Can we talk about the 'just invoice them' advice for late payments?

I had a client from Chicago who was 90 days late on a $2,500 project. I kept sending polite emails, which did nothing. I finally sent a formal demand letter via certified mail, referencing our contract, and the check arrived a week later. Has anyone else found that moving past email gets results?

3 comments

3 Comments

elizabethhayes2mo ago

Certified mail is the only thing that ever worked for me.

riley_schmidt2mo ago

My old landlord used to ignore my calls for weeks until I sent that green certified slip. It's like they see that little paper and suddenly remember how to use a checkbook. What is it about a receipt that turns them into model citizens overnight? I guess the threat of a judge seeing their name on a form really speeds things up.

lane.cameron2mo ago

My buddy had a landlord who ghosted him on a security deposit for months. He sent texts, emails, even left a voicemail, and got nothing back. Finally he spent the few bucks to send a certified letter with a return receipt. Got a check in the mail like a week later. Something about that official paper trail makes people move fast.