Odd how it works — people who owe you money tend to let it slip their mind, but when you owe them, they remember and remind you of it until you finally pay up.Since you’re financially responsible enough to read this fine site, you surely are the type who makes good on your debts. But not all people are as awesome as we are,
and a subset of these unfortunates happens to be the sort who are happy to go on owing people indefinitely, forcing you to figure out a way to get it back from them.
There’s a fine art to fund collection, requiring just the right touch and sense of timing depending on the situation.Contractors and other work-for-hire types know all too well the feeling of clients who demand your work in a timely manner but don’t reciprocate by paying up quickly.
Although being stiffed may feel like a personal insult (cause it is), it’s best to keep feelings out of the matter and stay detached and professional. Resubmit your invoice every week until it becomes clear that you’re being blatantly ignored.
At that point, send them one last request labeled “final invoice” with a note that says you’ll take them to small claims court for the amount you owe unless you hear back within 10 days.With any luck, you’ll have to follow through with that threat and wind up on a daytime TV judge show.
