I have an account with a furniture store, but earlier this year I could not pay regularly due to my work problems. Now I have started working again and have told them they will receive all outstanding money by the end of month but they have sent their lawyer who is demanding that I pay immediately. Help!
Answer:
Don?t panic: it?s just a bullying tactic. They would far rather wait a few more days than start legal proceedings. Call the credit department and reaffirm that you will be paying at the end of the month.
Get them to acknowledge in writing that no further legal steps will be taken. When a client falls into arrears it starts off a chain of pre-determined actions, especially if they outsource their collections.
So even if the credit controller at the store says it's ok, there is no guarantee that he or she will pass the message on to the lawyers.
Just make sure that you get a receipt for the payment and fax it to the attorneys so they can see that it is settled. You may still receive another demand as they are notoriously bad at setting the record straight. Just stick to your guns until both you and they are satisfied that the issue is resolved.
Most waste a fifth of their income without realising it. Plug the hole; give yourself a raise.
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