Poll: Have you ever had to use a debt collection agency to ensure payment? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Have you ever had to use a debt collection agency to ensure payment?".
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| | | | Ricki Farn
Germany
Local time: 08:30
English to German
| Have used a vigorous threat | Nov 3, 2018 |
I have obtained a court order (Mahnbescheid) against a client once. Although this is a rather accessible, low-stress feature of the German legal system (fill in a form, mail it to a regional court, sit back), it was considerable emotional stress. I only felt up to it because I had seen it "from the other side" several times: neighbours who had received such orders had asked me for help, considering me a "paperwork person" simply because I have a job that takes place in writing.
| | | | | No, not a debt collection agency | Nov 3, 2018 |
In over 30 years I had 6 non-payment issues (4 agencies and 2 direct clients). One of these was a dodgy agency (they pretend I never worked for them) and the amount is too small for me to bother any more with this; all the remaining invoices have been paid (some with interest), though I needed the help of my lawyer for 2 of them. I’m preparing a reminder to be sent on Monday to an occasional customer…
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About 10 years ago I used a debt-collecting firm, which was in the UK and said it specialised in foreign claims, for a long-overdue debt owed me by an agency in France.
The debt-collector was most unsatisfactory. On my own initiative and with meagre help from the debt-collector, I eventually managed to obtain payment of part of the debt by visiting the offices of the defaulting agency in person during a trip to France. When I got there, it was obvious the agency was on the point of doing a... See more About 10 years ago I used a debt-collecting firm, which was in the UK and said it specialised in foreign claims, for a long-overdue debt owed me by an agency in France.
The debt-collector was most unsatisfactory. On my own initiative and with meagre help from the debt-collector, I eventually managed to obtain payment of part of the debt by visiting the offices of the defaulting agency in person during a trip to France. When I got there, it was obvious the agency was on the point of doing a flit. Shortly afterwards, it was declared bankrupt.
I still had to pay the debt-collector the agreed percentage of the sum I obtained, because I'm honest and had agreed to do so, but they had done little or nothing to help me and I wouldn't recommend the one I used, although doubtless others are effective. ▲ Collapse
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Thayenga 
Germany
Local time: 08:30
Member (2009)
English to German
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Even though a Canadian agency still owes me money, but the amount was too small. Therefore, I simply let it go, hoping the agency is happy about a free translation.
| | | | Mario Freitas
Brazil
Local time: 03:30
Member (2014)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
No. I've filed a claim in Justice once, and I got fully paid, although I had to give 20% of it to the lawyer.
But I would use one without thinking twice, if necessary. No excuse and no mercy for non-payers.
| | | | | Formal notice | Nov 3, 2018 |
I have recently sent a formal notice to an agency. They were taking more and more time to pay me (up to 2 months late) and my emails were left unanswered. The boss finally called me when he got the notice. He had been sick, a clients of theirs had not paid them, etc. Well, that doesn't mean I have to endure the situation. They had a responsibility towards me and I made sure they understood not to f*** with me. They started paying in installments. Needless to say I'm never working with them again... See more I have recently sent a formal notice to an agency. They were taking more and more time to pay me (up to 2 months late) and my emails were left unanswered. The boss finally called me when he got the notice. He had been sick, a clients of theirs had not paid them, etc. Well, that doesn't mean I have to endure the situation. They had a responsibility towards me and I made sure they understood not to f*** with me. They started paying in installments. Needless to say I'm never working with them again. ▲ Collapse
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I got a lawyer to write to 2 defaulting clients.
One never replied, the other promised to pay but never did.
Fortunately I didn't have to pay the lawyer, who was a friend of my son.
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Five years ago, I edited a book (translated from Arabic into English). It was quite a large for me then, and expected payment within 30 days as agreed. Needless to say the PM had disappeared and I was left holding the bag. I asked for advice on a PROZ forum and filled out a formal complaint- the agency was based in the UK which at that time was part of the EU. To this date I never received a response. However there is a happy ending.
I never gave up and eventually found the PM on LinkedIn.... See more Five years ago, I edited a book (translated from Arabic into English). It was quite a large for me then, and expected payment within 30 days as agreed. Needless to say the PM had disappeared and I was left holding the bag. I asked for advice on a PROZ forum and filled out a formal complaint- the agency was based in the UK which at that time was part of the EU. To this date I never received a response. However there is a happy ending.
I never gave up and eventually found the PM on LinkedIn. He admitted that his business had gone south but was beginning to work again. Exactly one year later, he paid 80% of the bill and I was satisfied. Other than that, I normally have progress payments for larger projects, namely 1/3 now, 1/3 at the middle and 1/3 at the end. It’s a win-win for everyone. All other experiences in translation have been positive as far as payments go. I do keep a close eye on my AR and send reminders as needed so nothing gets out of hand. ▲ Collapse
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I had been waiting 2 years for $9,000 from an international organization. Several other freelance translators were in the same boat. I contacted the Office of the Ombudsman (even though I was not an employee). They referred the issue to the Secretary General and soon we all got paid.
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