How do I get these people to pay?!

[MrWallace]

I come soliciting advice. Co-own a service business that operates in most states. Typically serve the upper class and is usually weekly service. Started in 2014. Because our service costs a fair amount, we never usually have an issue getting paid if someone's card stops working or expires. They just pay when we get ahold of them and we don't go straight for the credit card first thing because people are somewhat hesitant and want something to show for what they get and we lose potential business due to this.

However, as we have grown we are getting more customers who owe an outstanding balance to us for one reason or another (around $800 each) before we cut them off. These people are all over the country so for us to fly and do small claims court for that amount of money is kind of silly.

Got any advice how to get them to pay when they don't answer calls, texts or email without harassment charges coming our way?

[JoeD]

Put an attorneys fees provision and consent to sue in a court/jurisdiction convenient for you (county where you are located) in your written agreements.

[MrWallace]

I wanted to threaten to send escorts off Craigslist to the homes of the married ones for their spouses to see if they didn't pay. Figured that would take care of it.

[FRANKRIZZO]

I come soliciting advice. Co-own a service business that operates in most states. Typically serve the upper class and is usually weekly service. Started in 2014. Because our service costs a fair amount, we never usually have an issue getting paid if someone's card stops working or expires. They just pay when we get ahold of them and we don't go straight for the credit card first thing because people are somewhat hesitant and want something to show for what they get and we lose potential business due to this.

However, as we have grown we are getting more customers who owe an outstanding balance to us for one reason or another (around $800 each) before we cut them off. These people are all over the country so for us to fly and do small claims court for that amount of money is kind of silly.

Got any advice how to get them to pay when they don't answer calls, texts or email without harassment charges coming our way?

Send it to collections. They get 25 to 30 percent but will do the legwork for you. They will call day and night. In the future try and get as many valid phone numbers as possible , (husband,wife) cell phone, place of business, home phone email work and home so you have more contact numbers. Not worth it to sue thru collections as court costs, contingency fees but if they don't collect you don't pay so you freerolling.

[duped_samaritan]

What would that accomplish?

You think the wives would really think their husband called a hooker while they were home?

Only victim would be hooker when she wasted her time.