover the funds as well as any additional costs to make the recovery. You can also state that any formal debt collection will affect their FICO score and may affect their future ability to get credit.

If it is a company then it may be a bit more difficult because the sum is small. You can write them a final email asking to pay, but most will ignore it.

If you are serious about pushing forward with this as a matter of principle you can always check the Commercial Law league of America (CLLA) website for the details of a debt collecting company and ask them to get involved. This will of course cost money.

This may be a bit late as well, but when selling overseas always ask for payment upfront or a guarantee unless you trust the customer and are confident they will pay you.

 

[Alpha Helica Peptides]

You have to ask them to transfer money by Paypal and all friendly bank accounts etc. otherwise sue them.

 

[MOIC]

It matters what user want to know...

No, it matters that you read all the posts and understand the thread, then post what is relevant.

If English is not your first language, then you're going to struggle to understand.

 

[fisicx]

This is really sad to get personal commenting. Informing you this is a discussion room not to comment personally.

Maybe if you read the the thread properly you wouldn’t have made your post.

 

[Alpha Helica Peptides]

No, it matters that you read all the posts and understand the thread, then post what is relevant.

If English is not your first language, then you're going to struggle to understand.

Firstly I want to clear that, be in your limit and don't try to be smart. If someone responds, that firstly understands it and after that replied.

That was just my suggestion, that I want to give. It depends on what the user thinks and how it takes?

You are just here to blame other persons. Do your work.

 

[MOIC]

It depends on what the user thinks and how it takes?

Again . . . . .Read the OP, then respond AFTER reading the post.

Talking nonsense and not understanding does you no favours, or the thread.

 

[Panoramix IP]

Work with a US law firm to send a strongly worded letter demanding payment plus costs and interest.

 

[Alpha Helica Peptides]

Again . . . . .Read the OP, then respond AFTER reading the post.

Talking nonsense and not understanding does you no favours, or the thread.

All have their opinions! Enjoy @myofficeinchina

 

[MOIC]

It's not an opinion, it's fact.

If you cannot follow a thread, best to leave well alone.

I'm enjoying . . . . . .(not sure what).

 

[fisicx]

All have their opinions!

Yes, but yours are wrong

 

[Alpha Helica Peptides]

Yes, but yours are wrong

LOL!