I run my own business and often do work for my neighbours- don't want to give too many details incase they are MNs!

One unpaid bill is outstanding and despite several written reminders and a verbal assurance that the money would be dropped off days ago, it has not appeared.

This is on-going work, and the next payment is due soon too.

I am reluctant to make things unpleasant as a lot of my business is generated by people living nearby, and word would get round- but on the other hand, I am very cross as I feel this person is taking the p.

I know I will get the money eventually, but prob 6 weeks later than my terms and conditions say.

This is also a pattern of behaviour with this client!

It annoys me that the assumption is that because I am home-based and have a partner,and therefore must just be working for pocket-money, lol, I don't need paying on time!

I have asked nicely, and nicely, and got nowhere.

Any tactful suggestions, which won't lose me further business.

I always send my clients a pro forma reminder with a copy of the invoice if they haven't coughed up after 30 days.

Could you try that? It may go down better in a business like manner, iykwim.

Sorry, should have read all your post first!

How about a strongly worded letter to say that it's your company's policy to issue proceedings after x weeks, and whilst you don't want to have to do that, as a business, you can't afford to leave it any longer.

Depends whether you may need them for favours etc in the future..

could you say that without payment, you aren't in a position to continue the job (because you need to cash to complete it, IYSWIM)

or give them a ring, and just say 'i'm popping out later, so i'll call round for that money you owe'

I could- although I have already done that- this payment is supposed to be upfront- those are my terms- and always have been. They used to comply, but now it's going to be 6 weeks late.

Tattooed girl- might try that. I am kicking myself as she invited me to call round for it earlier this week when I phoned, and I said, bring it when you are passing- as she would be, a few minutes later. She said she would- and hasn't.

i hope you're invoicing her for the arrears as well as the up-front payment? if not, she's forcing your hand on how she's going to pay. it'll get worse from then on.

i would send her a letter saying you are unable to continue work until the bills are paid up to date. and DON'T do anymore work for her.