One of our proofreading course learners had to deal with this problem recently.
It’s not an easy situation, and happily not one that our online proofreading course students have to face very often.
The reality is that you can have all the T&Cs and agreements in the world. But if someone doesn’t want to pay you, there’s not much you can do about it.
Yes, you can use the Small Claim Tribunal. But anyone who has been through the process will tell you that even if you win, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to get the money.
I know freelancers who have won several cases in the small claims court. But they still never received what they were owed. And they didn’t reclaim their costs either, so they ended up out of pocket.
So it’s best to try and avoid the courts if you can.
Persistence is the key. We find that many payment-dodgers can be worn down over time, with a relentless barrage of daily emails, letters and phone calls.
You can also threaten to post negative reviews about them on Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites as a warning to other people. This will help to focus their minds! But keep your claims factual, and to-the-point.
A former proofreading course student found an effective way to extract money from a local business. She simply turned up at their offices, unannounced, and politely said she would remain in reception until they gave her a cheque for the money she was owed.
After three hours, they paid up!
See our proofreading courses