Miami, FL asked in Civil Litigation for Florida

Q: Hello,I am a locksmith in South Florida and i have a situation of a customer refusing to pay ($182) after i made her a

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In your situation as a locksmith facing a customer's refusal to pay for services rendered, it's important to approach the matter methodically. Initially, try to resolve the issue directly with the customer. Sometimes, clear communication and understanding the reason for non-payment can lead to a resolution.

If direct negotiation fails, consider sending a formal demand letter. This letter should outline the services provided, the agreed-upon price, and a request for payment. Often, the formality of a demand letter can prompt a customer to settle the debt.

Should these steps be unsuccessful, you might need to explore legal options. For the amount of $182, small claims court can be a suitable venue. Small claims court is designed for resolving such disputes without the need for extensive legal representation.

Before proceeding to court, it's advisable to weigh the costs and time involved against the amount owed. Sometimes, the effort and resources required for legal action may not be justified for smaller amounts.

Remember, maintaining records of all interactions, agreements, and attempts to resolve the issue will be helpful if legal action becomes necessary. Keeping detailed records is key in such disputes.

Lastly, consider consulting with a legal professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation. They can provide advice on the best course of action and help ensure your rights are protected.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.