Topic: What to do about non-paying customers?

[shortbus]

 I have a few customers that I did large jobs for. They told me to send them a bill and they will get me payed. It has been about two months now and i'm no money. One of the customers has done this to me twice   The worst part is they are all friends of mine, Not close but still friends. I have signs in my shop saying,,(completed jobs will not be allowed to leave shop before payment is recieved) thinking this would make them pay first. Doesn't work. I've called them,talked face to face with them about it everything I know to do I have tried.

  I don't want to make them mad at meby saying pay me or else. The reason I can't do this is because they know alot of people and WILL talk bad about me and my business.

  My question is how can I get these people to pay and not make them mad at me??? The jobs were complete and well done to the customers specs.

[WHITE_TRASH]

Word of mouth goes both ways.  If a couple of people wanna talk bad about your work so be it its not gonna cause you to shut the doors of your buisness.  People that have dealt with you before and have been satisfied will spread the word more than ever once they understand the situation.  I know this to be fact, at least in all the situations Ive dealt with on this very subject.  Dont let a couple of lowlifes cause you heartache, they knew the rules if they cant abide by them I say to hang 'em high.

[Willy Mammoth]

What kind of a friend would do this to you? With friends like this, who needs enemies? If you have a written agreement for the work then I would send them a letter explaining the situation and informing them if payment is not made by a certian date, you will be forced to file for a mechanics lean on thier vehicle. Make sure you have all the needed documents first. Check out the local DMV for further information on how to do this.
Dead beats are just as bad as thieves.

Good Luck

[SWAMPER]

I would have to agree with WT and Willy.  I am in that situation right now but of corse Im not the shop mech. im the customer and Im greatly appreciated of Wicked Offroad for giving me some time and I would not dream of not paying them

[brainlessfool]

I'm with WT and willy. dead beats are just  thieves

[DAWGTOY]

check with your local court system. small claims court has been ok up to a limit.
but not paying their bills is just like stealing to me.
take em to court & find out who your friends are.

[billy hill]

My dad and I used to paint cars for people. And the same has happened to us. A supposed friend would have us paint something for them. But never pay. You find out REALLY fast who your friends are. Now, before I even touch something, I make the customer pay half up front. Then when I'm done doing whatever, they pay the rest. And nothing leaves until it's all paid off. Hell my brother will even charge more for a storage fee. To me, a mechanics lean would be the way to go. And all I have to say is a REAL friend would never do that to you.

[shortbus [OP]]

 I think you are all right. They aren't very good friends to me, I just know them through work and wheeling. I'm gonna call the people tonight and ask for immediate payment one more time. If not then I'll send the police to talk with them.

[BLACKDOG]

shoot'em?

[billy hill]

Blackdog.
That'd work round here. Seems that small town life adhears to the EYE FOR AN EYE way of life...

[BLACKDOG]

Shortbus, good luck, that is all I can say

[KYOTA]

Treat them like you would anyone else and turn it over to the collection agency, maybe let them know your going to do this and give them one last chance since they are your "friends"

If all else fails

[Marketing]

Simple rule. The truck and/or parts don't leave the shop until it's paid for.

[shortbus [OP]]

 I think it's somewhat my fault for letting the stuff go before payment. Live and learn

[Mike D]

Go and pick up a flatbed and take their rig untill you recieve payment cause if ya think about it all that stuff on thier rig is yours.

[mudguts]

Gut shoot'em and leave them.

[Hyena]

Threaten to call the police.  If that doesn't work either call the police or have there rigs towed back you your shop.  They don't pay for the parts, you take them back.