Getting agencies to pay up

[nucastle]

Well a barrage of faxes and the like didnt seem to have quite the same effect as a phonecall to their accounts department did. After the usual run around type excuses as to why they aint paid (someone elses fault - just like last time they owed me money, uncanny! Not) ... i reminded them of how long the invoice was overdue and was told they would call me back (they didnt)

.... 2 days later and ive been paid.

Contracting seems to feel like 50% work, and 50% making sure you have a decent agent who actually PAYS you when they say they do at times. Fun fun fun

My current agent who pays weekly and almost seems pleased when i invoice them is a dream by comparrison.

[BrilloPad]

Thanks for the replies

My terms were 'payment due immediately' .... decided to go this route with agents as opposed to the usual 14 or 28 days i would use for client projects and the like.

Is there anything in the contract about late payment?

[nucastle]

Thanks for the replies

My terms were 'payment due immediately' .... decided to go this route with agents as opposed to the usual 14 or 28 days i would use for client projects and the like.

[oxtailsoup]

Yes.. use payontime web site above. Send them the standard letter. I have used this a few times.

Also what are the payment terms in your contract?

[r0bly0ns]

Some useful info here, including links to legislation.

http://www.payontime.co.uk/

[ThisAndThat]

Way to make them wake up

I recall reading somewhere a while back that the best way to get action is to submit a winding up order to whatever authorities handle this kind of thing. I think the idea of officials crawing over their accounts gives them unpleasent thoughts.

[Churchill]

I'll get your money less my 35% commission.

[Old Greg]

Aardvark Europe limited - they do mostly SAP and european recruitment stuff.

.... What would be the minimum length of time i could leave it before i could consider legal action do you think?

At the minute its still early days - but the fact that they pretty much ignore all attempts at communication does worry me.

I don't have personal experience of this but the sensible approach IMHO would be:

Send them a letter, summarising the situation including communications previously sent. Give them an opportuinty to discuss the matter. Also outline the next steps you intend to take with a timetable:

You are applying interest at x% from y date (I think there is a legal framework for this -perhaps others can advise).
If you have not received full payment by z date you will be issuing them with a court summons, applying for the full amount plus interest plus costs.

Follow through with your timetable if they ignore your communication. Good luck - let us know how it works out.

Are you a member of the PCG? If so, I think they have a legal helpline.

[nucastle]

Aardvark Europe limited - they do mostly SAP and european recruitment stuff.

.... What would be the minimum length of time i could leave it before i could consider legal action do you think?

At the minute its still early days - but the fact that they pretty much ignore all attempts at communication does worry me.

[TheRightStuff]

name and shame

[Ruprect]

Small claims court

[BrilloPad]

.... owed nearly 5 grand from my last agency

So far ive tried hassling via fax, and on friday i let my last client know they havent paid me since i left....

Anyone got any tips on getting them to pony up what ive owed?

superglue in their door locks. one FRiday night go to their letterbox and post maggots, bran and fish heads.

[nucastle]

.... owed nearly 5 grand from my last agency

So far ive tried hassling via fax, and on friday i let my last client know they havent paid me since i left....

Anyone got any tips on getting them to pony up what ive owed?