Collecting on a debt owed

[Sue Kiefer]

Question:
If you had a client that owed for a month's training. The dog was shipped home prior to last statement billing with promises to pay.
Collection agency has been contacted and an attorney with still no money seen.
What would be your next step??
Sue

[Franco]

Collection agency has been contacted and an attorney with still no money seen.
What would be your next step??
Sue

Lick my wound and move on.

[marshmonster]

Dear Client (full name and address),

Since you owe me money, and would probably dodge my calls, I decided that the best way to reach you was to post this newspaper ad. My collection agency and lawyer were unsuccessful too. The reason I am writing this is to tell you that I have now officially given up trying to collect my debt of $ ..... that you have owed me since ../.../.....

Instead, I have decided that since you broke your promise, and did not pay for the services rendered, even after making verbal committments ahead of time, that you and I will just no longer do business.

You see, the amount of money was not the issue, but the trust principle was. You lied to me. You basically stole my time and my energy. I refuse to further do business with people that cannot be trusted and honor their committments. Your word was, and is no good to me now.

Take care.

Your trainer....

[HuntinDawg]

Question:
If you had a client that owed for a month's training. The dog was shipped home prior to last statement billing with promises to pay.
Collection agency has been contacted and an attorney with still no money seen.
What would be your next step??
Sue

You haven't given enough info to answer your question.
How long has it been since the dog was shipped back?
Have you or the collection agency had any contact with the owner since the dog was shipped back?
If so, what is the reason he gives for non-payment?
Does he have a complaint/grievance?
Does he continually say he is going to send it but doesn't?
Have you offered a payment plan as an alternative to the lump sum?

[1st retriever]

Small claims

[ErinsEdge]

Now you know why trainers hold onto the dog until they get payment. I had an attorney advise me small claims is difficult across state lines.. Has your attorney sent a really tough letter?

[Raymond Little]

Small claims judgement will hold up across state lines and will effectively
shut the guy down. He will pay if you get a judgement since the next time
he tries to borrow money,purchase a home or car the judgement will show
up and have to be satisfied. What a Bass Turd!

Been There Regards

[Jay Dufour]

All ours pay for the month in advance.Late....boarding only status.Its all in the contract ,so no surprises or working for free.

[Thomas D]

Do you have a written and enforceable contract? Any wording regarding unpaid bill.
If you do get a judgement, it must be renewed per the state statute or it becomes worthless.

Publishing letters in the newspaper or internet can backfire sometimes. I would get an update from attorney or get another attorney to pursue. I would imagine the amount is not really pushing this to the top of the attorneys list.

[Jay Dufour]

There are no unpaid balances.If for some reason one yanks the dog from training....I pay them for the remaining of the month.