If you are waiting on someone to pay a debt, it may be time to consider sending a letter of demand. A letter of demand puts your concerns in writing and gives the other party a chance to pay their debt. Before gearing up to fight it out in Court, or doing nothing, we find that a letter of demand can be a cost-effective tool to chase unpaid debts.
How does a Letter of Demand Work?
A letter of demand is generally sent following a failure by a person or business to pay an outstanding invoice. Before sending a letter of demand, it is best to start with polite reminders to the debtor. These reminders should clearly identify the amount to be paid and the due date that you expect payment. However, if you have been unable to successfully recover the invoiced amounts it may be time to send a letter of demand.
Key Elements of a Letter of Demand Include:
- how much the business owes you,
- what the business owes you for; and
- a reasonable date by which they are required to pay the invoice by
- payment method
- The steps that you are prepared to take (e.g. legal action) if payment is not received by the date specified