Chasing money from a pupil

[babybiggles]

I'm a driving instructor, I had a pupil cancel a lesson 12 hours before it was due to take place. She now refuses to pay for the missed lesson, although the terms and conditions of the booking state 48 hours notice must be given for cancelling lessons otherwise it will be charged for. How can I recover the money from her? She ignores my phone calls and letters.

[terambulan]

U can take her to the small claims court but not worth it if the loss is less that �100. Cancellations are all part of running a business, we all get it. Just refuse anymore appointments with her......am sure you'll survive.

[MAD BUTCHER]

Just get a life and move on

[tigwig]

I would write her a letter and enclose a copy of your terms and conditions. Tell her if she doesn't pay up then you will take her to the small claims court. She might then do so. If not, just forget about it

[dasherman]

Technically she's broken her contract and should pay up,but it all depends on how principled you are. You're only about �20 or so out of pocket(assuming it's a 1 hour lesson) so it's not really a money thing,but if you feel strongly about it then do the biatch!

[babybiggles]

Thanks for your advice.
It was a two hour lesson at �53.00 thats what I'm so annoyed at. Given more notice someone else could have had the space.

[dancecaller]

I get cancellations too, when people book a barn dance and fail to publicise tickets. Annoying.
If she pays up, don't tske any more bookings without cash in advance.

[iwantedthat]

next time she wants a lesson tell her its now a deposit up front also can you warn other instructors in the area she is a bad debt !! maybe she will learn a lesson this way if none will teach her

[factor-fiction]

How about a compromise offer- write to her reminding her of the Ts and Cs and explaining wthat you weren't able to offer the slot to anyone else, but rather than take legal action under the contract you'll accept a reduced payment - perhaps �26.50 covering one of the two hours.

Do local driving lesson providers share info on unpaid bills?

[mrs_overall]

I'd contact all the other local driving instructors and warn them that she is a bad risk.
Let's see how she gets on when she can't book lessons with anyone in the area.

[Jenga]

Don't give her anymore lessons. There are loads of people like her. You will never see the money. Just move on!