non paying customer

[firehazzard]

A fellow colleague, who is a nail technician, was asked by a lady who lives near her if she could do a set of nails for her. At first the nail tech said no as she was busy. But the lady contacted her again saying "could you remove the ones i have on (done by another nailtech) as i am not happy with them". The nail teach agreed to fit this lady in and removed her enhancements then proceeded to do a full set of nails for her. At the end the lady said, "i havent brought no money with me i'll pop it in later", this was 2 weeks ago. The nail tech as phoned her, always told the lady is not in or there is no answer. She has also been round to the ladies house, but no answer so she posted a letter through the door. But still she has not recieved payment. What are her rights and how can she get the money owed to her. Also someone else said that if you ask for the money in the street or in a public place then the debt becomes void? I have never heard of this is this true. Thanks in advance for any help on this.

[Ethel]

Firstly send another letter by registered post asking for payment within 14 days.

Keep a copy and attach the post office receipt.

If no reply you could go down the legal route and send a letter of intent, also by registered post. This should state that if payment is not received within 28 days then a summons will be raised in the Small Claims' Court.

Or you could use an old trick - a quick note on a postcard - 'Just a reminder that you owe.... �x' and put the number of the house next door on by accident.

Sadly it is a fact that all businesses must allow for a per centage of loss through non-paying customers.

[CheekyChops]

I think the part where "if you ask for the money in the street or in a public place the the debt become void" is a load of rubbish!

Ethel is correct as always, all you can do is sue her (is iot worth it?), put it down as a loss or try and embarrass her into paying (much more likely to work!).

[MustafaTickl]

There is no such thing as a Small Claims Court.

[firehazzard]

MustafaTickl, Please can you read what is written below,

"Also someone else said that if you ask for the money in the street or in a public place then the debt becomes void?"

Is this true? Thanx in advance

P.S. What about a court that can make claims and is small : )

[Ethel]

Mustafa - the expression Small Claims' Court is used in common parlance and is understood by everyboyd.

Googling 'small claims court' will bring up the relevant pages.

The is no such thing as a car - it is a motorcarriage.

There is such a thing as a pedant.

[MustafaTickl]

You claim in the County Court, and then general claims for �5000 or less and personal injury claims for �1000 or less are allocated to the small claims track.

The alleged voiding of debts because payment is requested in a street or public place is nonsensens.

I come from Wiltshire so I must be one of your peasants, Ethel.

[Doc Spock]

Send some heavies round and break her legs.

[buildersmate]

I thought it was pheasants they had in Wiltshire.

[MustafaTickl]

There are more pigs than pheasants in Wiltshire, and even more turnips.

[bandit69]

The nail tech has effectively been ripped off. I would strongly suggest that payment is requested before work is undertaken as it is diffiucult in your industry to get your goods back or the cost of the labour involved.

What a shame such people exist. I don't know if she could be pursued through the small claims court - she deserves to be - good luck