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Is there any action I can take if a client has not paid me but has used my work? I provide writing services. I used to provide jobs for clients without charging a deposit. (Yes I am too trusting).
I deal with several clients each week. In any case, I did a small job for one of the clients at the end of July. The client received the articles and confirmed that he received the articles. I requested payment in the format I always use and he did not pay nor respond.
After a few days, he sent me a message stating that he would look over the articles the following day and send payment at that time. I never heard from him again.
I thought perhaps there was some type of problem. There are times when the format I send an assignment in needs to be changed for a client to view the articles or something of that nature. I emailed the client politely inquiring about payment and to make sure all was well with the articles. (They never replied).
I then sent out a PayPal invoice to the client after one week passed without receiving a reply or payment. My policy has now changed to sending an invoice immediately. I never received payment. I waited a few days and sent a reminder. Still no payment.
Over the past few weeks since the job was completed for the client, I sent several kind emails gently reminding him that he still owes me money. I also sent several reminders through PayPal. He has never paid me or responded.
I checked the website for which he said he was using the articles and they are posted as written by me. So obviously, the articles were just fine.
Is there any action I can take to try to collect? I know this client probably thinks I am petty asking for this payment as it was a minor (very minor) job. However, my family has faced many family emergencies lately including some serious illnesses. We literally need every dollar and to have a client take my work but not pay or even have the courtesty to reply with a reason can literally mean the difference between buying needed prescriptions for my child, etc.
I just do not know what to try next. I have tried to be patient with the customer. I have sent dates and specifics so that he realizes I have kept good records. I have even pointed out that I know he has used my work although he has not paid me for it.
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