what to do about a deadbeat client...

[smoothhabitat]

So, I have a client (blairbydesign.com) that I invoiced back in August ($890 plus 5% per 5 business days late) for some work I did. His so called "accounting department" --I'm not sure that it's more than just him working there (he claims 20 employees or so)-- has yet to cut me a check.

I'm thinking collection agency. Any suggestions/recomendations?

[petefs]

What kind of follow-up work have you done? Unless he's filed bankruptcy it's time to start politely threatening legal action. Has he or his company provided any reasonable explanation? Irregaurdless you're owed every bit of what your contract stipulates.

Collection agency sounds like the right next step, but I would advise the client of your intent to go to a collection agency if the payment isn't forthcoming. I would also inform him that any costs incurred will be added to the billed amount.

Good luck -- that's the worst.

[smoothhabitat]

I followed up with a polite letter saying he was late. I have his address, phone, and IM (no response from IM). I'm sending a final notice tomorrow, giving him until the January 1, 2005 before I go with a collection agency.

Thanks! It sucks too, cuz it was a totally boring, grunt work flash job. No creativity at all. And I wouldn't have taken the job, but I was in a rut and we needed the money. Fortunately, my work has really picked up since!

[CyanBlue]

Have a lawyer send a mail for you... That's got to be more effective... :)