To ask colleagues to pay me back after a month?

[FreeBeeBird]

We had a colleague going on mat leave last month and I have proposed to buy her a gift as a small, closer group (8 of us). I offered to sort the gift and pay in advance, shared all the options and agreed on a budget with everyone. Problem is that 2 of them haven’t yet paid me back and now I feel it’s been to long to say anything. I am not very comfortable asking for money but we ended up paying £15 so I am left £30 out of pocket for this. Is it pathetic to ask for the money back? I work in a high earning industry and my colleagues are all pretty well off so it isn’t a matter of them not having the money. Equally because of that, I feel a bit bad chasing people for it. What would you do?

“I forgot to ask earlier, but can you ping me the ££ for xx’s present when you have a no’? Thank you”

Just a 'hi, just been catching up on finances, sorry I've been so late about reminders about things. Would u mind transferring the amount for... when convenient. Thanks hun. '

Just ask them for it back, often well-off people don’t really think about it or realise what a problem it is to not pay, dime to a dozen your less well off colleagues paid straight away. I always notice this in my work, those with hefty bank balances always pay at the last minute if they pay at all and want to borrow a mint, steal a tissue, grab a couple of paracetamol, take a tampon etc. whenever they need. I’m happy to help a person out but sometimes it does feel like wealthy people are wealthy because those below them pay for all of their sundries. Those who have to think about money know how much it matters to others. Your wealthy colleagues owe it nonetheless and chances are they will not be offended by you reminding them. Although I totally respect it’s difficult to ask. I speak from experience as I laid down several hundred for a taxi back from a colleagues wedding (in a beautiful but fairly remote part of Scotland and taxi back to Edinburgh for us all was cheaper than separate hotel rooms) and I’m still £40 out of pocket to this day. As others have said, don’t let it be you again but also don’t be afraid to ask for your money. I think sometimes people rely on you finding it embarrassing to ask for money to get away with not paying so don’t be embarrassed.

I’m a treasurer for a small club, I find the more wealthy people are the worst payers. I just chase them. You need to send a polite individual message, a generic anyone who hasn’t paid message never generates results.

Email them and say you don’t appear to have received their share, can they do a bank transfer this week.

It is absolutely okay to remind them about the money. Shame on them for not paying you sooner.

Remember to add, I can accept cash if you prefer ....

Just send a message on the group chat, you don’t even have to name them. Just say thanks for the money so far and kind reminder to those who haven’t paid. They know who they are!

Do this,

I am really forgetful at paying people back as things completely go from my head. I realy appreciate people chasing me and reminding me to pay them back as jf ai remember ai feel really bad I havent done it. Just ask them and I am sure they would rather you ask then not.

"please don't forget to give me the £15 for X gift, I don't earn enough to be able to be £30 out of pocket". Or similar... They should pay up. Add "it's been over a month now"!

Did they definitely agree upfront to pay it? Your message sounds a bit like you decided the budget and co-ordinated it, in which case I don't think it's fair for them to pay

send a message in the original group chat saying your Credit card bill has arrived & those that haven't yet paid can they please do so by xxx date so you can clear the amount of the gift on your card before incurring interest.

Come on OP pull up your Big Girl Pants and just send a polite text asking them to repay you!

Don't be a wuss.

It really doesnt have to be awkward! Either speak to them directly saying " please can you send me the £15.00 share for present. It had slipped off my radar a d yours too maybe? We are all so busy arent we!"

OR email "Hi Just realised I havent had you £15. 00 share for present. Would you like me to send my account details again. Thanks so much"