Chasing money! - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

jgtiling · 08-12-2007

Hello

I did a job for a plumber 3 weeks ago and im still waiting on payment. All im being told is "oh yes weve posted the cheque!".

Can anyone give me advice on getting paid?

Oh and no im not going round there with a baseball bat before someone comments!! haha

Jez

abskiing · 08-12-2007

Don't mess around. Record every thing you write, phone calls etc and start with an official letter telling them you will take the appropriate action if payment is not received within a certain time/date.
Small claims court procedures are very straightforward and the threat of the bailiffs coming round with a warrant for payment can often get their attention very quickly. You can even do it online. However, one word of warning. If this is some fly-by-night organisation/Sole Trader who had no intention of paying you, then you have a harder task in getting payment. Even the civil courts are often ignored by this type of character.

Be persistent and good luck

abskiing

**Dave** · 08-12-2007

some comps pay after 30 days..if after that period you have no payment then take it further.....good luck...

**Fekin** · 08-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgtiling

Oh and no im not going round there with a baseball bat before someone comments!!

It can often work better than a claims court, and it's free if you have a bat.

**grumpygrouter** · 08-12-2007

I usually find that a letter from a reputable solicitor works really well. Usually costs about a tenner.

Grumpy

**pjc** · 08-12-2007

it hurts mate hope you get it good luck Pete

dean39 · 08-12-2007

I agree with feckin,did the job,should have been payed by now,time to up the anti pete,seems the plumber is holding back,maybe you should ask client when bill was payed to plumber,might give you more info,good luck.

**enduro** · 08-12-2007

If working for plumbers and builders always agree payment terms before you start, as alot of them pay 30 days from your invoice date. a good tip i think for all you new tilers..

**pjc** · 08-12-2007

dept collector sometimes works better heavy one early

Leatherface · 08-12-2007

hi mate...
Firstly, you must expect this at some time or another, it is part and parcel of being a "subby"
One the whole I tend to find that domestic customers usually pay ok. However builders, firms and plumbers are altogether different.
I recently did a job in Cheltenham, have 4 days away then another 5, completed second phase 3 weeks ago, still have not been paid. Was promised money last Thursday ( around £1500 ) Now I have been told it will be this Thursday coming. Also have done and completed a job for a builder - bathroom full tile £1100 - will not get paid till after Christmas. Also 2 days tiling for the owner of a kitchen & bespoke furniture firm, at his own house ( I do all his tiling ) I completed this work a month ago and he promised to get back to me with a cheap cash price for some fitted wardrobes - still waiting & have not been paid for job either.
Got ripped off by a plumber a mont or so ago to the tune of nearly £500 and he took five weeks to pay me in drips and drabs.

You can put anything you want on your quote... i.e payment expected on completion ! If they are dishonourable they will still not pay it if they don't want to.
County Court is costly and time consuming - still not guaranteed to get anything. Maybe £10 a week for the next 10 years. If they default you have to re-apply at court.
Debt collectors are probably the only option - however make sure you have all your quotes in writing - go as far as sending them recorded delivery to new clients, as with your invoices.
Good luck