Advertiser not paying

Over 7 months behind and growing!

[whoz2]

I run search results for a PPC that owes me over $4500. I've notified them that I have reduced they're exposure by 75% due to inconsistant payments. They wrote back that in order for me to get on they're priority payment they would need full traffic. Every day I run they're results adds to the amount I'm losing. But if I don't I may not get paid at all... And If I do I may not get paid at all. Does anyone know how and what legal steps I can take? I'm in one state they are in another. Anyone know of an attorney who would handle this for a percentage of the debt?

[edited by: whoz2 at 1:41 pm (utc) on April 25, 2003]

[jokaroo]

Go straight to a lawyer, immediately.

[rogerd]

Collection agencies charge by a percent of what they collect, but I think you should first contact an attorney. The attorney should write a firm letter demanding immediate payment in full and threatening dire consequences, including filing suit.

Assuming the company has money, that should do the trick. It sounds to me that they are stringing you along with no intention of paying, though.

If all else fails, check your phone book for collection agencies. I'd make that the last step before writing off the debt.

I would stop running the ads, too, unless they make an immediate and substantial payment. There's a lesson here for the future, too - don't let an advertiser stretch you for this long before you cut him off. Good luck!

[SEO practioner]

Whoz 2

I would pull the plug on him right away, without even warning him

[Shane]

I would to a lawyer before pulling the plug. The lawer will advise you on how to position the case to win.

There are inexpensive lawyer referrals in most cities. You can check out the terms and gives the basics of the case.

Next time, cut them off faster though before the debt builds up.

Good luck,
Shane

[gsx]

Don't bother with the lawyer just yet. Write them a firm demand (known in the UK as a 7 day letter) which basically tells them they have 7 days to pay up in full or you will take legal action. The letter needs to be firm and preferably include the name and address of the lawfirm you intend to use, so they know that you are serious. It needs to inform them that after the seven days are up, they will need to speak to your lawyer on all matters and all correspondance must be sent to them with the exception of full payment which should be sent to your address.

I would also include somewhere on the letter about their $5000 credit limit has been reduced to $1000 due to breaking of the contract of payment timescale. This means that they must pay you more regularly or the adverts will be pulled.

(I don't know about the US, but in the UK if you have given them a 7 day letter they are responsible for all legal fees, but this needs to be in the letter too)

[trillianjedi]

(I don't know about the US, but in the UK if you have given them a 7 day letter they are responsible for all legal fees, but this needs to be in the letter too)

Only if you end up ultimately winning in a Court case. You won't get that far.

I wouldn't bother with a letter before action, get your lawyer to write first, then go with the debt collector then finally write it off to experience.

TJ

[whoz2]

Thank You all for the great advice! They have done this before, there are many negitive comments about them at alexa.com. [alexa.com...]
I wish I'd have checked before getting involved with them but live and learn huh? Again Thank you.