Payment delay / Standby days

[Paul Cannell]

Posting here rather than in R&R, hope you don’t mind.

Having spent 4 days on standby for an event that did not go ahead due to unsuitable weather conditions, the organiser have not yet made payment although it is ‘In progress’, this is 10 weeks after the planned event.

The event has since gone ahead successfully in July presumably with different safety cover, as we were not contacted this time.

At no point have they suggested they are not going to pay but 50+ phone calls and 20+ e-mails and still no payment.

Other than ‘going round with the boys’ to get things sorted what is the best way to progress with this problem.

Thanks, Paul C

[GordyP]

Going round with the boys can always be a last option!

If the office is reasonably close, turning up in person and politely but firmly insisting on the payment works well for me. I collect a lot of commercial rent this way. Phone calls and e-mails are easy to hide behind.

[SDGANDER]

I've always found one final letter giving 7 days to pay or you'll start county court proceedings without further notice works every time.

SDG

[Anchorhandler]

Originally Posted by SDGANDER

I've always found one final letter giving 7 days to pay or you'll start county court proceedings without further notice works every time.

SDG

Hi Paul, do you have access to the organisers T&C's (if they have any) and if so what does it state regarding payments? Some companies insist on up to 3 months before they will pay.

Was there a contract signed clearly stating you were on a retainer for any stand-by time?

Simon

[SDGANDER]

Originally Posted by Anchorhandler

Hi Paul, do you have access to the organisers T&C's (if they have any) and if so what does it state regarding payments? Some companies insist on up to 3 months before they will pay.

Was there a contract signed clearly stating you were on a retainer for any stand-by time?

Simon

I know of one such company - the last one I had to do it to, however my t&c specified 2 weeks terms as did my invoice, they still chose to use my services.

This company treat all their contractors big and small like this. The difference is I didn't care that they might not want my services again and indeed when they had the nerve to ask again for my services (via a 3rd party!) I told them 50% and expenses up front and they chose to go elsewhere. Suited me as I had no wish to work for them again anyway.

However they still operate under handed tactics when people/companies tender for their work, undercutting/specifying who the company personnel are/etc. I even know of an incident where a full time member of their staff was threatened with a bad reference if he didn't do as he was told!

I won't name them here however happy to via pm with details.

Anyway guess what I am saying is don't let them walk all over you.

SDG

[Paul Cannell]

Originally Posted by Anchorhandler

Hi Paul, do you have access to the organisers T&C's (if they have any) and if so what does it state regarding payments? Some companies insist on up to 3 months before they will pay.

Was there a contract signed clearly stating you were on a retainer for any stand-by time?

Simon

I've asked the person involved with the invoicing & awaiting a reply.

Paul

[chewy]

I know its a different industry but if I was on standby I'd be wanting full pay as your there and ready to do the job.

[Rogue Wave]

ditto Join The RMT

[Andy20]

Unfortunalty we have this with some of our larger clients too. However we have never had to go legal, and touch wood never lost money. I have found the below works well with us.

1. standard three chase letters - happy to email copies of ours in required.

2. Personally knock on the door. Chat with them ask them if everything is ok, often they will give you a cheque there and then.

3. solicitors letter.i have used these guys, as they are cheap i think a letter cost around £10. Minster Law Solicitors – Accident Claim & Legal Advice We have never had to go any further than that.

Good luck!

[chris.moody]

I find that Money Claim Online works really well. You can instigate court proceedings online via the small claims courts without leaving your office desk.

Often clients don't respond to emails, phone calls, recorded delivery letters, and just keep fobbing you off. But almost without fail the payment arrives after the official court papers land on their doormat threatening a court appearance and possible CCJ.

[Paul Cannell]

Payment has been received without having to resort to legal action, thanks to everyone for the advice.