Client refuses to pay for no reason. What to do?

[ninjaturtle]

Hey Everyone,

So I did some work for this very well known company 6-7 months ago, and they still haven't paid me.
There was never a disagreement, and they were very pleased with the work that I did. I'm positive we left on good terms.
They said they would sent a check, but they never did.
In the past 6 months, I've asked and contacted them 7 freaking times, but they don't respond to my calls, emails or anything.
Absolutely nothing.... not even an email.
I'm super pissed off.... Any advice? What can I do?
It's only for $300..... BUT STILL!.... It's my freaking money.
Collection agency worth it?
Hope you guys can help?

 

[Deleted member 658642]

A well known company isn't always a well respected company. Have you tried confronting them directly instead of sending e-mails and phone calls?

 

[ninjaturtle]

Thanks for your reply RushingWind.
You're right about it not being a respected company.
They live in a different state, so I don't know what to do besides emails and phone calls.

 

[ygg]

Start talking about them on related public forums. Let other people know

 

[Deleted member 658642]

Thanks for your reply RushingWind.
You're right about it not being a respected company.
They live in a different state, so I don't know what to do besides emails and phone calls.

If I were you, I wouldn't travel to a different state for $300. Of course you may think otherwise depending on your perspective. Like a member suggested bring them out. But not here. On forums related to that company or something along those lines. They need to contact me not me them.

 

[Leith]

Start talking about them on related public forums. Let other people know

This.

Tell them that you'll start posting reviews on major forums around online. That should do the trick. And if they don't pay, then go ahead and start posting online.

 

[stretton]

I agree with 2Dhades, although I would email them something along the lines of:

"I know it's only $300 to you, but I feel that I have been treated unfairly. I intend to disclose our agreement on public forums starting in 7 days time if I don't receive a satisfactory response. Given the nature of SEO and the strong public forums that I will post on, there is a high probabilty that these messages will rank highly when "company name" and is searched for.

Good luck.

Steve

 

[MadStacks]

If you have evidence of a deal contact the local police department in that companies
district. Also can try to contact the district attorney and file a report.

 

[Wilson Grant Fisk]

If you were in the UK, you could make a claim through the Small Claims Court:
https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money
https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/overview
https://www.gov.uk/make-money-claim-online

This sometimes has the desired effect. There maybe a similar type process in your state.

Only do this if all avenues have been investigated and attempted.

My suggestion is to send them a Final Invoice (in writing via recorded/registered post) for all work carried out.

 

[alexglo]

Threaten them with legal action, you will most likely get paid after that. Write them a letter.

To learn a bit more about small claims:
http://www.usa.gov/topics/consumer/complaint/legal/small-claims-court.shtml

 

[MadStacks]

If you were in the UK, you could make a claim through the Small Claims Court:
https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money
https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/overview
https://www.gov.uk/make-money-claim-online

This sometimes has the desired effect. There maybe a similar type process in your state.

Only do this if all avenues have been investigated and attempted.

My suggestion is to send them a Final Invoice (in writing via recorded/registered post) for all work carried out.

Same rule applies to the States. So he could press legal charges
That is if he has any evidence that would hold in court.

 

[fc-dh]

Name and shame them in public, create a youtube video with the companies name and in that video you tell them what a shady company they are cus the're not paying their bills in time.

Use the companies name and words like SCAM, THIEVES and such, make sure there all in caps, when it ranks on the first page for the company name, email them the link of the google serp and tell them that you will take down the video after they have paid your bill.

I have done this 4 times, and i got paid every single time within a view days, businesses hate to be known as deadbeats

 

[MadStacks]

Name and shame them in public, create a youtube video with the companies name and in that video you tell them what a shady company they are cus the're not paying their bills in time.

Use the companies name and words like SCAM, THIEVES and such, make sure there all in caps, when it ranks on the first page for the company name, email them the link of the google serp and tell them that you will take down the video after they have paid your bill.

I have done this 4 times, and i got paid every single time within a view days, businesses hate to be known as deadbeats

And make sure you do it anonymously because that could bite you in the
ass since it would be considered defamation.

 

[Final_Solution]

Big or small but reputed companies never do such things. If above replies won't help you then you should use the contents and get some positive results from them.

Good luck!

P.S: Always take at least 50% advance if you believe in your writing skill.

 

[on1x1]

Try to make negative SEO on them web-site, if you did not receive any answer after few weeks.

 

[bertbaby]

For $300 in the states you could go to a small claims court. Find the names of boss of the person who contracted with you and send them an email as well. Being in a different state might pose a challenge. Also, I would send an email to the manager with a proposed registration of a site called "xcompanyisascammer.com", can't be a threat a however.

In the future always get some money upfront for work. If not acceptable by the customer then walk away. Not worth the grief!

 

[hitman247]

What is the name of this company?

 

[Wilson Grant Fisk]

Before attempting any form of Neg SEO, think carefully as it may backfire.

When people search for your company name and if they find you outing customers for non payment, it will not look good.

You may damage your own reputation.

Try to keep things professional and on a proper Business level.

 

[Alpha.]

Before attempting any form of Neg SEO, think carefully as it may backfire.

When people search for your company name and if they find you outing customers for non payment, it will not look good.

You may damage your own reputation.

Try to keep things professional and on a proper Business level.

This...

Plus they will probably sue you, and you'll end up paying more than you would get.

If you have any proof (contract etc), then think about sueing them. If you don't even have a contract, chalk it off as a valuable lesson learned.

 

[davids355]

If it was me, I would reach out to them on a public forum - be it an actual forum, or social media like twitter or Facebook - that tends to work best as any action they take/don't take, will be done in the public eye.