How to threat a non-paying agency?

On 2002-01-08 22:03, p_lutteral wrote:

Try the TCR list and search for the \"Late payment in France\" thread.

I don\'t remember the details, but info was really good.



Best regards,



Patricia







Yes, the info on the TCR list is good, but here is some practical advice about getting paid.



If you have gone through the first, second and third reminder with recorded delivery, something proving the agency has recived your invoice and reminders, you can start adding statutory interest to the amount outstanding. The last time I looked, this was 2% per month (on the TTC amount, tax inclusive total), if my memory serves me right.



I no longer work with French agencies, with the odd exception here and there. Payment terms are rotten in terms of rate and time.



Example : 60 jours fin de mois (60 days end of the month).

You do a job in January which you invoice at the end of the month.



The agent receives the invoice at the beginning of February.



Your 60 days start to run from the end of February.



You get paid in the beginning of April, for work done in January.



How to avoid this?



Send your bill as soon as you have done the work, sending it by a type of mail which enables you to confirm date of receipt, so they cannot lie about the date upon which time starts to run.



Avoid accepting work which you will bill only at the end of the month for this reason.



Agree a date upon which they will effect payment and get it in writing.



Involve \"huissiers de jusitce\" to get your money back. Sometimes just mentioning the word can get your money over to you.



However, recovering money is always costly. I\'ve got invoices for two pieces of work with debt collectors from 2001 and I have little hope of getting anything at all. ▲ Collapse