Re: Payment for services rendered

This is an ordinary slow-pay/no-pay collection matter, and a lot will depend upon the reason for non-payment. The facts you give suggest the company is in financial difficulties. If they merely had a beef with your services or billing, they'd be more likely to discuss it with you.

At this stage, I would try to find out about their financial situation. Maybe there is another person at the company, or another supplier, who would give you some information, or comb the Web for news about them.

If they're broke and about to file bankruptcy, it won't be worth bringing suit in California small claims court, but otherwise this is what you should consider. Obtain a book on California small claims procedure somehow, and handle as much as possible by mail. At trial, you would have to appear personally.

Re: Payment for services rendered

While you may have grounds to file a small claims suit in your state, the judgment would be difficult to collect if the company has no assets in Washington. Thus, you're better off trying to collect in California.

Re: Payment for services rendered

Send your 2nd invoice. 2-3 days thereafter, send them a letter requesting payment. Let them know that you will be filing suit if payment is not recieved in 5 business day. If payment is not received, file a suit in small claims court. You will need to have the registered agent for the company served with process. The court clerk can walk you through this process. Then you get to try to collect...

Re: Payment for services rendered

Unless the contract says otherwise, you should be able to take legal action in your local courts, provided that the company knew where you were based when it entered into the contract.

However, it has barely been two weeks since you submitted your invoice. The fact that they have paid more quickly in the past does not, by itself, obligate them to pay as quickly now. Maybe you should be a bit more patient with them before contemplating legal action.