Getting the money I'm owed

[teaandbiscuitskittles]

Posting on behalf of a friend who is a dog walker. She is owned £120 by a local person who hasn't paid her for the dog walks from October 2024.

The client has been posting on Facebook about her holiday, hiring a cleaner etc, yet tells the dog walker she can't afford to heat her house (sob story etc).

While £100 odd quit might not seem much, it's around 10 hour work and rightfully needs to be paid.

Any ideas what the next steps should be? Client isn't answering texts or phone calls.

Many thanks

A Letter Before Action that she is going to go to Small Claims.

If you search online you will find the process and also templates for the letter.

She needs to screenshot everything she sees about having money! Also save any messages that prove the money is owed.

Thank you, the screenshots I hadn't thought of. I see the small claims charges £35 fees but that's fine, it's the principal.

Is your friend still walking the dog/s?

If you win then the dogwalker pays the fees too. And interest. And gets a CCJ if she doesn't pay. The Letter Before Action may spur her into paying up, you do this before you start tge process.

Absolutely not.

Small claims court

Definitely an invoice or letter requesting payment before going to small claims court.

I have been in this position. Make sure all messages and evidence of money owed is saved. Send letter saying you intend to go to small claims, give them a date to pay by. It’s £35 for small claims but that gets added to the amount owed.

The letter is usually enough to get them to pay.

I unfortunately didn’t get paid out, they took the CCJ, I was advised not to bother with bailiffs if I couldn’t be sure they didn’t have anything of value to take, as I couldn’t be sure I didn’t bother as that would have added another £115 with no guarantees.

How long did she continue to walk them for after not being paid? I hope she changes her policy moving forwards.

Agree with others re small claims.

@teaandbiscuitskittles if she goes through with small claims the fee will be claimed back from the other person who owes the money. She may also be able to add interest (it gives you the calculation when you complete the small claims form online it will be pennies but I would add it on because I am petty and why the hell shouldn’t they pay interest on the overdue monies owed!) they will essentially pay her £120 + £interest + £fees.

Thanks all. The debtor has sworn to pay by the end of this week, I wouldn't hold my breath but we shall see. If she doesn't then the claim will be set in motion.