Very disappointed with some people I thought were good. Regarding contract work. No pay.

[C Moon]

(I posted about this a few days ago for some advice....now I'm just kind of depressed about it).

I was contacted by a coworker at a small audio company for which I worked for 11 years. I'm working freelance now, after that company we worked for was bought out, and layoffs ensued.

This guy was at a new company, and asked if I'd be interested in doing some graphics work.
I said sure. We went over price. I did some samples. They were happy. Signed a contract.

I worked hard for them: evenings, early mornings, weekends.
Got it done, plus some. They were happy with the work and thanked me.

Sent them the bill. Excuse after excuse: oh, we missed the payment deadline; oh, I didn't get your banking info (lie, sent it twice); oh, you replied to the wrong email (lie); it went on and on.

Now they aren't replying to my emails (it's been over 4 months since I did the work).

I sent them invoices this morning with "late fee" charges if not paid by xx/xx/xxxx. No reply yet.

I guess I'll have to go to court.

Fuck them. I did the work. Pay me. They must have gone to Trump University.

[iluvtennis]

1. Wow, that's just wrong. Hope you get paid. If not,

do take them to court.

[Pacifist Patriot]

2. Where do you live? Some jurisdictions...

have laws pertaining to this. NYC has one commonly called the "freelance isn't free" law. Contractors are entitled to double their invoice if not paid in 30 days AND the company they did work for is subject to fines. The government takes the place of having to sue yourself.

I recommend looking into that aspect of you haven't already.

That is so so wrong!!!

[C Moon]

16. California.

[LittleGirl]

3. You have a contract!

Sue ‘em! Good luck.

[mwb970]

4. I had a small recording company for ten years.

Of all of my many customers, the only one that refused to pay after I did a lot of work for them was also the only church group I recorded for. Apparently Christians are not required to pay for services rendered by others. I wish I had realized that in advance!

[3Hotdogs]

9. Jesus? Well he clearly doesn't know how to handle money. He's always asking for more.

When I said my prayers last night, I told Jesus to call Dave Ramsey. and ask him how to set up a budget using Dave's, "Every Day Budget." I says, until I hear you on Dave's podcast, asking for help, you ain't getting one more dime from me.

[Bluethroughu]

12. Lol! I love it!

[C Moon]

15. LOL!

[liberal N proud]

5. Get a lawyer

They cannot do that. If you have a contract, you have every right to be paid. You can start adding interest to the bill. Keep sending a bill with late fees.

[ashredux]

6. Sad... but doubt you will get your money....they are broke and running on fumes

[C Moon]

14. That's what I'm thinking. It was a new project, they paid others who are important to them.

[QED]

7. Small Claims Court might work

It depends on the amount of money. IIRC, it's much quicker than civil court.

[lonely bird]

8. This actually happens fairly often

I am self-employed in the coatings and linings industry. I have also worked for several companies in the paint, coatings and linings industry. I have seen general contractors drag out paying sub-contractors, sub-contractors drag out paying suppliers. Unfortunately as the gig economy increases I think that this will happen more often as small companies/self-employed lack the “pockets” and end up living from job to job.

[3Hotdogs]

10. If it's within the amount for small claims, file now. Some courts have the paperwork on internet and

downloadable.

You will win but collecting also involves effort. You pay $25.00 or so for the sheriff to serve. Then you send them a form for which they document their bank account and assets. This has the penalty of purjury if the omit stuff.

The sheriff goes after their bank account and other stuff. Sheriff might also be able to attach their equipment. You might end up owning a recording studio. (I sing tenor if you want to offer me a recording contract).


It is at this stage, where they are listing their assets, that they get scared and pay, if they have any money.

It took me almost 5 months to get $2,500 out of one deadbeat but I got it.

But file now, before other creditors get ahead of you.

[C Moon]

17. Nice! Thanks. I'll look into that.

[Bluethroughu]

11. Post the invoice on a Facebook page...

Explain that you haven't been paid by this company for work done, post a picture of your work and tag the company. All their customers will see it, and if they do contact you, tell them you will take the post down when the check cashes.

[cbabe]

13. I always used a step contract. Do a little work, collect

payment. Do the next step. Collect. Like that until done.

Also never turn over work until cash/check is in hand, literally.

Had to hassle some clients but if they stop paying, I stopped working. Keeps one from being stiffed big time.

Suggest also contacting better business bureau for advice.

[C Moon]

18. UPDATE: I finally got paid.

After sending an email with the invoices updated with a deadline and late fees, they finally replied. And after missing another payment promise date (last Tuesday), they finally paid the next day (Wednesday).

Whew.