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Bad Payers


Builder49

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Having been in business and owned my company for more years than I care to admit on here, I have in those many years had less than a handful of people who have not payed their invoices upon completion of work. As you would expect, it's always the final bill there are going to be issues with, because until then they want you to complete the work.

 

Having recently finished a decent sized extension with invoices totalling 80K+ the customer has bounced the last but one cheque and still hasn't had the final invoice which I never issue until the work is signed off by building control. (Yes I'm a decent builder and have never 'caught' a client, and never will).

 

Any guy or gals on here had similar issues in business, and how did you handle it?

 

I have county courted bad payers before, but it's a slow process with acres of paperwork which I'd rather not do unless forced! I don't work off bank funds, don't have overdraft or loan facilities, and just like people to be as straight with me as I am with them.......

 

Paul :)

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Hi Paul

I do SAP calcs - http://www.sap-calculations.co.uk - (thermal heat losses for new builds, extensions and conversions) - as well as the other job :blush: - and because of your type of issue I no longer send out the calc with the invoice !! - the invoice goes out 1st and when its paid, then I hand over the documents.

I've used this company to recover debts (very cheap) http://www.thomashiggins.com/ but not on the scale you're talking about I suspect.

Unfortunately, this is the way of the construction industry, its build and pay for whats built (in stages)

Hope you get it sorted

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I'm im the field of Credit Management and the advice given will be your best bet. As its technically a consumer debt and not commercial debt. Your best bet is Thomas Higgins.

 

Had it been a business debt I use a firm of debt specialist solicitors who are truly fantastic.

 

In the future maybe with jobs that vast I'd be investing in access with Experian to credit check clients before commencing work to ascertain some worthiness. At least you'll have an indication of likely chances of recovery.

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