advice with customer

[BluSparx]

Job quoted in January, started in February on 1st fix

plasterer and other trades supposed to be in at end of feb and me to do 2nd fix in 1st week march.

Payment was upon completion however I feel I have been fair and reasonable as the customer had assured and signed contracts to say that I would have access to complete 2nd fix in March.

After several ignored telephone calls over the last few months I have sent an invoice and covering letter saying that due to no contact and not being able to gain access to complete the work find enclosed invoice for 1st fix. No further work to be undertaken until this has been paid - I personally think 6 months takes the biscuit.

Letter was recieved last Thursday I recieve a call today saying not paying until complete but not sure when the plastering will be completed as it "is a family friend doing it"

Would you send a final demand or just issue claim against customer?

 

[telectrix]

i would demand payment. if you eventually get to 2nd fix and completer, will he take another 6 months before paying up? that's the beauty of stage payments, agreed in advance.

 

[Spudnik]

I ALWAYS have payment upfront, payment on completion of first fix, and the balance including extras when complete.

I have just had this very problem where the plumber who installed all the pipework, wasnt a registered installer.

Needless to say, the new plumber wanted to rip it all out and start again.

My second fix is two months overdue, but i havent lost out much as i had stage payments.

 

[truckster]

Sounds like the customer is in breach of contract so you should be entitled to payment.

 

[sythai]

Find this way always works for me....30% up front, followed by monthly invoices/statements submitted for completed works.

I would definitely be sending a demand.

All the best,

Sy

 

[nick182]

Ever thought of issuing a Statutory Demand? A Statutory Demand is a formal process under the Insolvency Act 1986 for the payment or other satisfaction of a debt that is owed by a debtor to a creditor. The Statutory Demand provide the debtor with a limited amount of time (18 days) to either pay or satisfy the debt or have it set aside by the court.

The courts will make them pay. It works like a charm against those clients who think they can get away without paying.

I hope this helps. There is plenty of advice out there for you. If you need just let me know and I will point you in the right direction and even tell you how to fill one out.

good luck mate