Non-Payers

[Sir Turf Tracer]

Re: Re: Re: Non-Payers

Originally posted by MEvans857
Are you trying to say something?

Happy New Year!!!!
STT

[Easy Way Lawn Care]

non payers my policy

When I first get the job I give them a payment letter which clearly, and nicely explains all the that I accept payment. It also states that if you are paying on a monthly basis your payment must be recieved by the 5th of the following month. If they dont pay I dont go back until payment is made. Of course you will learn to feel your customers out and maybe give some leinency. But I dont let an account go more then a month 5 cuts max that way I am never out too much. Then if they dont pay I just write it off, my true cost lost isnt worth the fight move on some people are just like that. So far I have had only one delinquent account I had two but one paid they had sent the check to the wrong address, the other will get a final letter informing them nicely that we are sorry if we upset them but until payment is made we will be unable to continue service. They will either payup, cut themselves, get fined by the city for having to long of grass, or get someone else and screw them. So far I am out a whooping 67 dollars..big deal

[Elwood]

This is the NUMBER ONE reason for using a "contract" or "agreement"!!!


In your agreement, it should state payment terms, late fees, a cut off date for service, and tell them that THEY Are paying for all court costs and attorney fees for collection.


BUT...........

Since they are late and you have NO agreement, you should look at it like this: They are not going to pay me, so what can I do to recover even a part of my money?

Does the Electric Company come to your door for money? No.

Does the Cable Company come to your door for money? No.

Should YOU have to go to their door for money? No.

NEVER, let any place get over 45 days, unless it is understood and contracted in ahead of time that they will pay on a 60 or 90 day rotation.

After it is "too late", you need to send a bill, with interest AND late fees, certified mail. Next, hire a COLLECTIONS ATTORNEY. They are cheaper than you think and they have the power to really do something, unlike a collection service. All they do is charge you a huge fee, IF the client pays. They can do NOTHING else for you.

A collection attorney will send them a registered letter giving them 10 days to pay or they will be taken to court. 99% WILL pay after that letter is received. The others are taken to court and will be forced to pay.

It is cheaper than you might think and it will get results. Will you get all your money?? No. YOU will have to pay the attorney and the court fees, but if you had a signed agreement, THEY would be paying this and YOU would be getting ALL your money, + late fees and interest.

At least this way, you are going to recover some of the money owed to try to help offset the loss.

Good Luck and ALWAYS work with a written agreement!

[MGO]

Break their knee-caps!

[silvertouchlandscape]

As far as taxes go, How do you write off a debt that a customer has not paid. This is my 1st year having to deal with several of those.

[amwlawncare]

this isnt what you asked but...

i have/had a gas station we do close for remodling they said they would be closed for 16weeks that was about 35/36 weeks ago
i have called the owner(s) atleast 30times never goten anywhere

this morning i was fed up with them (they owe me $845.00) so i called the owners cell phone (at 5am) and it went straight to voice mail (im sure he was sleeping or something..lol) so i left a message, called back, left a message, called back left a message you get the idea
Basicly i left the guy about 14 messages and filled up his voice mail

in the last few messages i told him i would do this everyday till im paid! and if that didnt work i would park trucks next to all his gas pumps when he opens in 3 weeks and just sit thier...so no one can use the pumps...while i have 4-5 guys walk with signs up and down the side walk saying "dont pay your bill here, they dont pay theirs! Free gas!!!!"

well anyway long story short...

I recived a phone call at about 12:15pm (today) and the lady said she was very sorry this happend and could i please fax or mail them the current invoice so she can send me a check..

YaHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO (might take my wife out) Finaly Gettin Paid!!

so i faxed it
she called back about 20mins later and asked if i would like them to drop it off to me! or if i wanted to pick it up, or mail it

so i picked it up (didnt know how pissed if at all the owner might be)
and they own 27 gas stations all around my area!
would i like to do any of them?

i said "yes, on a contract only..." she said" how about PREPAID!!!!

I SAID SURE...got the list of the stations and im going to check them out, but it looks like a for sure thing!

They where a "cash only before i cut" customer thats why they where not already on a contract..

(also they are intrested in mu pressure wash co. $$!!)

[silvertouchlandscape]

AMWLAWNCARE
~TONY~

Just out of curiosity, how much do u charge to do the gas stations. I was thinkin about tryin to bid on a few myself. I've just heard all kinds of prices from different people.

thanks
~Andy~

[amwlawncare]

It depends on a few things..

size
how hard is it to park (do they have alot of room, easy in & out)
do they have enuff grass to make it worth it (allot dont IMO)
year round or just lawncare
how long it will take you

basicly i try to stick with $40.00 and up, but i do/have some @$25 & $30 (very small)....but only if their next to a place i already do and usualy i will only do it with 4-5 other places that i can do from one stop.
I also will usualy tell them i that if i can put a sign in their lawn out by the road & or by the building then i will waive my min. charge (the advertising works well IF they have a nice lawn)

OR

If they sign a contract for lawn, & pressure washing their lot, pumps and building


Hope that help

[silvertouchlandscape]

Sounds pretty good to me.
Thanks 4 the info!!
~Andy~
Silver Touch Landscaping

[vaughnslawns]

refreshed..

[ckc]

i used to have this big biker guy working for me. evry now and then i would send him to a clients door knocking/requesting payment. It worked every time!!!! I almost miss that guy!

[vaughnslawns]

I had some $ owed (still do) to me had sent many letters... no response...called "put the check in the mail yesterday" will see tommorow next knock on doors

[1Chavez]

I was reading on another site some tactics used. One was pound on their door at a crazy hour in the morning (2-4 AM). Make a specticle of it by using flash lights and high beams on the door. Ask for your money. When they say they don't have it, say "OK, but I'll be back". They won't be able to sleep soundly at night until they know you are not going to be knocking at a crazy hour.
disclaimer: not advised in gun toting states.