OT: Collection Agency recommendation
02-12-2017, 07:34 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
OT: Collection Agency recommendation
Given some other OT threads recently, I might as well ask if anyone has recommendation for collection agencies in the area.
I performed a photoshoot 4 months ago for a limousine company, the client initially said he would pay right away but did not even though he used the images immediately for advertising purpose, it still has not been paid 4 months later despite multiple email exchanges, initially the client was apologetic in his email responses, however he has not answered the last 3 emails this past month.
I plan to send a registered mail with the invoice and a cover letter stating further actions will be taken if the invoiced amount is not paid immediately.
The amount is not high, going small claim court takes time out of my day job and no guarantee I will get paid even if winning the judgement.
A business owner friend suggested collection agency instead given the small amount, if not to degrade the credit score of the individual and/or the registered company with an unpaid debt showing.
Any thoughts? TIA.
I performed a photoshoot 4 months ago for a limousine company, the client initially said he would pay right away but did not even though he used the images immediately for advertising purpose, it still has not been paid 4 months later despite multiple email exchanges, initially the client was apologetic in his email responses, however he has not answered the last 3 emails this past month.
I plan to send a registered mail with the invoice and a cover letter stating further actions will be taken if the invoiced amount is not paid immediately.
The amount is not high, going small claim court takes time out of my day job and no guarantee I will get paid even if winning the judgement.
A business owner friend suggested collection agency instead given the small amount, if not to degrade the credit score of the individual and/or the registered company with an unpaid debt showing.
Any thoughts? TIA.
02-12-2017, 08:15 PM
#2
Race Car
The court collects for you in a favourable small claims court judgement should they not pay up. It takes maybe an hour to write up your claim and file. Last time I went the fee was $75. Most of my claims have all been settled easily in the pre-trial hearing which is basically a mediated settlement. I highly recommend this process. I've easily won all my suits even though the defendants (stupidly) brought a lawyer. Your issue seems like a piece of cake. GLWLS
02-13-2017, 12:44 AM
#3
Race Car
I don't know what court Ronnie's using that collects for him, but Ontario courts do no such thing. Winning in SCC is the easy part. Collecting the money is the hard part.
I've used CRM Canada for years for my business, but also once personally when a towing company damaged a car of mine and didn't reverse the charge for the tow like they said they would (Bellamy Towing). I called CRM and they sent a demand letter (also known as a pre-collection letter) and the towing company paid up right away. This service is fee-based (rather than commission based, and I don't remember the fee, sorry) and it won't song their credit rating if they pay. If they don't, they can escalate to full collection action. Full collection is commission based; CRM keeps 38% of whatever they collect. I believe that's fairly standard across the industry.
For a small amount (anything under $2000), I'd suggest this route, rather than SCC.
I've used CRM Canada for years for my business, but also once personally when a towing company damaged a car of mine and didn't reverse the charge for the tow like they said they would (Bellamy Towing). I called CRM and they sent a demand letter (also known as a pre-collection letter) and the towing company paid up right away. This service is fee-based (rather than commission based, and I don't remember the fee, sorry) and it won't song their credit rating if they pay. If they don't, they can escalate to full collection action. Full collection is commission based; CRM keeps 38% of whatever they collect. I believe that's fairly standard across the industry.
For a small amount (anything under $2000), I'd suggest this route, rather than SCC.
02-13-2017, 01:28 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by 911 Rod
All the methods usually just take up more of your time and the result is zilch.
First thing to do is get in your car and pay him a visit.
First thing to do is get in your car and pay him a visit.
02-13-2017, 02:32 PM
#6
+ 2 - Bring a friend and pay him a visit. Getting shot? This is not "Chiraq". 
People hide behind email, in most cases a face to face will resolve anything.
People hide behind email, in most cases a face to face will resolve anything.
02-13-2017, 03:07 PM
#7
Captain Obvious
Super User
Super User
Trending Topics
02-13-2017, 03:46 PM
#9
Race Car
Some reading.
https://capic.org/copyright-laws/
Social media can be a powerful thing.
That could be your next step if he doesn't pay up.
You's be surprised how many people read reviews.
https://capic.org/copyright-laws/
Social media can be a powerful thing.
That could be your next step if he doesn't pay up.
You's be surprised how many people read reviews.
02-13-2017, 03:49 PM
#10
02-13-2017, 05:22 PM
#11
Race Car
Ontario does. In one case that went to a trial I filed a garnishee. It resulted in monthly payments, with much higher interest than I could get anywhere else, paid into court and subsequently forwarded to me. In another the pre-trial hearing judge advised the defendant to go to the court clerk and pay up. Got a check in a couple of weeks. Easy peasy. I got costs in both cases and all the money.
02-14-2017, 06:50 AM
#15
Drifting
Thread Starter
The request for the work came through a mutual acquaintance who works there, and the limo place needs the images right away, so the full resolution images were Dropboxed to the guy owning the company the same day.
i don't know if this mutual acquaintance even works there anymore as she has also not responded when I emailed to ask her, I have not mentioned the payment issues to her.
Yes the images are being used on FB and a local magazine, wished I had picked up a coupl copies of the magazines.....
i don't know if this mutual acquaintance even works there anymore as she has also not responded when I emailed to ask her, I have not mentioned the payment issues to her.
Yes the images are being used on FB and a local magazine, wished I had picked up a coupl copies of the magazines.....