Collecting unpaid debt

[dodge man]

Do you have a contract with him? If you don't you can still collect, but think about them in the future. They can be very simple, a page or less. Check the laws on liens in your state, it may or may not be to late, some states have a time limit after the work. Liens can be very effective, and will usually help you collect, although it may take years. You could also try a collection agency, they keep alot of the money, but they don't cost anything unless they collect. They can be very aggresive and will most likely hound the guy badly, but he may have it coming from your point of view.

Good luck.

 

[deere755]

I recieved a call from the guy who owes me finally. He says he can pay me this coming Friday. I guess I will wait and see if he does before I go further with legal action. He says he is having a tough time. I explained to him that I understand these are tough times but he can't just ignore all my calls and invoices. I need to hear something or I will be forced to take legal action. I also explained to him that I would take payments for the work. He says he would like for me to do some more work for him in the future. I explained to him he would have to pay this bill in full and that I would only work for him if he payed in advance.

 

[two_bit_score]

I have a story to tell... just so you don't have to read the entire thing, the lessons are as follows:


texasjohn, I gotta tell ya......after reading your post I was inspired. I got a SCC judgement against a couple renters a few years back and never collected it and thought it was history. After reading your post ( well, the whole thread up until then also) I thought 'what the heck, give 'em another shot'.

The deadbeats now are living in the adjacent county and are running a small business. From the records I found they may have recently bought a home. Anyway, I've located them and will soon be closing in for a little attempt at collection.

 

[2manyrocks]

Check to see if you can file a lien without going to court and what the deadlines are. Often, there are very short deadlines to file mechanics liens.

Find out as much as you can on your own about the guy's ability to pay you, but you may have to resort to small claims court.

Bad economy--lots of bad debt goes with it.