Trouble already - first contract.

[Mr Panda]

Just want to say thanks for all advice so far.

[northernladuk]

Solicitor's letter only need say that withholding payment for the work done is unlawful. Then just invoice until not paid on time. Dun for a few weeks, then go legal.

Frankly I wouldn't bother with the solicitor's letter until I hadn't had my invoice paid on time and dunning had failed to get the money.

Hmm. I'd assumed when he said withholding that the payment was already late. With three parties involved and no paperwork I can see this one being a mare. I still can't help think going in big first would help. Dunning will take time and likely to fall on deaf ears if the agent will be left with a liability.

[NotAllThere]

Dunning does take time, but it demonstrates that you have been reasonable, should it go to court.

[Contreras]

For the sake of maintaining good relations with the agent (he has been amicable prior) ...

Stop worrying about this.

Either you dispute the damage or you don't. If you dispute it then stay firm and chase for payment.

The agent seems to be accepting your case anyway. Show yourself as a business and be respected as one.

[psychocandy]

With everyone else on this one. Stop arguing with them on the phone.

If they dont pay the invoice, take the necessary steps. Its unrelated to the damage issue.

Leave them deal with the damage issue. If it does come back to you then take it from there. But I cant see how something hired to a client, can be passed onto you unless they can prove you were negligent?

[Mr Panda]

The agency have taken the full cost of 'damages' out of my fee, with no further updates and without my consent. I am fuming.

Do I still follow the dunning process or is this a straight out send in a debt collection agency or court action?

[northernladuk]

The agency have taken the full cost of 'damages' out of my fee, with no further updates and without my consent. I am fuming.

Do I still follow the dunning process or is this a straight out send in a debt collection agency or court action?

Nat says dunning, I say solicitor but IMO they've made their decision so can't see how writing a couple of letters is going to change that so time to start going legal. I couldn't see it going any other way which was why I chose solicitors straight off. Can't see debt collection being useful at this point but never used one.

[LondonManc]

The agency have taken the full cost of 'damages' out of my fee, with no further updates and without my consent. I am fuming.

Do I still follow the dunning process or is this a straight out send in a debt collection agency or court action?

It's illegal. Tell them such in an email and that you will be pursuing this legally.

[Mr Panda]

Seems the letters hit the spot and they finally paid up! Thanks for the top advice all.

Managed to maintain a civil relationship with the agency also so that's a bonus!

[LondonManc]

Seems the letters hit the spot and they finally paid up! Thanks for the top advice all.

Managed to maintain a civil relationship with the agency also so that's a bonus!

Thanks for the updates on the case and well done.

Any news on the damages? I'm guessing the agent are in the clear, which is why the relationship is still civil (and why they've paid up without too much complaint).