How to get deadbeat customers to pay?

Hello everyone! I'm sure it's happened to most of us...a customer that wants the garden weeded and then decides that her daylilies weren't trimmed just right and decides to not pay for the services rendered. How do you get that person to pay for services that has been performed? Obviously you discontinue your services, but what about the past due amount? Thanks!! Amy

Lawn care business tips

Check with your local authorities. I think its thaft of service valued at $100 bucks, or whatever. Here, I think anything over $100 is a felony too, so ask him if he realy wants to deal with that. I used to be a manager at Jiff lube when I was like 19 and had to do that to two different people.both of them whet to jail.

[mario543k20]

theft of services is correct. I work full time as a Night Manager at a hotel. I've had 2 occasions of people not being able to afford their bill. The authorities came, and said they have to pay or they would be arrested for theft of services. Make sure you have a contract though. Calling the cops without sufficient paperwork may prove useless...

I just check with local authorities and they do not support any Theft of Services because it's a civil matter. Recommend Small Claims Court. That'll eat up my time; which I can't replace or make up! Hope I can claim that also!?!?

[Steve]

How much do they owe you? That could help everyone make a better decision if they would go after this amount or just write it off.

I know it doesn't seem like much, but it was my sweat and hard work.
2 accounts under $750.00 At this point, they're 8 weeks late.

[Steve]

Well that still is a considerable amount of money. If it were $75, I probably wouldn't bother with it.

Why not just send them a nice letter saying if you don't get paid within x amount of days, you will be filing it in small claims court and when you receive judgement, you will be putting a lien on their house

I am guessing they will not want to be this bothered by it and will want to pay you.

Also send the letter certified so they know you mean business and you have a receipt that they got it.

Here is a sample small claims letter that might help.

What do you think about doing something like that?

Thanks Steve, I think I'll use that letter!!! Afterall, this IS the 3rd time she promised she'd sent the check.

I'm sure on the other hand, you're probably shaking your head and asking, 'why didn't she sign a contract.' I feel that when I want a person to sign a contract, they feel offended. But, from this day forward, I won't be touching a property without the proper legal documents signed. My time IS valueable.

[Steve]

Let us know how it works out. If you reword the letter in a way that other lawn care business owners could use it. Please feel free to post what you created so others in your same spot can get their situation resolved too!

[Little's]

Go by there every day and knock on her door. Eventually she will get tired of you coming by and pay you . I learned this when I was a collection manager. You may feel like a jerk at first, but then, who's the one that wont pay? Her. It really does work.