I've got a client that has desided not to pay for some programming services. He has not disputed with the work, and has even paid part of the invoice in question, but has desided not to pay the rest. Has anyone ever tried using a collection agency for this type of thing? I have enough documentation to prove that he requested the work. This is an ongoing client that I have worked for on an hourly charge basis for about 6 months (monthly billing). I think once the project got toward the end he has just desided to cut himself a discount! Any Thoughts?
Give him the discount but from now on, code a 'hook' in your work, a simple WDSL listener. As soon as he kicks up a fuss next time, it takes you one click of the button to bring the lot down and make him pay. Add this clause in your terms to cover yourself In the UK we have something called the Small Claims Court which is an inexpensive and fairly quick means of collecting such amounts of money. Whether I'd pursue it in your case depends on your legal facilities and how much you want to keep that customer.
I had been debating the "hook" for the last couple months, never got around to it. Keeping a dishonest customer is not an option. Small claims might be a good recourse, he is located agout 500 miles away, and would have to drive up here to defend himself, and there is no defence.
In the future, set up better working conditions. 1) Get at least 50% payment up front. 2) Have at least a simple agreement signed that states what work is being performed, at what rates and any info regarding the project. 3) Turn over finished project when 100% of due fees are collecting. Doing anything else is asking for it. Small claims is only viable if you are owed a generous amount and if the client has assets. Otherwise, you will simply receive a paper judgement. If the client is a LLC or INC, make sure they have assets and are not going under. I have an associate that won a judgement on $10,000 a company owed. She got $0. The company was going down and she was left holding the bag. So in the end, she lost out further, because of the legal fees.