Trouble getting an invoice paid

[Dreamingofhazelnuts]

Hi there,

I've never had this situation and really need some advice. I have a very small business - literally just me. I have supplied product to a gift shop which is quite far away from where I live - so I have never actually been in there. Anyway, the owner was really slow paying invoices in the beginning. The last order I sent out to her is 2 weeks overdue. She told me that she already sold out of some of the product that I sent to her, yet she hadn't paid me. She has now stopped responding to me for nearly a week. What do I do? I haven't even been going for a year so I cannot afford to have unpaid invoices floating around. Also I'm actually just so angry with her too.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Send her a letter giving her 7 days to pay and if not, legal action.

Do you have retention of title in your T’s and C’s?

If nonpayment after 7 days take her to small claims court via Money Claims Online.

A successful claim can be followed by a high court writ, then enforcement from bailiffs.

@HopAPot thank you so much, this is very helpful x

What have you got re payment terms in your t&c's?

Tell them you will send the debt to a debt collecting company They will soon pay. You don't want them on your back.You will probably lose them as a client.

I give clients one chance to be late then all other work has to be paid up front.

Have you just emailed her? Or have you actually rung her? I tend to ring folks.

after payment is late I do warn people that if payment is not received within 7 working days or contact is made with me to discuss payment - that I will add on interest/or start small claims process.

in future make folks pay a percentage up front. I am service based but always take payment up front and encourage my product based clients to rake a percentage at booking. - if not the full amount.