How do YOU usually deal with a non-paying client?

[Kyle787]

I might have my first one. I run a webdesign business while still in college so I have been making a nice dollar but I now may have a problem. A client paid me $600 down on a $2,000 project which was slightly over the $400 I asked for. I completely finished it and things looked great according to him so I sent him a bill on Aug. 10 for the remaining $1,400 minus 5% off the total bill if he paid by Sep. 10th. He still hasn't paid and has since not answered two emails.

If I don't hear from him or get the $1,400 what can I do? He has all of my logos and work still on his site.

 

[scorpion king]

Do the same like this celebritymugshots(dot)net.

 

[ahiddenman]

I see you posted it in the offline section so i guess you dealt with a brick and mortar business.

Take a few college football guys (Big ones) and go visit the guy

 

[thedorf]

I would not do anything goofy otherwise this could come back to haunt you - i.e.: future customers. Contact your BBB and see what they say.

 

[Bross]

For the future, just take 75% instead of 25%... That's the only thing to learn from.

If I personally don't know who I'm working with, always take 100%, nothing less or they can look elsewhere.
You should have standards for yourself and shouldn't go out of your way for anyone, regardless how old are you and how long you've been doing that.

Yesterday I told a $250 monthly SEO client I will not work with him again because he is the most arrogant, disrespectful person I have ever dealt with (didn't tell him that.. Just thanks and look for others to work with because I decided not to).
Same goes for you and in other verticals.. Take money upfront, claim what you deserve either it's money or respect.

 

[7878]

I completely finished it and things looked great according to him so I sent him a bill on Aug. 10 for the remaining $1,400 minus 5% off the total bill if he paid by Sep. 10th. He still hasn't paid and has since not answered two emails.

Try calling maybe? Send an invoice marked past due? How about an in-person visit with a physical, paper invoice? There's a reason that a fair percentage of companies out there have departments and employees dedicated entirely to accounts receivable. Disregard all the silly advice in this thread, get out from behind your keyboard, and go collect.

 

[darylb]

i prefer not to put any work on there server until im fully paid, i host it myself and show the work but until im fully paid up nothing is moved to the clients host.

 

[mattbowden]

Non paying clients do my head in.
Have a procedure in place 30 days over phone call and reminder, 60 days over letter from your solicitor. Finally court.

Stick to it and dont become a soft touch.
Go through a debit collection agent

 

[gu3sswh0]

in future keep all copies of everything on your own servers until full payment is received, then send him the files or upload to his web server.

This one you may have to chalk up to a learning experience.

 

[Kyle787]

Well I can't really go to their physical location since I am traveling over seas for a month this Sunday. And since I dealt with them directly, I don't feel like sending one of my employees up to their office is the best thing. I mean, we have a lawyer, worst case maybe in a month or so should I start sending threatening letters for copyright issues or something?

 

[gu3sswh0]

Trouble with a lawyer is you will end up paying more in legal fees than u get from the client. I would continue sending letters and making phone calls, but learn from it for future.

 

[Kyle787]

Trouble with a lawyer is you will end up paying more in legal fees than u get from the client. I would continue sending letters and making phone calls, but learn from it for future.

He is a very close family friend though. He wouldn't mind helping me out, and if it goes far enough, I'm sure if he wasn't tied up like he usually isn't then he won't rob me because he knows I am still new and learning good business practices via school and my mistakes.

 

[ohaider]

1) ASK your lawyer friend what to do.

2) If he says he's too busy I would definitely send an invoice marked LATE

3) If no response in 15 days, go through a debt collection agency

 

[Dojdimon]

1) f***k him!
2) write claim to his paypal (i am working to advance)
3) get his product/service to the "Top favourite" at youtube.com with bad conditiones!

 

[BlueSteele]

Don't work (especially web design) without a contract. It will bite you eventually. Honestly, you are screwed. He really doesn't have any legal obligation to pay you. Keep on him and hope for the best I guess. In the future, use a contract.

 

[jstover77]

Did you put the site up? Don't ever put the site up or give them the files until they are paid in full.

 

[mattbowden]

Not sure if its the same in us here in the uk a lot of banks offer a service for small businesses if you sign up to it probably about $15 usd they will send out letters from their solicitor on your behalf phone him and say and be polite. Say I have come to the stage where I can no longer wait for payment and will be passing it into the hands of my solicitor. If this goes to court which I am sure you can appreciate I would prefer it not to your companies credit rating is likely to be affected by it. Then ask is there any problem with the work I have undertaken for you on your behalf. Grow some balls and take responsability for your company. Dont take it on the chin fight for the payment

 

[aStroke]

Threaten them with legal action if you have a contract written.

 

[djhickory]

just take him to small claims asap

 

[royal2b]

301 redirect.. shut the site down ....