I could use some help from my fellow Daily Kos members.
About two years I started working for myself. Doing consulting and/or freelance work. The same thing I did 9-5 for the last 20 years, just no boss. It has gone pretty well.
But in the last several months I have three clients that have more than $6,000 in unpaid bills. I am blessed I have contracts with other firms that give me reoccurring monthly billings that pay my bills, but these bills not being paid are starting to really hurt.
Below the fold some details and a "cry" for help.
I am a type A personality. I have signed estimates for each job. Detailed work orders. All the documentation you could want. But no payment. I have a lawyer I work with and about the best he can suggest is (1) a strongly worded letter and (2) small claims court.
I can't believe that is the best option.
I've done some research on collection agencies, and my gut is they are more "fly by night" then the folks that don't want to pay me. And their 20%+ cut is just not something I can stomach.
With each of these firms we are going on months of non-payment. My gut is I explain that first I will contact the BBB and the local Chamber of Commerce. From there court.
I don't want to go down this route, cause a few of the firms are $100M plus in size. If I get into a "pissing match" with them from a legal point-of-view they can fight.
I just have to think I am not alone here. Others gave had to deal with this and might have something intelligent to tell me. Or at least hoping.