late invoices

[Kristina Delatorre]

Wondering what to do with late invoices that are still unpaid for years 2012 and 2013. Agency I work part-time for saying they're having accounting problems and are auditing my situation and will let me know. If I sue them then I burn my bridges with them and that can hurt me in future possibly. Any suggestions?

[Marge Teilhaber (TILE hobber)]

I wouldn't be taking any other work from an agency who still owes me money from 2012.

[Kristina Delatorre]

I know, right.  Actually getting paid for two of my 2012 jobs tomorrow.  Accountant is anxious to get that year closed out,so i'm hopeful.  Thanks for your reply.  Also called another agency and got work.  

[Marge Teilhaber (TILE hobber)]

Wow, "two of my 2012 jobs."  How many are there, Kristina?  What is their problem?  Are you proactive enough?    I start emailing at 3 months after turn-in and turn it up bigtime at the 6-month mark, like a pitbull with emails and calls every day.

[Kristina Delatorre]

There are only a few left after I get these two paid.  Yeah, I'll have to be more aggressive, just didn't want to rock the boat with that agency but I guess I'll have to.  

[Marge Teilhaber (TILE hobber)]

Rocking the boat is asking/nagging for payment 1 month after turn-in.  3 months is much better but 6 months at the most.  If the work is great and you consider the money good as gold, then maybe give them 10 months to pay in full.  If they don't reply to your emails re payment, then you're in deep.

[Kristina Delatorre]

I will be changing the way I do things.  thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I'd contact the attorneys and find out if they did, in fact, pay the invoices.  Then you'll know what your problem is.  I'd take them to Small Claims court.  You don't want to work for an agency that's not going to pay you anyways, so you have nothing to lose.  That's the way I look at it at least.

[Janiece Young]

I agree with Kelli and Marge.