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Any entrepreneurs here? Experience with unpaid invoices?

Ava

Hi,

I've been a sole trader for a few months now, not earning much though. 

I tried selling my products at local markets but a need to socialise and sensory overstimulation made it impossible for me to continue. "Luckily", one of the local markets had asked me to create a bundle of my products so that they can use them during a family event. We agreed on a price and quantity, I was adviced about a two week delay of the payment (which I was fine with), and so I spent money and time to make my products. They were ready on time and delivered to the market organiser's door. 

The next day I got a text message saying that due to personal reasons, they were unable to sell my products but will try to sell them in the future and that money will be transferred to me once they receive an invoice. I asked for the details to put on the invoice but they went silent.

I used information about the company I found on the internet and sent them the invoice giving them deadline of one week. A week has passed. No acknowledgement of the invoice, no payment. No contact. 

They know I am Autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, in autistic burnout, doing what I can to earn to keep me and my partner going (also in autistic burnout). They know we are on 0 income, no benefits, and dealing with other legal matters. 

What shall I do as they haven't paid, kept my products, don't respond to my emails? Is there any organisation that helps autistic entrepreneurs - who can't afford employers? This was my first ever invoice. I need this money to buy food for us. I'm exhausted but have to keep going.

Any advice related to this unpleasant situation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

  • Ava said:
    they were unable to sell my products but will try to sell them in the future and that money will be transferred to me once they receive an invoice.

    I would ask them to return the product or you will call the bailiffs on them. You probably don't have an enforceable contract to use to get this done but they may not realise this and it can be enough to get things moving.

    This aspect of business is a tough one and I would recommend mentally preparing yourself to write it off as a loss, record it in your accounts as such and move on to something else while keeping a periodic chaser message going to the people. The deadlines you choose will be immaterial to them if there is no written contract to protect you I suspect.

    If they have more markets in future then turn up and ask to speak to the people present from this organisation. Ask them where your goods are and when you will get them back. Get names of the people involved so you can go after them directly and be an annoyance until they give up and return the goods or give you the money.

    The most useful thing to take from all this is no goods without a contract for sale or return - find one online or ask your accountant for a draft one and you should avoid this in future. 

    Good luck.

  • Many organisation fail to pay on time ... or at all. Many larger organisations have one or more people whose job is to try to persuade people who have bought their goods to pay for them.

    Can you go to their door and ask for your goods back? 

    Regarding income, can you apply for universal credit, as you have no money?

  • Dear Ava, 

    I am really sorry to read this. This must be so stressful for you. I do not have specific advice about unpaid invoices but my advice would be to seek further support and/or advice from your local Citizens Advice branch to seek your rights and what to do next. 

    Here is the main website 

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

    I really hope that helps.

    With best wishes, 

    Anna Mod