One thing "some" have done is send a letter demanding payment on past due invoices within x number of days from receipt (usually 5-10) sent by certified mail (not sure what they call it in the UK but where the person has to sign for the letter so you have proof of delivery) that includes that failure to pay within the relevant time frame will result in legal action being taken. The letter received by the delinquent has a CC on the letter to a respectable law firm (whether or not the copy is actually sent is up to the person sending the letter) and I am told that the cc frequently results in payment.
For me, I don't work w/o a written contract and if I have to dun someone I include my bar license number with my corporate counsel signature block. <evil grin /> Cheryl D Wise MS MVP Expression - Author: Foundations of Microsoft Expression Web http://by-expression.com Adobe Community Expert - Dreamweaver http://starttoweb.com -----Original Message----- From: joseph harris There is an agreement. It may not be written, but the courts in the UK and the US recognise oral contracts. The question is what have you, in the way of remembered converstaions setting up the deal, in the way of letters of emails or memos to back up your concept of what the agreement is? Primarily you have the situation of being paid at a time related to your work and the end of the relevant month. There has clearly never been any complaint about your work, which makes any failure to pay actionable. Going to law is a tiresome and negative experience. However, unless you know these people to be ligitigatious, it is well worth consulting a solicitor just to know where you stand and whether you would be able to claim worthwhile damages for breach of contract - ie not paying on time. I forget if you are UK or US based but I think there is still an offer in the UK to consult at a very reasonable fee for a first halfhour session. [I remember £5 but I have no idea how long ago that was ;-)] It may be a that a letter from a bright solicitor who clearly hears what you say and understands might be money well spent. If they know you mean business they might act quickly for fear of your doning PR damage by making their behaviour public. Unless you certainly own the work not paid for it would not be the best move to interfere with it now. Again a good solicitor would know. Might be worth contacting the Law Society for a list of solicitors who do contract law. Good luck with your efforts. ____ � The WDVL Discussion List from WDVL.COM � ____ To Join wdvltalk, Send An Email To: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] or use the web interface http://e-newsletters.internet.com/discussionlists.html/ Send Your Posts To: wdvltalk@lists.wdvl.com To change subscription settings, add a password or view the web interface: http://intm-dl.sparklist.com/read/?forum=wdvltalk ________________ http://www.wdvl.com _______________________ You are currently subscribed to wdvltalk as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe via postal mail, please contact us at: Jupitermedia Corp. Attn: Discussion List Management 475 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016 Please include the email address which you have been contacted with.
