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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.

Parents

  • Thank you for your advice. Just an update - I contacted the Office of the Small Business Commissioner today and then followed up formally by email. I have now finally been paid.

    Unfortunately, the response was quite upsetting. I was told: “I have had to pay you out of my own pocket” and that they had “spent quite a lot of money recently on fixing the roof”, as well as explaining that they had lost half their income. They then said that the way I had followed up “felt quite confusing and doesn't help maintain positive communication.”

    I found this incredibly difficult. I am an autistic/ADHD disabled sole trader, currently unwell and with no income, which they were aware of. I had simply completed an agreed order and asked to be paid when the invoice became overdue. I don't think I should be made to feel guilty for that.

    I have now been paid and won't be working with this person/organisation again. Thank you again for taking the time to respond and support me.

  • in reply to Ava
    Ava said:
    I was told: “I have had to pay you out of my own pocket”

    He should have done that earlier, when you asked or else returned the goods to you. Keeping them without payment was theft. He is now trying to blame you for his own shortcomings. 

    Ava said:
    They then said that the way I had followed up “felt quite confusing and doesn't help maintain positive communication.”

    You did the right things. If he is confused by that, he shouldn't be trading. Ignore him.

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  • in reply to Ava
    Ava said:
    I was told: “I have had to pay you out of my own pocket”

    He should have done that earlier, when you asked or else returned the goods to you. Keeping them without payment was theft. He is now trying to blame you for his own shortcomings. 

    Ava said:
    They then said that the way I had followed up “felt quite confusing and doesn't help maintain positive communication.”

    You did the right things. If he is confused by that, he shouldn't be trading. Ignore him.

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